Pastor’s Notes: 7/30/2023

“Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” Luke 17:20-21.

This weekend begins the General Assembly for our denomination. It is the first time the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has gathered together in person in 4 years. 

Over the last several weeks we have studied together the theme, “Kindom of God: within us, among us.” We are not alone in our faithful pursuits. God is present in so many relevant and revealed ways. It is always good to remind ourselves that we are a part of something more than our personal pursuits. (Please welcome Rev. Dr. Bob Howard as he will remind us of this simple truth from the pulpit this Sunday.)

The reign of God is revealed within our communities. For nearly 50 years we have thrived as the body of Christ in Sun City. Because of our denominational identity as ‘people of the chalice’

And the vision of the region to expand our  witness, we were born. 

As Luke wrote, “the kingdom of God is in our midst.” God is here and is using us to be an extension of love, grace, justice, and peace. We are the embodiment of all Jesus came to be and his hope lives on through us.

I invite you to join our greater collective for online worship together as a church. We are a part of something significant and life giving. May the Holy Spirit bind and remind us of this truth as we prayerfully welcome our inclusion together as a Church.

The link to worship is found at this link.

Nightly Schedule:

SATURDAY, JULY 29
Preacher: Cha. Maj. Owen Chandler
Offering: Pension Fund’s 13th Check 

SUNDAY, JULY 30
Preacher: Rev. Yolanda Norton
Offering: Reconciliation Ministry

MONDAY, JULY 31
Preacher: Rev. Dr. David Anderson Hooker
Offering: Week of Compassion 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 1
Preacher: Rev. Terri Hord Owens
Offering: Disciples Mission Fund