For everything there is a season

For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Greetings, Beloved Christ the King Community,

This past week, we celebrated the life and ministry of Gail Glass, a Christ the King member who was present for some of the very first days of the formation of our congregation and who dedicated her gifts to its development, particularly in the areas of music and service. Gail was a faithful servant of Jesus who committed herself to serving others in a vast multitude of ways over the course of her lifetime. She lived into the freedom found in her baptism, reflecting Christ to those in need in her community.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 was one of the readings that Gail had chosen for us to hear on the day of her funeral.  This passage is familiar and I would imagine has taken on meaning for many of us during different seasons of our lives.

For everything there is a season and time…This passage is something to ponder as many travel to celebrate Independence Day this weekend.  As we celebrate the freedoms we experience, we also notice areas where injustice and inequity remain.  There is much work to be done in this season of humanity, and we are called to walk along those who are marginalized in our communities who struggle for freedom, justice, and opportunity for a better future.

Let us pray……Sovereign God, we thank you for your child Jesus who experienced and challenged societal systems of oppression and injustice.  Empower us to see oppression in our own society’s time and season.  Give us the courage to name our blessings of freedom this Independence Day, while committing to challenge areas of injustice.  Most of all, teach us to love each other, following the example of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen

Grace and peace, and even more hope,
Pastor Jennifer