What Shall We Gather From Peter’s Story
This was a Gathering Sunday. A time when we invite everyone back from the quiet of the summer and gear up for the Church program year. It is the beginning of a new year of Sunday School. So the title, like the rest of the bulletin, uses the word ‘gather’. Possibly it is also a way to remind people that when ever we hear a story we have work to do to ‘gather’ something from it. It might also imply that there are several things we can gather, but the question is WHAT SHALL we gather? We have choices. Shall we read the story?
To do so go to Mark 8:27-37
This is what I gathered for this week at this time, in this place. More I can not do.
I start by pointing out the new frontispiece. It was gathered from people all summer long who brought in a bit of cloth to represent themselves in this bit of art. I think it is great.
Again, I think it is cool to take big chunks of scripture for preaching. I wish I had mentioned the Westboro Baptist Church and how they answer the question who is Jesus. I know they were here 2 weeks ago, but they are not forgotten. Who are they? You can check out the last sermon to hear more about them. My Anger But we have a nice selection of answers to the question of who Jesus is. Such diversity of opinion!
I realized the truth of the song, “I Never Promised You a Rose Garden” When I was younger than 10. There is sunshine, but… I was lucky to be taught that the sunshine is to be enjoyed but is not an entitlement.
Gathered People, our community is the point of the day. We are who we are and we bring what we bring. If we are open to what others offer in the same way, we can do nothing but grow closer and deeper as a community and closer and deeper in faith. It is really all I want as a minister. I have simple goals.
I meant to say at the end, Our answer to the question of who Jesus is might not be right but it might not be wrong. Or it might be wrong but wrong in the right way. eh. I never promised you would have a rose garden with me.
Here is the sermon What Shall We Gather from Peter\'s Story
