We don’t need each other to be reminded that we live in a fallen world. We do need each other to be reminded that we live in a redeemed world. Being Christian—being an Easter and Pentecost people—living on this side of life—means we are called to walk and live by faith, not sight. That means that we recognize that the fallen world we live in is not God’s will for God’s good creation. That means that we seek God’s will in our lives and in the life of this congregation doing the best we can to live as we are taught by Jesus with love towards God and one another. That means we trust that there will be a day when “the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God” (Romans 8:21).

Until that day Christians are called to live in the hope of God’s promise and invited to share the reality of that promise with others—by what we say and do. Like the fallen world we live in, we too sometimes fail and disappoint, but God’s unending love picks us up, forgives us and sets us free to live again in God’s goodness.

As a community birthed by God’s love, we always have opportunities to grow with God. It might be easier or feel safer to stay the same, but that is not God’s will or way. Our call is to pray, listen and step out in faith with courage.