A Congregational Letter to Morgan’s Point and Forks Road East United Churches
This week has been a very difficult week for several families, and many faith friends in our congregations of Forks Road East and Morgan’s Point United Churches. We offer our deepest condolences to Leonard and Janet Paul, from Forks Road East, in the passing of Leonard’s brother Neil Paul earlier this week. As well, Mary Bucker, from Forks Road East, also passed away early this week. Our deepest condolences are extended to Mary’s family. Towards the end of this week, Sharon Wetzel’s brother Lynn Wilson passed away. Sharon is from Morgan’s Point. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Sharon, as well, and to all of Lynn’s family. We hold these dear families and friends in our prayers, during this difficult time.
Our Gospel lesson, this week, is from the Gospel of John 15:1-8. In our scripture reading, Jesus speaks to us about being the True Vine, and about God being the gardener. Jesus goes on to say that even as God is the gardener/vine grower, and Jesus, himself, is the vine, we, as God’s people, are the branches of the vine. In Jesus’ parable, we, as the branches, are supposed to produce grapes/good fruit. Jesus goes on to say that “Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, God takes away, but every branch that does bear fruit, God prunes that it may bear more fruit” (vv. 1-2)
Jesus, then goes on to say, “Remain in me” (v 4), and assures us that He is with us all the time. He calls us to walk with Him; to abide in Him. There is something wonderful in that. We have Jesus who wants to walk alongside us. He wants to be there for us, to nurture us, to protect us, and to bless us. Jesus is there for us - always present, and always caring. Jesus asks us to remain in Him, to stay close to Him, and to align our lives with His. He, also says, that that those who remain in Him will bear much fruit (v 5). Finally, He assures us, “If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you.” (v. 7). So, when we align our lives with the will of God, by abiding in Christ, and listening to God’s word through prayer and the reading of scripture, everything becomes possible for us.
Let us align ourselves with the Holy presence of God this day, and in the days ahead, as we abide in Christ.
I would invite you, as always, to continue to pray for one another every morning at 10:30, remembering that God grants us wisdom, love, and peace as we hold each other in God’s tender keeping. Much love and care to you all. Keep well and safe.
God’s Blessings,
Pastor Laura
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