Fall Newsletter
Fall: A Time of Shalom
Conflict and Friendship
In the movie Toy Story, Woody the cowboy begins as Andy’s favorite toy. That is, until Andy’s birthday where he gets Buzz Lightyear Space ranger. This kicks off the story of two opposed characters disliking each other until they learn to understand the other and eventually become friends.
Another movie, Shrek, has the titular ogre meeting up with Donkey and, at first, being incredibly annoyed by his upbeat and boisterous personality. But again, by the end, Shrek and Donkey have become friends.
One more film, again animated, How To Train Your Dragon, the boy Hiccup meets Toothless the dragon, the Viking's sworn adversary. At first he plans to kill the dragon, then he recognizes himself within Toothless and they, too, become friends.
In each of these stories there are characters who dislike each other and treat each other poorly. These relationships have reminded me of what I see going on in the world today.
This election cycle has made me really sad with all the anger toward the people who disagree with you. I see many Christians trading shalom (a Jewish salutation meaning peace) for self-righteousness and feeling that they know what’s best, further causing a divide.
We were not designed to hate each other. We were designed for community. We need each other for community. For shalom.
In Luke 6 Jesus talks about how as his followers we are to “do good to those who hate us” and “bless those who curse us.”
If you're a republican, when was the last time you blessed a democrat? If you’re a democrat, when was the last time you did something good for a republican?
I think that’s how Jesus would have us live.
Let’s make a commitment as a community to avoid words of hate for each other this fall, but rather, let’s bring shalom to everyone, no matter their political or religious beliefs. I think that shalom will speak for itself and create opportunities for Christ's light to shine brighter than any division.
Another movie, Shrek, has the titular ogre meeting up with Donkey and, at first, being incredibly annoyed by his upbeat and boisterous personality. But again, by the end, Shrek and Donkey have become friends.
One more film, again animated, How To Train Your Dragon, the boy Hiccup meets Toothless the dragon, the Viking's sworn adversary. At first he plans to kill the dragon, then he recognizes himself within Toothless and they, too, become friends.
In each of these stories there are characters who dislike each other and treat each other poorly. These relationships have reminded me of what I see going on in the world today.
This election cycle has made me really sad with all the anger toward the people who disagree with you. I see many Christians trading shalom (a Jewish salutation meaning peace) for self-righteousness and feeling that they know what’s best, further causing a divide.
We were not designed to hate each other. We were designed for community. We need each other for community. For shalom.
In Luke 6 Jesus talks about how as his followers we are to “do good to those who hate us” and “bless those who curse us.”
If you're a republican, when was the last time you blessed a democrat? If you’re a democrat, when was the last time you did something good for a republican?
I think that’s how Jesus would have us live.
Let’s make a commitment as a community to avoid words of hate for each other this fall, but rather, let’s bring shalom to everyone, no matter their political or religious beliefs. I think that shalom will speak for itself and create opportunities for Christ's light to shine brighter than any division.
Sunday Service - Guest Speakers
Tom Bon, Dave & Elizabeth, Noah & Holly Ullman
Events
Young Adults - Itasca hiking trip
Heartland Women's Thursday Meeting
Men's Canoe Trip
Stage Night - Luke Musselman
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