Does it show?

It’s not enough to attend church every Sunday; you have to act. –Abbe Pierre


Summer is drawing to a close. The tinkly music of the ice cream truck is giving way to the growl and groan of school buses. Children (of all ages) trade in flip flops and tube tops for “real” clothes. It never fails: Nature sends off one last blast of summer heat before the crisp chill of autumn creeps in.

Our routine at Church in the Circle changes, as well. Our casual worship in the air-conditioned comfort of the Great Hall draws to a close as we prepare to return to the Sanctuary upstairs, where some might say “real” church happens.

And in between, that connecting Sunday lovingly known as Rally Day: casual worship outside on the lawn, and hot dogs after. We dare to storm the walls—out—where the world will see us and hear us in all our celebration and imperfection. Letting people see us and hear us makes them wonder, perhaps, if there is a place for them. If they might belong in this community.

But isn’t this what we are called to do and be every day? To take the love Christ has shown each of us and bring it—joyfully, imperfectly—in to the world to remind others that they, too, are loved and welcomed?

When was the last time someone saw you, someplace other than church and thought, “I want what she’s got! Look at his love light shine”?

Better question: when will be the next time? 

This week: some different ways of reading the same old words, from The Message. Read. Compare it to your "usual" Bible. Pray. Let it show.

Monday Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. Romans 12:9-10

Tuesday Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Romans 12:14-16

Wednesday Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. Philippians 4:6-7

Thursday Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Romans 12:17

Friday Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. 1 Peter 4:7

 Saturday If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. 2 Corinthians 4:7

Sunday Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Philippians 4:4

If I had to choose between a wounded church that goes out on the streets and a sick, withdrawn church, I would definitely choose the first one. –Pope Francis


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