THE PLUMB LINE...
Dear Friends,
I focused Sunday's sermon on the image of a "plumb line" from the prophet Amos (7:7-17) There is a link below if you want to listen. I brought a plumb line in to show and will make it a part of our worship space.
A plumb line is a simple tool used to determine whether or not
something is perfectly vertical-upright. There are two "plumb lines" for the Christian. First, the Word of God to which we align our lives. God has set the scriptures as a standard as to how we are to live. Second, at the moment of His Incarnation; a visible, ever present "plumb line" was established in the person and life of Jesus. Jesus shows us and teaches us how we are to live and what we are to do as his followers. In each of these images it begs the question, "Do we measure up?"
We cannot do this on our own. We still struggle with the world, the flesh and the devil. There will be moments of failure, where we sin and fall short. Our lives will sometimes be crooked and leaning away from God. But Almighty God in His mercy is gracious and forgiving and constantly calls us to a life of faithfulness. Our aspiration, our drive should be like Jesus. We do this because once we were lost and now we are found; once we were broken and now we are healed; once we were condemned now we are saved; once we were dead now we have life; all of this is because of Christ has done for us. We do not do this to earn God's favor or our salvation we do it in gratitude for the grace and love that has saved us.
I am reminded of A Prayer of Self-Dedication from the Book of Common Prayer 1979 - page 832...
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so
guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we
may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated unto you; and then use us, we
pray
you, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your
people;
through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
As we journey in faith together may this be the path we walk.
in the Mission,
Fr. Jon
A FEW THINGS...
Christian Formation Commission Meeting Monday, July 12 / 7:00pm at Canterbury
Next Vestry meeting is July 13 / 6:30pm at Canterbury
We are in recruitment mode as we move toward the "premiere" in late August with expanded Christian Formation and an additional service. We need more folks on Altar Guild; Christian Formation volunteers with our youth and children; ushers; hospitality; greeters; readers and more. If you are interested please contact Father Jon to discuss where you might plug in and contribute the mission. jon@incarnationoviedo.com or call Fr. Jon's cell 321-436-8006
For Sunday's Sermon CLICK HERE
For worship times and info Click Here
For more Incarnation News Click Here
