Beloveds,
Centuries before the invention of push notifications, there was the town crier: bell in one hand, scroll in the other, shouting the news through the streets. “Oyez” simply means hear ye. Somebody had to carry the word, and somebody had to be trusted to carry it right.
Paul learned that the hard way. When he arrived in Jerusalem after his conversion, the believers were afraid of him. His reputation got there before he did. It took Barnabas to take him by the hand and vouch for him before the door opened.
And when Paul writes to Rome, he closes with a roll call: Phoebe the deacon, Priscilla and Aquila, Mary, Junia who was outstanding among the apostles, Tryphena and Tryphosa. Ordinary people, ringing their own bells.
Sixty years of this congregation is a roll call too. Who took you by the hand? Whose name would you shout in the street?
This Sunday, September 20, Rev. Warren Dale, Associate Pastor at Congregational Church of the Peninsula – presides and preaches “Messengers” while I take some time away. I know you will give him your full welcome and listen for the good news he carries.
10 am, 1130 Balclutha, Zoom, or Livestream. Invite someone in.
Love,
Rev. Michael