Grace and Peace, Beloved St. Lukers,
I pray this message finds you well and that your families are adjusting smoothly to the fall school schedule. It feels a bit strange to say “fall” when it’s still 100 degrees outside, but here we are—fall has arrived. High school football games are back, with energetic student sections, cheerleaders, and marching bands filling Friday nights with excitement. And Saturday college football games only build on that excitement. I’ve even heard that leaves up north will begin to change colors soon. So yes, fall is on its way, and in many ways, it’s already here. One sure sign is the return of all things pumpkin at coffee shops and grocery stores! Fall is on its way, and it’s already here.
This Sunday, we conclude our “Rooted In Purpose” sermon series. We’ve been diving into Ephesians and revisiting the roots of our Wesleyan heritage, while reflecting on who we are as St. Lukers: AWAKENING DISCIPLES to REVEAL THE KINGDOM. Pastor Melissa and I will be talking about “The Kingdom,” which, like fall, is on its way and already here. Jesus frequently preached about the Kingdom and proclaimed just that—the Kingdom of God is here, revealed in the grace and love of Jesus. We see evidence of God’s grace and love all around us, yet the Kingdom of God has not yet been fully revealed. It is our mission as Disciples, as Methodists, and as St. Lukers to reveal God’s grace and love to everyone we encounter.
I hope you will join us this weekend for worship, communion, and joyful celebrations as we witness evidence of God’s Kingdom and commit to making God’s Kingdom a reality.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Jad