Dear Church,

As we explore in worship over the next few weeks the theme “The Church: Then, Now Next”, this Wednesday space will be (mostly) dedicated to sharing a story or two that did not make the previous Sunday’s sermon.

For today that means a couple of additional stories related to 1 Corinthians 1:10-25, in which Paul describes the true wisdom of the cross of Christ. Paul’s main point is that God’s incarnation in Christ, the cross’s illustration of salvation through death, and the empty tomb’s revelation of the enduring nature of love and life seem utterly ridiculous to human standards. And that is true to an extent. No mathematic formula or brilliant essay can explain how this is so. And yet, there are plenty of stories and experiences we have that show us how foolish audacious, courageous love provides comfort, overcomes hate, and gives hope.

The sermon on Sunday mentioned Dr. King as an example of one who shared that foolhardy faith and invited everyone to consider who else we have personally known that, with a twinkle in their eye, would not let “that’s the way it is” mean they wouldn’t try at least something to make a difference for the betterment of others.

For me, the story in the video above, as told by singer/songwriter/poet/activist David Lamotte was on my mind during that silent pause in worship. It is a poetic telling of a demonstration against the KKK in Knoxville, TN, in the late 2000s. Now I know not everyone has an affinity for clowns, and yet I trust that these silly performers impart something sacred to us about courage, determination, and God’s true wisdom.

I encourage all of us to continue to be mindful of that wisdom found in floppy shoes and “foolish” ways, and to have the courage and boldness to act a little silly ourselves in our following of Jesus, our loving of neighbors, our care for this world and our lives.

The Lord Bless and Keep You,

Rev. Ben

Announcements:

In-Person/Livestream Worship: 

Join us each Sunday at 11:00am in person or online (via Facebook live) for worship!

See and share the Sunday, January 15th  service, that launched our new sermon Series: The Church: Then, Now, Next.

Facebook: https://fb.watch/i8gQd96xYG/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gu0VNazmU_k

On Sunday, January 22, we continue our series, focusing on the ways we have grown most faithfully into the disciples Jesus calls us to be. Hint: it’s never too old or too late to teach us new ways to love each other! We will also present prayer shawls for the first time in 2023.

Online participation via Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/firstpresbyterianchurchofgarner

*Masks are welcome but optional during in-person worship as we continue to contend with COVID and an emerging flu season. We also ask everyone to be still mindful of social distancing and respectful of the personal space of others even as we give thanks for being together.*

*MLK Video: In case you missed it, please watch and share the video from this past Sunday of the Town of Garner’s Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee, of which I am grateful to be a part (The video perhaps foolishly is a little long for a YouTube video, but powerful nonetheless!):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25tcwa18EeE

* Walking Group: Join the Walking Group each Tuesday at 6pm. We currently meet at Cadence Senior Living Center (200 Minglewood Dr.). If you have any questions, contact the church office 919-772-0727. In the event there is inclement weather, we’ll just gather the following week.

* Boy Scout Troop 392 is having a Krispy Kreme fundraiser. Please contact the church office (919) 772-0727 for information on how to get your certificate for a dozen glazed donuts. The cost is $15 for each certificate which can be used at any Krispy Kreme location across the United States. (Not valid for in grocery store purchases.)

* The 2023 Flower Chart is up! The flower chart is posted in the hallway and ready for sign-ups. The cost of the flowers for the coming year is $40.00.

*Souper Bowl Sunday: Souper Bowl Luncheon will be on Sunday, February 12th. See the flyer below for details, but don’t worry, Confederate Bean and She Crab Soup are rumored to be on the list!!!

*Prayers for Peace: Our world continues to need prayers of word and deed for peace. As we prepare for a new year, may we pray for those affected by the extreme cold weather across the US, and flooding in california, as well as those continuing to rebuild from storms last year. Please continue to keep law enforcement and first responders in your prayers as well as those struggling with gun violence in too many places in our nation (including Raleigh, NC). In oru congregation, we have had many also who have suffered unexpected loss–continue to treat others and self with tenderness and grace.