For many of us, the idea of shalom is so compelling.  We want to see shalom – wholeness, peace, things restored and set right –  breaking out everywhere.  It’s God’s work and we want to be a part of it.  We want to see things set right with people, especially those we love, in they way they relate with others, with work, health, and provision, with themselves, and especially with God.  And God invites us into this work of restoration and reconciliation.

But in order to do that which God calls us to do, we have to become who God is calling us to be.  It may be a truism, but the inability to change prevents growth.  Maybe you’ve heard the cliche, “If you keep doing what you’re doing you’ll keep getting what you got.”  We must change.  But how?

This growth I am talking about is something God does and we participate. The good news is God is delighted to shape us for his calling, to form us by sending us into situations which lead to our transformation. We become what we aren’t. It’s not easy. It’s not safe. But it’s good!

This Sunday night – 6:45 in the St. Johns Room of Faith Community Church, we’ll be looking at II Corinthians 5.  I hope you can be there.

Four more things:

1. We spent a bit of time at Wednesday Night Huddle talking about what God may be calling us to do in light of Hurricane Michael.  After prayer, Nicholl shared a sense that God is saying “Feed my sheep.” And Heather shared yesterday’s verse of the day related to caring for a brother/sister in need.  I shared news and advice from aa friend on the scene who is in PC rebuilding  that now is not the time for unskilled volunteer teams in this disaster.  We also discussed that it’s probably not time for a group of us to physically go help – although that may come later – but for now, we feel a need to send money and are discerning  specifically where to send it.  (We have an idea but want to be open to God’s lead – so if you have a sense, please share).  So our task right now is to pray and pay attention.  Know that we would like to send some money soon.

2. To get you thinking, here’s a link to the NY Times article that my boss shared about the house that survived and what happened to the area around it.  Wondering what God may be calling us to do.  If the link doesn’t work, here’s the URL:  https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/14/us/hurricane-michael-florida-mexico-beach-house.html

3. We’ll be holding a prayer service for the healing of our nation on October 17.  Until then, please read, pray, think, and prepare to vote.  If you get the chance to talk about politics, please do so in such a way that respects others and shows you are not afraid of the outcome for you hope is in the Lord.
4. Finally, worship this Sunday is pretty significant.  We’ll be commissioning Norma, Andrew, and Nicholl for their trip to Costa Rica.  I’m hoping we have a good number.  Please let me know if you can be there.

I’m looking forward to the season ahead.