A Voice in the Wilderness

2020-07-22

A new kind of kingdom...

"The kingdom of heaven is like…"

These words introduce several of the parables that Jesus uses as he teaches his followers.  

But have YOU ever stopped to ponder the phrase “the kingdom of heaven?” I wonder if you begin to picture some far-off kingdom in the clouds with angels and cherubs and harps? I don’t think you would be alone.

But when we stop and read and listen to the parables and what Jesus is teaching, we are brought down to earth. All these parables are grounded (some literally) in the day to day goings on of life. Jesus is talking of the kingdom of heaven happening here on earth. He is not talking of a “one day if you get to Heaven” ideal. His desire is for his followers (then and now) to live as if God is already King and his ways are established here and now.

When we live in this way, we begin to see how this world’s standards fall short of the trans-formative nature of God’s rule. And we will see how God’s love, mercy, justice, and compassion shape and form His character in his children.  Again, this is not something that might await some of us someday; the kingdom of heaven is evident whenever and wherever will live according to Kingdom principles.

For the past several weeks we have been looking at what it means to be a disciple…to follow Jesus. Lets add living as a citizen of “the kingdom of heaven” to the list.

Not in theory…but in practice!

Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.  Amen.  (A Prayer attributed to St. Francis)

Blessings,

Matthew+

Coming up...

Join us for Worship this Week

Saturday: Evening Prayer at 5:00 PM 

July 25, 2020 05:00 PM Mountain Time

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/974290452?pwd=NUprQTAxN1NET0xZNXRsdnFkTm5HZz09

Meeting ID: 974 290 452
Password: 161595
One tap mobile
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+19292056099,,974290452#,,#,161595# US (New York)

Sunday: Morning Prayer at 9:30 AM 

July 26, 2020 09:30 AM Mountain Time 

https://zoom.us/j/99709427503?pwd=dlcydDlxVXZGdzQzRG5XVWNyOUFLdz09

Meeting ID: 997 0942 7503
Password: 179982
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+19292056099,,99709427503#,,#,179982# US (New York)
+13126266799,,99709427503#,,#,179982# US (Chicago)

You can find a PDF copy for both services by clicking the buttons below.

Calling all gardeners!

Instead of bringing in the sheaves, we will be pulling out the weeds! Join us at 10 AM on  Friday, July 24th as we work in the garden behind the church. Please bring your garden gloves, tools and a mask!

Shopping list for Mountain Family Center

Next time you are at the grocery store consider picking up a few things for Mountain Family Center. Here is a short list:

• Anti bacterial wipes
• Clorox sprays for cleaning pantry
• Cereal
• Oatmeal
• Granola Bars
• Small apple sauces
• Mac n Cheese
• Tuna

A note from Michele Simmons.

^{(Mother Michele will be joining us for Evening and Morning Prayer this weekend!)}

Can I still contribute for Michele's gift?

Some of you have asked if it is too late to make a contribution towards a gift for Michele. You are welcome to contribute by sending a check with Simmon's gift in the memo line to St. John's before the end of July.

The Gospel according to Matthew

Fr. Matthew is offering a study on the Gospel of Matthew on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM. Grab your bible and bring your questions as we open the scriptures together.

Our study uses our Sunday Morning Prayer ZOOM link.

Coffee and Conversation

Join us at 10:30 on Wednesdays for a Virtual Coffee and Conversation. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join us for some informal conversation.

Join the Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/560422458?pwd=TS80QTA4bExzQVQ0dnJYeTVYVWNpdz09

Meeting ID: 560 422 458
Password: 703727
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,560422458#,,1#,703727# US (Germantown)
+13126266799,,560422458#,,1#,703727# US

This Sunday's Readings

The lectionary readings for this Sunday are:

• Psalm 105:1-11, 45b

• Romans 8:26-39

• Matthew 13:31-33,44-52

You can read them online here.

A word about giving

We recognize that there are a lot of folks who have been hit hard during this crisis and are grateful to the generosity of this community.

Some of you have asked what to do with your regular pledge and offering while we are not gathering together on Saturdays and Sundays. You may mail them to the church (P.O. Box 954 Granby, CO 80446) and we will put them in the offering plate and bless them during the service. You might also consider using bill-pay through you local bank if they offer that service.

Church Directory

Now more that ever we want to make sure our church directory is up to date. If you have moved or changed phone numbers in the past year, please click here to fill out your current information.

© Copyright, 2020, St. John the Baptist Episcopal • 390 E Garnet Ave, Granby, CO 80446

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