Dear FPCLA,
I hope you are staying hydrated in our 90+ degree weather in November. I hear other parts of the country got snow!
Yesterday, my friend, who is doing a Master of Divinity at Illif Seminary, felt really alone even at a progressive United Methodist seminary. Not only because of being a person of color and Queer (which is already so hard in it themselves), but his ideas of “theology” and community are not typical in traditional Christianity. I said welcome to the struggles of Jesus. I told him that he was not alone as I and many at FPCLA have struggled with this in our spiritual journey in the 21st Century. I hope an pray we can find a community to support us as we journey.
Sermon: Empty Buildings
Scripture: Mark 13:1-8 The Message Bible
As he walked away from the Temple, one of his disciples said, “Teacher, look at that stonework! Those buildings!”
2 Jesus said, “You’re impressed by this grandiose architecture? There’s not a stone in the whole works that is not going to end up in a heap of rubble.”
3-4 Later, as he was sitting on Mount Olives in full view of the Temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew got him off by himself and asked, “Tell us, when is this going to happen? What sign will we get that things are coming to a head?”
5-8 Jesus began, “Watch out for doomsday deceivers. Many leaders are going to show up with forged identities claiming, ‘I’m the One.’ They will deceive a lot of people. When you hear of wars and rumored wars, keep your head and don’t panic. This is routine history, and no sign of the end. Nation will fight nation and ruler fight ruler, over and over. Earthquakes will occur in various places. There will be famines. But these things are nothing compared to what’s coming.
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 needs any immediate necessities like groceries, medications, books, or etc., then please fill-out our Mission Fund 2021 Form and send it to Pastor Sam.
- Friendsgiving on November 27th Saturday 3pm at Pastor Eula’s house. Please RSVP with me: Pastor Sam.
- If you have the means, please give to FPCLA.
