May 25, 2008
The Rev. Dr. Marcus McFaul, Senior Pastor, preaches at 11am
"A Living Memorial"

Scripture:
The First Lesson: Isaiah 49:8-16a
The Gospel Lesson: Matthew 6:24-34

Hymns:
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Glory Be to the Father
Seek Ye First
Leaning on the Everlastings Arms

Special Music:
Resignation
The Lord's Prayer

Marcus' Mid-Week Missive

Sunday’s Lectionary Readings:
*Isaiah 49:8-16a
*Psalm 131
*I Corinthians 4:1-5
*Matthew 6:24-34

Some brief thoughts on Pentecost-Trinity Sundays (my first two with you):

Our God is a God of community and this has ramification for the church. Martin Copenhaver, Congregationalist minister and writer, says, “our Trinitarian affirmations are deeply relational, reminding us that those who intend to worship and serve this God cannot do so alone, but can do so only in community - a community that, at its best, reflects the kind of perfect communion that is found in God.” Theology has everything to do with embodied practice of beliefs.

In other words, community is essential to our lives because it is an essential part of God. “Being in relationship” defines the triune God and characterizes healthy congregations. To be made in the image of God and to live in that image is to live in genuine and respectful relationships with each others. Christianity is not a solo act. This, of course, is part of our ecclesiology—namely that we all matter to each other and we do theology as if everyone matters.

Christopher Morse in his book: Not Every Spirit: A Dogmatics of Christian Belief, put it like this;

“God is Lord by ‘being One-with-another-in-a-unity-of Spirit’.”

I like how we’ve been “one with another” this past month. The laughter, joy, unity, happy gladness, and purposeful worship and service indicates such a warm desire to be the body of Christ together. Does this portend to some amazingly wonderful relationships on down the line? Well, does it?

This Sunday attendance may take a dip but I know of at least One (in Three) will be present...and so will you...and that will be enough.

One final remark for this missive. I failed to pronounce the blessing and benediction on Sunday and someone asked if that means that the service didn’t actually “end.” No, it didn’t, and lets pray that it never does.

Already I hold you in my heart and I’m delighted to be in Austin with you, record high temps notwithstanding. Thanks for “warming” things up for me.

Shalom,
Rev. Dr. Marcus W. McFaul