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May 27, 2021
Dear Congregation:
The Tuesday morning Bible Study group has been studying the theme of community as expressed in the Book of Hebrews. This week we discussed the theme of Sabbath Rest. The scripture passages we looked at spoke to the ways in which God invites us into rest and we do not listen. We do not listen to the life-giving power and restoration that comes when we enter into Sabbath Rest with God.
Much of our time focused on the theme of rest being a pause. A pause from our usual activities. A pause from work. A time when we stop, pause, and do something else that will connect our spirits with the Spirit of the Living God such as meditating, listening to music, sitting by running water. We reflected on how the pandemic was a long pause from our usual activities and perhaps we have learned during this pause that we can let go of some things that were not serving us well.
We also spoke about the importance of the pause in music, as a time of anticipation for what is yet to be. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11: 1)
As I begin vacation, taking my own pause, I am excited not only by the chance to rest and reconnect with family and friends, but I am also hopeful about what I may learn and experience during this pause.
I wish you all the best as you take your own pauses in these days ahead.
Worship: Trinity Sunday
This week’s scriptures seek to reckon with the mystery and power of the God whom we worship and who calls us into new life and service. Psalm 29 uses an abundance of images from creation to describe God’s power and majesty. In Romans 8:12–17, Paul draws on this paradoxical nature of our relationship with God who is powerful enough to defeat sin, but also intimate enough that we can refer to him as a parent. John 3:1–17 presents us with the story of Nicodemus coming to Jesus, seeking to understand this new rabbi’s power.
The Rev. John Shillingburg will be preaching and leading worship this Sunday.
Rev. Dr. Barbara Kershner Daniel, Senior Pastor
Evangelical Reformed Church, United Church of Christ
15 West Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701
301-662-2762
E-mail: bkdaniel@erucc.org
