On this day, September 11, our hearts and minds return to the day 23 years ago, when so much changed, in our own lives, our nation, and the world. Within our own congregation, we have members who lost friends, or had family members sickened that day through exposure as first responders. And so we pause for quiet reflection and remembrance…
We pray for peace, for the peace of God to dwell in our minds and hearts as individuals and as a country, and we pray together for a future filled with hope.
If you are seeking a community experience of uplift and unity this week of September 11, I invite you to a special concert on Saturday called “A Future Filled with Hope.” The concert is in support of a family from Afghanistan—the husband served for ten years as an interpreter for the US military there and for this reason his family has come under threat from the Taliban in recent years. Pastor Jim Stone, Maureen Stone, and I have been part of a multi-church team working to help this family come to safety here in Rochester. The concert will bring community members and multiple congregations together around our shared dream of a future filled with hope. Members of our church choir are participating, and Jerome and I are on the concert planning team. We’d love to have you join us. The concert is taking place at Third Presbyterian Church on East Ave in Rochester, 4pm on Saturday, September 14.
On Sunday we’ll continue our “Fruitful Life” worship series, celebrating the next two Fruit of the Spirit–Joy and Peace. I encourage you to join us in worship at 8:30 or 11am, as we return to two services this Sunday.
Now may God’s sustaining joy and abiding peace be with us all,
Pastor Laura
Scripture for Sunday: Galatians 5:13-25
Sermon Title: “The Fruit of Joy and Peace”
