1 Corinthians 15.58 (CEB)
As a result of all this, my loved brothers and sisters, you must stand firm, unshakable, excelling in the work of the Lord as always, because you know that your labor isn't going to be for nothing in the Lord.
 
I typically define steadfast to mean constant.  And while this is a perfectly reasonable definition of the term, I have begun to understand steadfastness is more akin to unwavering.  Constancy has a connotation that seems fixed to one place.  While unwavering helps to imagine steadfastness as, “there is nothing that can separate us” from God’s love.
 
God’s steadfast love moves with me and I with God as together we seek God’s will.  God’s will is that all know the love shown to us in Jesus Christ.  God’s love is patient with my impulsive nature, generous with my stubbornness, merciful when I am complacent and righteous when I am unkind. 
 
These things: steadfastness, patience, generosity, mercy, righteousness are the building blocks of God’s kingdom.  We are asked to work at being part of God’s kingdom. 
Essentially, we are asked to share God’s steadfast love with all.
 
Where do you experience God’s steadfast love?  How might you share that steadfast love with others today?
 
Grace and peace,
 
 
Rev. Brian
 

Romans 12.5 (CEB)

 In the same way, though there are many of us, we are one body in Christ, and individually we belong to each other.

LPCC understands the strength of community.  I have seen time and time again the way that we gather to support one another in times of loss.  I have seen the joy on faces as we welcome participants on the first day of VBS.  I have heard the loud “We Will’s” when we baptize and confirm the young and new within the body of Christ.  I have seen the hugs shared between friends.  I have heard the unpretentious and expectant greetings of one another in worship.  I have witnessed the life-transforming presence of the Holy Spirit as it has raced through LPCC.  Our church is truly a unique and wonderful expression of the body of Christ. 

For me, LPCC is the greatest place to deepen faith as we grow in faith together.  While I will be gone on vacation this week with my family, please know that I will hold you all in my prayers as you are precious to me.  I hope that you have a great week and are excited that Rev. Peggy Edge will be part of our worship offering our sermon at the 10:45 worship in the Sanctuary. 

May God bless you and be a blessing to others this week!
 
Grace and peace,

​
Rev. Brian

Galatians 6.9 (CEB)
Let's not get tired of doing good, because in time we'll have a harvest if we don't give up.
 
Mission trips are special to me.  At every one that I attend, I learn something more about loving God, living the gospel, and loving my neighbor.  I am grateful that
Disciple Summer Mission 2016 in San Marcos, TX was no exception.  Each day we ate the familiar Subway sandwiches for lunch, worked together through the heat of every day, and played together at night at local favorite haunts.  I was filled to the brim with extremely satisfying work done with my hands and quiet floats on the river.  I was gratified with new friendships and renewed old ones.
 
Mission trips remind me that together with God’s Spirit helping us, we can
accomplish so much.  We can support each other through the long days, laugh at the little absurdities of life while putting all things into perspective, and make a huge
impact on people’s lives for God’s sake in a short period of time. 
 
Sunday, you’ll get to hear more about the trip as Blake, Braeden, and I share our experiences with you.
 
Grace and peace,
 
 
Rev. Brian
 

1 Corinthians 12.26 (RSV)
If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

Our faith involves other people.  Jesus invites us to take care of one another.  Jesus invites us to tend to others especially if they are in need or are vulnerable.  Jesus invites us to seek justice and righteousness for everyone.  It is a daunting task to be sure, but one that God’s people have been given nonetheless.

Psalms, once again, tell us the truth about ourselves.  And the truth is that we are to be part of what God is doing in the world.  God invites you and me to be co-creators in making our lives, and the lives of others, equitable.  We are to share what we have: time, money, and talents so that all benefit from goodness, honesty, and peace.  As the adage goes, “A rising tide lifts all boats.”

Sunday we will hear the call to return to giving even-handed justice.  The Psalm will remind us again that justice is for all: the orphan, the weak, and the needy; as well as the oppressors, the oblivious, and covetous.  We have been gifted, tasked, and reminded that righteous justice includes all no matter what.
 
Grace and peace,

​
Rev. Brian