Pastor’s Corner – October 10, 2024
Dear Beloved,
How are you in this new season of autumn? Are there any particular ways we can be praying with you as we journey together in the ways of Jesus? Purple is not the color that comes to mind when I think of autumn, but it is one of the colors that comes up often in the Bible that we have not yet explored in our journey of enjoying some of God’s colors as a way of meditating or engaging in a spiritual practice. When doing a search on www.biblegateway.com, purple came up 51 times - mostly in the Hebrew scriptures or Old Testament. When I think of purple in the context of Friedens United Church of Christ - the liturgical seasons of Lent and Advent to mind - but we’ll save those for other pastor’s notes. The grapes turned to grape juice or wine for the sharing of communion also come to mind - but we’ll save those for another time as well.
For me, the Bible passage that comes to my heart is about a woman in the early church. You can find her story in the book of Acts. I remember learning about her as a kid in Sunday school and doing fun activities with purple cloth. My childhood self enjoyed hearing about this woman who responded to the good news of Jesus’ love by offering hospitality and encouragement. I pray that perhaps you will feel the extravagant welcome of Jesus and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit when you see the color purple in coming days. May you find rest and quiet in the wonder of God’s splendid array of colors - those painted in trees and in sunrises and sunsets, those on your plate at meal times, those decorating the spaces you encounter, those you create with, those that give you comfort, those that energize you, those who give you time for reflection and offer you hope in the Maker of the heavens and earth who loves you more that you can ever fully imagine!
With gratitude,
Sarah
From Acts 16 - 13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.
And
40 After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.
