“Outdoor Education: Lessons in the Wilderness: Remember the Journey” – October 10, 2021

Stones have often played a role throughout the Bible. For example, Jacob and others use stones in Genesis to create a reminder of a covenant. Samuel places a stone on a sacred site to remind the people that God has helped them. Every Easter, we are reminded of the great stone rolled away and opens the resurrection story.

Throughout the Bible, numerous images of nature symbolize God’s love, hope, peace, and grace. I hope you’ll take some Sabbath time outside this weekend, as we shared last Sunday, to listen to what God is saying. Anne Frank shared some amazing words, “The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.”

As we continue our series this week, we’ll journey with the Hebrew people as they begin to leave the wilderness. As they move forward, God continues to watch over them, and stones, once again, become an essential part of the story. I hope you’ll join us this Sunday to hear the rest of the story and how it can help us in our lives thousands of years later.

I’ll look forward to seeing you on Sunday at 8 a.m. (in the Chapel for Communion and a half-hour service), 9:30 a.m. (in the Sanctuary with the SDUMC choir and special music), and, of course, we’ll continue to have our Livestream worship available at 9:30 a.m. and later in the day on our YouTube channel.

Have a blessed weekend, and I look forward to worshiping with you in person or online!

Grace, Peace, and Blessings,
John