February 14, 2019\
Dear Members and Friends-
First it is good to be back. I had a good study leave with a chance to do some reading, reflection and relaxation.
Today is Valentine's Day. I have to admit that it is not a day I give that much thought to as a general rule. But as I looked at this week's scripture, I realized that I do think a lot about love. Just not the kind of love that brings on candy, roses, and candlelight dinners. When I think about love it is about God's enduring love for us that is steadfast in spite of all the ways in which we fail to love ourselves, our neighbors, strangers and even enemies. I think about a God that loved us so much that he sent signs, prophets and even his Son to show us how to love.
But in particular, as Paul reflects in our text (1 Corinthians 15.12-20), I think about a God who wants us to live. A God who can pick us up when we are broken and put us back together to live anew. A God for whom death was not an obstacle but an opening to show us what life really looks like. That is what resurrection is really about.
In case you are wondering how we got from Valentine's Day to Easter in a single step. I do know that the beginning of Lent is still a few weeks off and Easter further yet. But resurrection isn't a reality (or story, depends on where you stand) for a single day. It is about faith day in and day out. As we come to this Sunday's service, I invite each of you to reflect on how you see resurrection, what questions and doubts do you have? What grabs you and excites you when you hear, He is risen?
See you Sunday,
Pastor Karen
SAVE THE DATES: PLUMB LINE POTLUCK AND CONVERSATION: Sunday, March 3rd at 5 pm and Sunday, March 24th at 5 pm
The 2019 Per Capita Assessment is $38.05 per member of Old South Haven. It is broken down as follows: $8.95 to the General Assembly, $4.10 to the Synod of the Northeast and $25.00 to the Presbytery of Long Island. Per Capita is – "the tie that binds" –annual support that unites the entire church in the ongoing and essential work that guides the Office of the General Assembly, the life of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and benefits every congregation and every mid-council ministry. Old South Haven remits the full per capita assessment. You can help free funds for other purposes here at Old South Haven by paying your individual per capita. Mark checks or envelopes for 'per capita."
Schedule
Saturday, February 16 10 am Property and Finance
Sunday, February 17 10:00 am Worship
Fellowship after Worship
Choir Practice after Worship
Tuesday, February 19 7 pm Session Meeting
Sunday, February 24, 10 am Worship
Sunday School
Fellowship after Worship
Choir Practice after Worship
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