Rev. Moon’s Message for September 3, 2023

Dear Friends,

“Summer evening in Arles” (1888) by Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890); from the collection of the Kunstmuseum Winterthur, Switzerland; taken from the Wikimedia Commons.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your prayers and blessings that have allowed me to step away from the pulpit over the past four weeks. This invaluable time away has granted me the chance to rest, reflect, and renew.

This Sunday, September 3, I plan to share a brief account of the insights garnered from this period of vacation. Moreover, I am excited to delve into the teachings of the gospel according to Matthew, specifically focusing on the passage from Matthew 16:21–28. In this passage, we look at the lessons about the essence of our Christian identity and ways in which we can enrich our journey of faith alongside Jesus.

Once again, I express my gratitude for your unwavering support and encouragement. I look forward to our faith gathering.

Matthew 16:21–28

21 From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes and be killed and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me, for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” 24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?  27 “For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. 28 Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

Upcoming events and gatherings

  • Sunday, September 10: Join us after the service as we come together to celebrate our shared faith and partnership in Christ with a BBQ.
  • Sunday, September 17: We are honoured to have Rev Dr. Ian Morrison lead the service. After the worship session, our virtual book study will be held at 1 p.m. (link will be available later)
  • Sunday, September 24* (will be confirmed at the upcoming Session meeting): Following the Sunday worship, we plan to hold a congregation meeting. This meeting will provide a platform for questions and thoughts to be shared regarding the Future Directions report and recommendations. This session is intended solely for gathering the insights of our congregation. The questions and comments voiced will be directed to both Session and the Future Directions Committee. Additionally, please anticipate another congregational meeting later in the year (November).
  • Wednesday, September 27: Our tranquil prayer and communion service resumes at 7:30 PM, offering a serene moment for reflection and communion.

Thank you for being an integral part of our community and engaging in these upcoming opportunities.

—Rev. Chuck Moon

A version of this message appeared in the Saturday, September 2, 2023 edition of Tidbits.