The Messenger - July 7, 2011 - The Family of God

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"The Family of God"

By the time you read this article, Kim, Andrew, and I will be traveling in the Southeastern United States to visit brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and my mom. The temperature will probably be in the 90s every day, and the humidity will be just as high. You've probably heard the old expression that "blood is thicker than water." But is our blood really thicker than July's humidity in the Southeast or the deep South swarm of gnats which we may encounter on the way? I guess the answer is "yes," because we do this every year, and we really do enjoy our time with family. We'll play bridge with my mom and tennis with my sister, we'll eat a lot of fat food (or is that spelled "phat" these days?), and we'll spend a lot of time in swimming pools, as well. Generally speaking, our accommodations will be far less than "first class," but the company will be great, and that's why we make this journey in the first place.

There's nothing quite like family, and Scripture teaches that the church of Jesus Christ is yet another family--the family of God. Every family has its "characters," and every family has its gems, but the good news is that God uses each family that we join to shape us into the people He created us to be. Sometimes, we will know conflicts and heartaches in these families, but the emotional "balance" in most families is far more positive than negative. Moreover, each of us has the chance to strengthen the bonds of love within our families or weaken them--most often through imply neglect.

So, how are your relationships with other members of your spiritual and natural families? Ephesians 4:3 exhorts us to "make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit in through the bond of peace." What choices can you make to make to build unity and affection in both of your families this month?

Have a blessed week!

Neal

p.s. Rev. Heidi Worthen Gamble will be filling the pulpit this Sunday. Heidi served as a PCUSA missionary in the Bering Sea. She has also participated in several short-term missions to Central America. Heidi has great enthusiasm for this work, and I think you will enjoy her words.

Summer Beach Friday - July 8
Torrance Beach - near the lifeguard tower by the snack shack
11:00 AM - ???        All ages welcome
Contact Kim Salas for more info: 310/544-9441, k.salas@yahoo.com

Thu, Jul 7
9:30 am - Deacon's Meeting

Fri, Jul 8
11:00am - Beach Day @ Torrance Beach
7:00 pm - Youth Hangout

Sun, Jul 10
8:30 am - Adult Sunday School
9:30 am - Worship

Mon, Jul 11
7:00 pm - Stewardship meeting

Tue, Jul 12
7:00 am - Election Day - MacCormick Room is Polling Place
7:30 pm - Student Ministries Meeting

Wed, Jul 13
7:00 am - Bible Study at Carrow's
6:30 pm - Youth Movie Night
7:00 pm - Prayer Group

Erik Larson is the interim editor of the Messenger.
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