Just Two Things. Well, Actually, Three.
Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching
This Sunday, we will gather in a spirit of remembrance and reflection, acknowledging the grief and loss that many of us have experienced in the past year. We will remember our loved ones who have passed away, including Doris Hamblin, a beloved member of our congregation. We will also honor the life of others such as Thelma Mothershed Wair, who has worshipped with us on Zoom and Facebook Live for the last four years, along with her sister and brother-in-law, Grace and Preston Davis. Thelma, who passed away on October 19, was not only Toni’s cousin but also a national treasure, known for her role as one of the Little Rock 9 who bravely desegregated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.
We will hold a moment of silent prayer as we prepare for the election on November 5. This is a time when we need to come together in prayer. First Christian Church will be a polling place, and I will be working as an election clerk at the Bay Church in Pittsburg. Please pray for all election workers and for a safe and peaceful election day. Please remember to vote if you have not done so already.
Our scripture for this week speaks for itself: "…you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.... You shall love your neighbor as yourself! There is no other commandment greater than these."
What does this mean for us? We spent last month imagining together what God can do through our heads, hearts, and hands. This passage reminds us that first, we love God with everything we have and then share that love with our neighbors. There is a surprise in the commandment to love. Jesus reminds us that we need to love ourselves. Love God, Love neighbor. Love ourselves. I'll have a lot to say about that on Sunday.
Based on Mark 12:28-34
Music this week:
Hush
Build My Life
Open the Eyes of My Heart
Sister, Let Me Be Your Servant
Better is One Day
Show Me Your Ways