The Marks of a True Christian...it is not Aaron and Paige making up this list, but no less than Jesus of Nazareth and Paul of Tarsus, sharing what it looks like for a person to be centered in God's Way...the Way of the Kingdom. And it should not be overly surprising that it's about HOW we live, what we DO for our neighbor in the world. It's about Care, Compassion, and Connection. As Jesus said in Luke 10, "Do this, and you will live..." authentic life lies within,

Here's a good metaphor brought to life! (Beaten to death?) "I am the vine, you are the branches," Jesus says. We were made for healthy connection to God and one another, and that takes intention. We were made to bear loving fruit for the world, and that takes discipline and commitment. And in this time and culture of dislocation, division, and self-reliance, steadfast connection, care, and commitment remain the ancient answer.

Both faith communities are celebrating All Saints this week, that time in the Church Year when we remember, and give thanks for, those who have gone before us. It creates a sacred and safe space to grieve, while at the same time holding our faith that life is eternal, that love is eternal, that the most important part of us is safe in the hands of God. We will visit the Apostle Paul's thought on this in 2 Corinthians, as well as the story of Jesus grieving the death of his friend Lazarus, even as he knew he would resurrect him. A complicated Sunday...a beautiful Sunday, just like human life itself.

We're back after a week away, and although we have different scripture passages and different themes, we have discovered that they heart of both tracks are the same...that action tells the story of what we value, and who we are. And in some ways, it really is a simple as that. Simple to hear, to learn, to know, yes, but the work of a lifetime to enact. So we accept the challenge, and live into a life that bears fruit.

Two stories today on the irreplaceable value of community - both from the Gospel of Luke. The first is a banquet with some unique invitees, after a first round of refusals. Which begs the question: what are we being invited to, now? And, knowing it doesn't last, can we value the richness of what's in front of us?

The second story celebrates a paralyzed man and his determined, supportive, creative, roof-breaking, rule-breaking friends, who will not stop until they get this man the help he needs. Jesus admires their faith - and this week we, too, will celebrate the good news of those facing similar challenges with courage and strength, the love and support of their families, and the compassion and creativity of their communities.

There's a lot of overlap this week between our two threads, as Aaron tackles stories of hunger, bread, and justice, and Paige explores harvest, gathering and community. And of course, holding it all together, is the theology of Communion...that we are inherently connected, that there is abundance when we share, and that we are empowered by the God of liberation. This week is a reminder that there is Good/God in this world, and that we can be a part of that.

Two different Fall Series, two different (very different) scripture passages, but a lot in common this week, as we explore the threads that run throughout our passage from Matthew and then Galatians. There we find core ideas about authority, identity, and community, and how these things come together in the Christian project. It's a bit messy, but then real life is. Dive in with us, and see what we can discover together.

Today, the rubber really hits the road on both of our Fall Sermon Series tracks. Aaron and the good folks in Dundee hear the good news of the work SEVA does for bringing sightedness to those in need around the world, paired with multiple stories of how that is central to Jesus' ministry, too. And the Batavians hear the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, and ask, "What if this is not just about grace, but about actual economic justice in the real world?" (Hint: It is.) Join us for Good News in real life.