RANDOM MUSINGS FROM THE REV…
“When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor…” – Luke 14:8 A colleague recently shared a story about a scene he witnessed on an airplane.
A mother was traveling with three small children but for some reason, none of them were seated together.
So the mother asked other passengers if they would move so she could stay close to her little ones. Everyone agreed to move, except for one woman who seemed able to move, but was just unwilling. By way of explanation she added her reason: “You see, I’m comfortable in my seat.” The story caused me to stop and imagine that awkward scene in silence.
To me, the point was painfully clear.
Sometimes we don’t do the right thing for the most mundane of reasons.
We’re comfortable in our seats. Of course, that woman who was so comfortable in her seat may not have been as comfortable later on in the flight.
I imagine her seated next to a toddler, crying for his mother, loudly, interrupting her movie.
Or maybe the kid was rejoicing in his new found freedom, far from parental supervision, giddily tipping his soda into the woman’s lap.
How comfortable was her seat then? We don’t want to move because we don’t feel the pain.
Why give up a comfy seat for one that could possibly be worse? Why change things? Why shake things up? But here’s the thing.
Change happens anyway.
God seems to like it that way. Jesus, thank you for giving up your comfortable seat in heaven to join us here on earth, and for revealing God’s ever-flexible seating arrangements. Amen.
WHAT’S ON AT NDPC …
WHAT: TRINITY COUNCIL MEETING
WHEN: Thursday, January 19 at 6:30
WHERE: 246 Penman, Garson
WHAT: EXPLORING OUR FAITH
WHEN: Friday, January 27 at 10:30
WHERE: 518 Morris St.
WHAT: ANNUAL LASAGNE DINNER
WHEN: Sunday, January 29 from 5:00 to 6:30; (ahead of the Christian Unity Service)
WHERE: Trinity
Tickets are $12 and available from council members or at the door …
WHAT: ST. LUKE’S ANNUAL MEETING
WHEN: Sunday, February 26 (immediately following worship)
WHERE: St. Luke’s
All members and active adherents are strongly urged to attend…
WHAT: TRINITY ANNUAL MEETING
WHEN: Sunday, March 12 (immediately following worship)
WHERE: Trinity
All members and active adherents are strongly urged to attend…
SHOWING WE CARE…
In anticipation of Marilyn Boileau’s upcoming mission trip to Nicaragua, she would gratefully receive donations of kitchen utensils; Tupperware; lightweight plates; bowls; towels or lightweight linens.
Spanish children’s books, puzzles, games, and classroom supplies would also be appreciated.
If you have items you wish to give, please do so by THIS SUNDAY, January 22 at the very latest…
CELEBRATING OUR COMMON FAITH…
THE WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY is an annual ecumenical celebration which is traditionally held from January 18th to 25th.
By coming together during this week, we join with the people around the world to pray for Christian unity – in worship, reflection, study, and fellowship.
In Garson the three faith communities will participate in the Christian Unity Service on Sunday January 29th beginning at 7:00 pm. at Trinity United.
All are welcome to attend.
THIS WEEK’S LECTIONARY LESSONS…
Isaiah 9:1–4
The people have seen a great light.
Psalm 27:1, 4–9 (VU pp. 753–755)
God is my light and my salvation.
1 Corinthians 1:10–18
Overcome divisions and find unity.
Matthew 4:12–23
Jesus begins his ministry.
NEW YEAR’S (SPIRITUAL) REVOLUTION…
Revolution 3: Increase your kindness.
If you wish to feel kind, do something good.
The great secret of moral growth is that it often begins from the outside.
Rather than your joy leading you to smile, your smile can lead you to joy.
Behave generously even when you do not feel like it and the habit will grow as will your innate quality of kindness.
The act can be small or large; it can be a charitable contribution or a gentle word or help with a heavy bag on an airplane. Do it.
Grace United Church Sudbury 