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A WORD FROM OUR PASTOR…
Here are two quick things to get you rolling into another wet weekend.
1. Graduation gift idea. When I graduated from high school in 1995, a neighbor gave me a one-ounce silver eagle coin with the year stamped on it. At the time, I didn’t think a lot about the significance of the gift. However, over the years, it is a coin that has special meaning for me. It was worth $5.20 then. Now it is worth $37.00. My son, Landon, who graduated from college last week, received his own silver eagle. I hope it will be a treasured reminder of this special year and achievement in his life. Maybe there is someone in your life graduating this month. Consider making one of your gifts a 1-ounce silver eagle!
2. PSA about the message next Sunday – “Gender and Sexuality.” Our theology of the body series has been a rewarding experience to prepare for each week. I have been learning so much from my reading and studying. Meanwhile, there are challenges dealing with such complex topics in our cultural landscape. I want you to know that I am prayerfully preparing each week by studying scripture, listening to the perspectives of other pastors, and reading from several books. I will include a list of those books below in case you are interested in going deeper on this topic.
With that being said, on Sunday, May 25th, I will be talking about the important and relevant topics of human gender and sexuality. I will be covering both secular and Biblical perspectives of these topics – how do we define our identity and sexuality in a culture of individualism, and how do we walk in truth and grace in a changing culture.
I know this is a sensitive topic, and I want to approach it with both biblical conviction and deep compassion. My goal is not to shame, divide, or embarrass, but to speak the truth in love and create space for honest reflection. This is a “PG” message, and I will keep it appropriate for a worship setting, clean, and Biblical. This is not a “sex talk,” but rather a conversation about issues of gender and sexuality as general topics.
I want to give you advance notice so parents with young children aren’t caught off guard. If you have middle or high school students, we encourage them to join us for this message. Kids Ministry will be available for younger children in the nursery (ages 0-4) and the gym (elementary ages) during both service times. You can drop off your nursery-aged children like always before the service. Elementary students will be dismissed during the service under the supervision of Kids Ministry Staff for a fun activity. They can be picked up following worship or Sunday School as usual.
We invite you to come with an open heart and a prayerful spirit—whether you’re seeking clarity, support, or simply want to learn more. That’s next Sunday— in both the Traditions and Connection services.
Looking forward to seeing you Sunday as we talk about how work fits into God’s purpose for our lives.
Jimmy