“Human beings may separate things into as many piles as we wish—separating…sacred from secular, church from world. But we should not be surprised when God does not recognize the distinctions we make between the two. Earth is so thick with divine possibility that it is a wonder we can walk anywhere without cracking our shins on altars.” Barbara Brown Taylor
Dear SDUMC Family,
I hope this finds you well on a beautiful North County day! Of course, I do miss seeing and connecting with you all. I am also am grateful for your notes, emails, and messages (if you ever need or want to connect just email us at info@encinitaschurch.com). Please know, I continue to pray for you, our church, our communities, and the world throughout the day!
Our new sermon series, Intersections: God’s Stories – Our Stories (a continuation from last summer), will connect us to the way God speaks to us in Scripture, prayers, hymns, and our everyday encounters with the world around us.
Throughout much of history, the church has incorporated the arts and shared the Gospel message through books, music, film, and art. From the incredible mosaics decorating the floors and ceilings of ancient churches and cathedrals to the magnificent and symbol-laden stained-glass windows, we witness a high value of art and artists. The same is true for music as we listen and sing. Martin Luther shared, “Music is the art of the prophets and the gift of God.”
Historically, the church was the place of collaborative intersections during medieval times (especially in Western Europe). Whether a large cathedral or a chapel in a rural community, the church was the center of community activities.
Our scripture passages will focus on Jesus’ intersections throughout his ministry, and we’ll discern ways the Bible continues to teach us how to interact with people we may meet on our journeys this summer and throughout our lives.
I look forward to starting this new series with you on Livestream at 9:30 a.m.!
Grace and Peace,
John
PS Also, we’ll have another opportunity for worship at our second Drive-In Church on Sunday evening at 5:30 p.m. (we’ve changed a few things for this second outdoor worship experience).
