"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."
1 John 4:7-8
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Fr. Scott's sermon focused on the Epistle Lesson from 1 John 4:7-21 for The First Sunday after Trinity. These verses may be summarized in the Summary of the Law - love God with all your heart, soul & mind and love your neighbor as yourself. Fr. Scott defined biblical love as self sacrifice for the benefit of another without the expectation of reward. This type of love distinguishes Christianity from other religions because every Christian is called to love this way. Unfortunately, many churches and Christians focus on the love of God and get distracted from the love of our neighbor. Sacrificing for others - who may abuse it - is painful. However, we are called to follow in Jesus's footsteps and remember the pain he suffered for our redemption. Christians are called to show their love through actions not just words.
Fr. Scott's complete sermon can be found at the following link:
Thank you Fr. Scott for the thought provoking sermon.
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After services we enjoyed snacks downstairs complements of Teresa and Diane. We also enjoyed meeting Scott's brother & sister-in-law and his sister & brother-in-law!
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Sigrid sent the following note along with a picture of some of the items we sent for her birthday. Thank you to Elsa for delivering all the presents and to everyone for giving!
". . . after Elsa's visit on Wednesday, bringing me so many delightful birthday gifts and messages from St. Peter's church friends, would you please kindly let them know . . . just how much you all's compassionate words, beautiful gifts and assurance of prayers mean to me! What a comfort they are." Sigrid
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Teresa arranged a wedding shower for Sam this past week at Chop House! Sam's grandmother, Ann, was also able to attend!
Thank you so much Teresa for arranging the luncheon - the pink almond cake from Blackbird Bakery was amazing as were all the beautiful flowers! Also thank you all so much for the generous gifts and most especially for welcoming Sam to Tennessee!
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Sue is leading a book reading and study from "Your Healing Is Within You" by the Anglican Bishop Jim Glennon. We will meet before Holy Communion services between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on July 17, July 24, and July 31. Sue advises this is not a "new age" book, but rather presents an Anglican view and teaching about praying for divine healing. The book itself is out of print, but used copies are available on the internet (amazon, etc). Sue has several copies, but depending on how many people come, we may need a few more - so please let Sue know if you are planning to attend so she can work out the number of books needed. Please contact Sue if you have any questions or need more information. Thank you Sue for leading this study!
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We are celebrating The Feast Day of St. Peter and St. Paul on Wednesday, June 29. Fr. Scott will lead a Holy Communion service at 6 pm. at the church.
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