Dear Family of Love!
Today has been faith filled and with many opportunities to worship. This morning I did a doubleheader at church and I was glad that God gave me the necessary stamina to serve at both services. I was invited to attend a service at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church at 3:30 p.m. I was so glad that I had the opportunity to attend the 63rd. Anniversary of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church on Cypress. It is the oldest African American Congregation in town. It was like homecoming to me. I haven't been to a service since before Steve's passing. Pastor Wiley who was Steve's and my mentor/pastor before Steve decided to become part of St. Peter's parish family brought the Gospel Message with the theme What Matters Most! I was brought to tingles because the major theme was about loving and caring for one another and reminding us that we are all united as one. These themes are echoed throughout Walk With Me On Our Journey .
I saw and re-connected with many family members and yes it's true you can be at home where ever God calls you to be! I felt welcome at St. Paul's this afternoon. We may or not fell welcome in every place we go but it should be our goal to make everyone in our lives and those of our family members to be extended a warm, loving, and compassionate welcome. We really need to be intentional about this in our lives and wherever we are. How do we do this every day that we live, move, and be? It really is very simple it gets down to loving our neighbors and yes that means everyone in God's planet and following Jesus' examples of welcoming children, lepers (those who are suffering terrible illnesses that frighten us), the least of these, those who have committed notorious sins, etc. Jesus welcomed everyone and I mean everyone and he never excluded anyone. We are not let off the hook about this. Jesus welcomed us and we are called to and commanded to do this to everyone. This includes refugees, children, and those who are fleeing terror. If you aren't a welcoming kind of person may be it's time to find out why and ask God and Jesus to help you. Tonight may we pray that we become a welcoming people.
Dear Jesus you welcomed everyone into your midst help us to be the welcoming people you have called us to be.
Jesus help us to welcome the refugee, the stranger, the outcast, for they are our family members.
Jesus help us give into our fears and welcome those whom we are afraid of.
Jesus may we learn that being welcoming is part of loving one's neighbor.
Jesus help us to welcome the stranger with a smile, warm handshake, and gentle being.
Jesus help us to be sanctuary to the stranger and be living red doors.
Jesus give us the courage to reach out to those who do not live in our country and may wish us harm.
Jesus we pray this night for peace all over the world and wherever battles are being fought.
Jesus we pray that you may heal all those who are cancer patients and are ill and those who care for them.
Jesus we pray especially for_______________
Jesus we pray for all of our family members who are in mourning any loss.
Jesus we pray that we may be loving more and more and that we may welcome everyone as you welcome us.
Jesus we ask these prayers in your name. Amen.
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Good night family of love! I love you and give thanks to God for you this day and always. May we continue to welcome all of our family members as we walk with God on our life's journey.
Love, blessings, and joy with a welcoming heart and spirit to all,
Sara
Day by Day - Godspell
Jesus is on the Mainline - Mavis Staples
Precious Lord
We've Come This Far By Faith
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