Good Day FPCLA,
Earlier this week, Pastor Sam posted on Facebook that “[he] unexpectedly wept… when a young Asian homeless barefoot asked for shoes and blanket…” Pastor Sam shared that the young Asian changed him at that moment, softening his heart, wanting to respond to the need.
I thought about Pastor Sam’s post and his encounter with the young Asian and asked myself what it meant. I meditate on it. It is not me (us) that change the people in need. Instead, the people in need change me (us) and my (our) perspective so I(we) can be more compassionate and caring and loving and welcoming and accepting; so I (we) can act the command to love others.
When I told this to Pastor Yvette, she said, “It is not that we change the world. We are changed by the world to see the world’s perspective.”
Ephesians 6:10-20 (New Revised Standard Version)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15 As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these,[b] take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,[c] 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.
Announcements:
- We are going back to remote worship. You are welcome to attend in-person. The difference between the in-person and remote worship is the way we set-up the sanctuary for worship.
- Feast Day will be an in-person worship. It will be a potluck. You are welcome to bring food and/or just bring yourself. It will be a day of eating, worshiping, and communing together.
- If you or someone you know need any immediate needs like grocery, medication, books, etc., please fill-out our Mission Fund 2021 Form and send it to Pastor Sam.
- T-shirts Design. If you want to help design T-shirt for FPCLA’s Feast Day, please contact Pastor Sam.
