Sunday’s Message

Rev. John Shaver

Sunday, June 28, 2020 at 9:30am - Livestream Worship

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“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,  who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself…” Philippians 2:5-7
Dear SDUMC Family,
As Rev. Chelsea shared last week, we are on a journey through the letter to the Philippians. Philippians is written to remind us that we can even rejoice during uncertain times. No matter what is happening in our lives, Paul shares that with God all things are possible even joy amid the world’s difficulties. The kind of faith described in Philippians is not a hollow vision. It is a recognition of God-with-us in all times and places. Paul has high hopes. If he did not, he would not strive for reconciliation in this church. This is what God is calling all of us, the body of Christ, to be as the grassroots grace-filled leaders to our communities and world.
Fred Craddock writes about the letter to the Philippians, “To accept a leadership role is to accept responsibility beyond private preferences.” That is, to accept a part in God’s household is to accept responsibility beyond private preferences. This Sunday we’ll continue our journey into the second chapter. In the second chapter, there is a hymn that the early Christians would sing (Philippians 2:5-11) as a reminder to be Christ-like. The Philippian hymn makes it clear that in order for Jesus to be the Christ, in fact, he had first to empty himself.
Before we set out on a trip, we as humans always fill up. We fill the fuel in our cars to the top so that we may go as far as we can. We also fill the car with luggage, the back seat with family, and our phones with maps. As we seek to be the leaders God is calling us to be, we must be reminded that Jesus never worried about filling up. He was constantly heading out empty so that he could pick up the world’s baggage. He picked up and continues to pick up our hurts, fears, and mistakes so that we may move forward filled with joy to share in the world.
I hope you’ll join me on Sunday for a joyful Livestream service at 9:30 a.m.! On Sunday tune in and take some time through our prayers, music, scripture, and message to see what God is calling you to empty yourself of so that you may fill up with what is needed to sustain you on the journey.
Grace, Peace, and Prayers,
John
PS I hope you’ll join me for a special Livestream concert at 6 PM featuring Sarah Amos on the Organ! Sarah has been planning this special concert for our community and I pray in the midst of uncertainties you’ll let go and experience some joy through her amazing gift of music! If you get a chance, please share an invite from our Facebook page Virtual Organ Concert with friends and family.
PPS Also, take some time on Saturday night (or later in the week) to experience a new worship experience from The Table. The Table will launch VIRCH, a virtual church experience and you can find out more at The Table - Virch (thetablesd.org).

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