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Everywhere We Go - God
 Neil Armstrong died this last week. For those of us who were born in the last half of the 20th century, we all remember being glued to the TV in the summer of 1969 to watch the impossible: men walking on the moon.
My friend, Steve, sent me an interesting account of something else that happened on the moon that historic day--something I didn't know. It comes from an article by Josh Graves. Below are portions of Mr. Graves' article:
"Armstrong's fellow astronaut, Buzz Aldrin, was an elder in a Presbyterian Church in Houston. Aldrin wanted to mark the occasion as a tribute to God, the Creator, and as a blessing for the rest of the world. After consulting his minister, he decided the sacrament of Communion would be the most appropriate.
During a break in the hoopla and conversation with the rest of the U.S., Aldrin took out the bread and the wine. He received the meal Jesus had instituted two thousand years prior, when no one could have possibly imagined space travel. Aldrin read the words of Jesus, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." Jn. 15:5 He also read Psalm 8: "You have set your glory in the heavens....When I consider the heavens, the works of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have set in place. Who are we that you are mindful of us, human beings that you care for us?"
The first food ever consumed, the bread. The first liquid, wine.
In Aldrin's own words: "It's interesting to think that some of the first words spoken on the moon were the words of Jesus Christ, who made the earth and the moon - and who, in the immortal words of Dante, is himself the 'Love that moves the Sun and other stars.'"
When these sacred moments come into your life, what do you do? How do you respond?
Bread and wine, a table, a thankful heart. Jesus is already present in those moments. The bread and wine remind us, embodying this eternal truth down to the tips of our toes. Or to the edges of the universe.
The Love of God holds all things together. 250,000 miles from home, Aldrin knew that God was all around--in each moment, on the moon, in the bread and in the wine. I like to imagine Neil Armstrong remembering this in his final hour. I like to think all of us might do the same.
Like the prophet Jonah of the Jewish Scriptures, Aldrin and Armstrong learned what he already knew: There's nowhere you can go that God isn't."
(taken from an article by pastor & writer, Josh Graves, Finding God on the Moon)
What a comfort to know that there's nowhere we can go that God isn't. I would add this beautiful from Psalms 139:7-12:
"Where could I go from Your Spirit? Or where could I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend up into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.
If I take the wings of the morning or dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there shall Your hand lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.
If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me and the night shall be the only light around me,
Even the darkness hides nothing from You, but the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You."
See you this week,
Greg
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THIS WEEK
Sunday, September 9: Fellowship of Followers
Followers, our journey through Penetrating the Darkness continues. Bring your book. I promise this time we will have an interactive discussion about what we learned in the last few chapters. Be sure you bring your questions, comments, and experiences to share. We have a new place to meet for the Fall. Debbie has offered to open her home for our next several meetings. She is easy to find at 9038 W Adam Avenue, Peoria (near 91st Ave. just south of Deer Valley Rd.) Google Map it or call Debbie for directions at 623-329-5333.
Monday, September 10: Women's Study Gayle will host the next women's study at her home. This study is about women of the Bible. Meet at 7:00 PM to learn about Rahab. Please read Joshua 2 and Joshua 6:15-25. Try to be on time. There is a lot to cover and a few surprises! Call Gayle for directions: 602-822-4435
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ON-GOING MINISTRIES
DivorceCare: Wednesday Evenings, 6:30 PM
Community Church of Joy
21000 N 75th Ave
Glendale
If you are going through a divorce or have unfinished emotions and feelings regarding a past divorce, come for this series of videos that can help you heal and move forward. This is a safe small group setting with others who have gone through the same thing. Call Jerry for more info at 623-972-7651.
Healing from Loss: Beginning this Fall
This 12-week grief recovery workshop involves reading, reflection, homework and sharing. The next workshop will begin this fall. Please call Greg if you'd like to discuss the workshop or wish to sign up: 602-622-1488.
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