| September 3, 2020 Good afternoon, “If it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. “Romans 12:8-10 The first relief project for Mennonite Central Committee began on September 1. Orie O. Miller left by ship from New York to travel to Russia, to see the needs of the Russian Mennonites. He arrived in about a month. When he arrived the civil war was continuing to be fought by the Red and White Armies. It was a dangerous mission for him and other volunteers who were trying to help the Mennonites and other people. Clayton Kratz disappeared during this trip. Mennonites have talked about peace and justice for most of our history. Paul writes in his letter to the Romans, ” Be devoted to one another in love.” At last evening’s Bible study we looked at Psalm 1. It talks about the law of the Lord. Someone said that loving each other is the law of the church, and someone else added that the law is the love of Christ. Those seem to be the two things that we agree on as our mission in this world ? People out there ( “wherever out there” is ) are saying that the world needs a reset. Covid is the opportunity. It is a dangerous illness. It has caused an economic downturn. Governments have overspent their budgets because people are in need. Maybe the church must do a reset. The end of the First World War and the Russian Revolution was met by the beginning of MCC. It was to only respond to the events in Russia. It has grown to a world wide organization. What could be reset for the church today ? Prayer Help us to see beyond ourselves. Give us ways to see the needs of this world. Show us how to love, in new relationships and new experiences. Reset our souls, our minds and our strength. So we might be boldto love the world Through the name of Jesus .AMEN.  Fred |
