Dear FPCLA,
Food is the ultimate conversation starter. It’s amazing how you can talk about food to people. This week, a 13-year-old asked me a question, “Do you eat your mac n cheese with ketchup?” I replied, “No. I eat it as it is.” Somehow, his auntie, the teenager, and I talked about food. Also this week, my coworkers and I talked about places to eat around Los Angeles for hours. Where’s a good pho place? Cajun seafood? Mexican food? I shared restaurants I usually go to with friends and families.
What restaurant and food do you usually recommend to people? Do you have pins on restaurants and places to try at yelp?
Sermon: A Simple Rule
Scripture: Luke 6:27-38 The Message
27-30 “To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the supple moves of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more payback. Live generously.
31-34 “Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.
35-36 “I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.
37-38 “Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”
Announcements:
- We are back to in person worship at 1:15pm and remote worship. There is no fellowship hour afterwards, but instead will head out for meal and drinks.
- 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.
- If you have the means, please give to FPCLA.
