The Storms of Life

Jesus says to follow his teachings is like building your house on rock - when the rains and winds and storms of life come you will survive. As we conclude our sermon series through the Sermon on the Mount it is imperative that we reflect on our lives and consider new ways to practice Jesus’ teachings.

1. Which section/theme from the Sermon on the Mount do I want to intentionally work on in my life?

2. Which section/theme from the Sermon on the Mount do we as a church community need to work on?

I invite you to re-read the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 – 7) as you ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in choosing a section to apply to your life. Take time to reflect on new ways to practice these transforming teachings. Here is a brief summary of the sections to help you as you reflect.

5.1-12 Beatitudes

5.13-16 Being salt and light in the world

5.17-20 Jesus fulfilling the Law and the Prophets

5.21-26 Dealing with anger – seeking reconciliation

5.27-30 Dealing with sexual temptation

5.33-37 Telling the truth

5.38-42 Making peace even with those who harm you

5.43-45 Loving enemies

6.1-18 Prayer practices

6.19-34 Investing in God’s reign/justice with our money, working on worry

7.1-5 Do not judge – repent and help one another

7.7-11 Loyalty to God not worldly powers

7.12 Golden rule

7.13-14 Wide and narrow gate

7.15-20 Beware of false prophets

7.21-27 Importance of practicing Jesus’ teaching

Community 

1. Check out our new website – yvpres.org. Great place to find these letters, request prayer, and donate online if you desire. If you have suggestions for additional resources you’d like on the website, please let me know.

2. Don’t grow weary of creating community - Please continue to call/text/send cards to three different members of our community to check in on each other and ask to pray with each other.

3. If you have an urgent prayer request – please call Paula Ash (925) 435 – 2859 to start the prayer chain.

4. Join the Zoom call this Sunday for our worship gathering.  Zoom is a digital platform that facilitates online group meetings. You will find an invitation to the Zoom call in your email. A reminder that every Sunday morning the Zoom link/meeting number is the same. You can always log in from a previous email. You can use your smartphone or computer to join. Please bring juice and bread to the call so that we can all share Communion together. (If you are having trouble with Zoom – please reach out to Singeh Saliki to help (405) 714 – 3641.)

5. Even as we don’t see each other in person, our church continues to have our ongoing expenses. If you are able, please mail in your offering to YVPC, 2140 Minert Rd., Concord, CA, 94518. You can also give your offering through the website yvpres.org if that is easier for you.
   

Connecting with God

1. Unfortunately, we must cancel our yearly church retreat to Zephyr Point Conference Center in Tahoe. Zephyr Point does have rooms available for individual retreats if there is interest. Check out their website for details www.zephyrpoint.org

2. Art/Faith conversation – Going to continue our discussion of the intersection of art and faith by reading Mary Oliver’s collection of poems ‘Devotion.’ Contact Pastor Matt if you are interested in joining.

3. Lament – As the number of covid-19 cases spike and we wrestle with racial justice in our society, remember the importance of lament – Use a bowl salt and a bowl of water, share with God what breaks your heart/makes you angry, sprinkling salt, like tears, into the water.

4. Use the ‘Common Prayer – A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals’ by Shane Claiborne for daily prayer and to guide our weekly worship times. You can find it online at commonprayer.net or call me and we will get one delivered to you.

Loving our neighbors

1. We are gathering food to partner with Mision Hispana de Concord. We need dried beans, white rice, cereal, spaghetti, cooking oil, and tuna. Schedule the drop off with Pastor Matt.
   

Grace and Peace, Pastor Matt 

(Please don’t hesitate to call me with any questions, concerns, or ideas of ways we can stay connected and support each other (510) 856 – 7434)