Each fall we start working our way through the Bible from the front to the back to get a sense of how God’s story unfolds and to find our place in that story. For the first few weeks we’ll see how Adam & Eve, Abraham, the Israelites, feel like something is missing. They have a relationship with God, but still want something more. What do we do when it feels like God is not enough?

This is just a quick note to let you know that Pastor Peter will be resuming office hours now that restrictions are lifted (again!). You will find him up on the hill Tuesday-Friday from 9:30am-12:30pm. It probably won’t be a party and it might not be private, but, hey, we had to get your attention. So, if you need some spiritual direction, counseling, or just feel like a chat, don’t hesitate. Of course, if you would like to meet with Pastor Peter outside these times just give him a call.

We regret to have to tell you that we will be closing our doors for the next three weeks. On Sundays, 8/16, 8/23, and 8/30, we asking that everyone stay home out of respect for the Governor’s orders. We know that this is frustrating and a little sad. We were getting used to seeing friendly faces in the sanctuary again. However, we believe that this is the wisest and best decision for our church and as members of a larger community.

God be with you until we meet again.

We can’t wait to see you!

‘Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you.

‘Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

Questions for Reflection:

What is valuable to you about your faith? What is unique to you about Jesus?

I wonder how much understanding we can on this passage from parenting. Parents know not to give everything to their children and spoil them. We also know not to neglect them. But, I don’t know if we can simply impose these categories on God. What does it mean that God knows how to give good things?

I wonder what Jesus meant by good things.

Jesus has already taught us how to pray in the Sermon on the Mount. I wonder what he means to add to prayer, if anything, with this teaching.