THE DEACON'S PAGE

THE REV. SHELLY BANNER

What’s going on at Resurrection?

a Deacon’s perspective

 

Living God, open our hearts our minds that we might know your welcome. We long for the fullness of your hospitality and your reign of justice and love. Salt us by the fire of the Holy Spirit, in the holy name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

From the Deacon’s Desk

 

During the next few weeks, the lessons for the Epistle readings will come from Paul’s writing to the Galatians. This letter is interesting both for content and context.  Written during another time of fast paced change in the Church, Paul provides discourse for the building of Christian community between Jewish Christians and non-Jewish Christians. It may seem a problem of so long ago, that you wonder why I would bring it to your attention. I find great inspirations in this letter.

“But when God, who set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me.... ” (Galatians1:15), speaks loudly to me, and is a long time companion of mine. It has the soul of what I believe Christian relationship to be about. Called through God’s grace is a turn of phrase that has a steadying effect and during this next time of transition I offer it as something to focus upon any time things seem out of control.  As Holly formally retires from among us, there will be changes, some well known and others we haven’t even thought about. Some changes will be embraced and others may be resisted. Yet through it all, may this community maintain a centered focus upon God’s call through grace. Listening to God’s call presents possibilities, and with possibilities comes both change and hope. Remembering that the Church of the Resurrection is a grace-filled community called by God will provide the energy to face all the challenges of the next days in joy.

Shelly Banner