Resilient in 2021 – April 11, 2021

Rev. Dr. Faith J. Conklin

Sunday, April 11, 2021 at 9:30am
Livestream Worship

My Post (8)

Dear SDUMC Family,

Eastertide Blessings! Thank you to all who made last Sunday an incredibly special day through your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. As we enter the Eastertide season, we will begin a new sermon series, Resilient in 2021. As we begin the series this Sunday, we are so blessed to have Rev. Dr. Faith J. Conklin share the message. Some of you may know Rev. Faith from her weekly Bible Studies, inspiring messages, or as an amazingly kind and gracious friend. Rev. Faith shares these words for the coming Sunday:

“Each year the first Sunday after Easter the Lectionary invites us to read John 19: 20-31. It’s the story of Jesus’ appearance to the disciples Easter evening and the encounter between Jesus and Thomas eight days later. It’s among my top favorite texts. I keep finding new lessons in it.

This year, I looked at it through the lens of John’s theme of “resilience” and discovered another level of truth. Jesus doesn’t come to “prove” something to his disciples, or to Thomas. He comes to give them something.  He comes to empower and assure them.  He brings them comfort and courage and then sends them into the world as witnesses.

Thomas Long in one of his Easter sermons wrote. “You cannot prove a thing I have said to you this morning, but if you live these promises, you will discover they will turn out to be true, every single one of them.”

We live not by Easter’s proof but by its promise. The real evidence of Easter (or anything about the Christian faith) we can offer the world is: Us. It’s seen in the choices we make because we believe that the ultimate realities of life aren’t what we can simply see, touch or test. We believe what Jesus said and taught is true—so true we’ll shape our lives by it.

I’m looking forward to our time together this Sunday (whatever form it takes).  I’m excited to share special music from my friends the Rasmussen family and their Bluegrass Band. They’ve lifted my spirits more than once this past year. I know they’ll lift yours also."

I too look forward to being with you for Outdoor Worship at 9:30 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. As we move through April please take a moment to let us know if you’ll be with us in person by using the signup genius link, emailing Michelle@encinitaschurch.com, or calling the church office (if you don’t hear back know that your seat will be waiting for you). As always, we will be livestreaming the 9:30 a.m. worship hour.

Grace, Peace, and Weekend Blessings,
John

P.S. It’s also Communion and Share The Table Sunday (feel free to bring the bread and grape juice to the screen and we have individual packets for Outdoor Worship). We’ll have bins in front of the office throughout the week if you have food to share with our neighbors.

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