SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, April 7, 2024

Dear Friends in Jesus –

I’m sending you a snapshot from four years ago during the early days of the pandemic:

“A Place Where Doubt is Welcome

I’ve been missing you. For some reason it feels particularly acute this April 15 evening around 5:00. The day was gray. Cooler than in a while. The buildings here on the Second Presbyterian campus were empty. The pivot to recovery unknown.

Our work singly and together continues. But words of encouragement can become annoying in their repetition.

I know this is not forever. (I say this and the next phrase to bubble up in my brain is ‘I know my redeemer liveth!’ Thank you, Jesus)

We will get through this best together. Yes - stronger, quicker, better together! (ugh)

Even as we deny ourselves and are denied the embrace we so long for - for the right reasons, out of prudence and love – in moments of grief, confusion, accomplishment, perseverance – a hug would be nice.

Today we continue in the Gospel of John and discover much more about the disciple Thomas than we may have known. The other disciples have retreated to a safe house. We will witness a cowardly crew come to believe. We witness hearts surrendered and a man’s doubt transformed.”

The landscape is different now – literally.

We celebrate the Wragg Square Park Renovation this Sunday.
The halls of the church resound with activity.
The sanctuary hosts weddings, concerts, lectures.

The center that holds – us (this congregation in its third century), our community, and the world (in our chaos and our malaise) – is Jesus.

Come in anticipation and expectation – come worship!