YOU BELONG.

St. David's Episcopal Church | The Rev. Frank Allen | 8.27.2015

"For though we are many, we are one body in Christ and belong to one another"
Romans 12:5
Dear People of St. David's,

I pray that you are well and are getting excited about the new year of mission and ministry at St. David's. Kick-Off Sunday is September 13th, with the summer hours still in place. We encourage you all to dress casually for worship, as the All-Parish Picnic follows. It's going to be a great year for St. David's: the continuation of the 300th anniversary celebrations, the completion of the new space, and a theme about God's call on our lives - promising us all opportunities for some deepening in our lives with God.
 
We are blessed to belong to a church community. And we do belong - all of us. You belong. You belong not because of your abilities, commitment, age, nor color, but because God has called you to be here. You belong because God wants us to be together as His community in the world - a community of grace and love and welcome. You belong and that's important to hold in mind when you feel a little distant or are struggling in life. You belong and because you do, you are called to welcome others to know that they belong, too.
 
The Bible readers who are taking on the Bible in 90 days challenge have reached a place of difficulty in the life of God's people. The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah tell the story of returning to Jerusalem after the exile. The people are working to rebuild the temple and the city of Jerusalem. They are also wrestling with rebuilding the community and deciding who belongs. Unfortunately, they choose to include only those who can prove a genetic connection to the Jewish tradition. Faith in God is not enough to belong. Families are broken up. Persons committed to God through their faith and life are sent away. The city's gates are literally closed and locked to anyone who can't prove their heritage. It is a heartbreaking moment in the history of God's people.
 
God has other ideas, of course. We belong to Him and one another because that is God's intention. We are most in God's image when we are connected to one another - all of us. And when we are separated out or are part of separating others away from us, then we are not engaged in God's work in the world.
 
So when you come this Sunday, or any day (come check out the new space!), remember that you belong by God's choosing. And once you take hold of that, look around and introduce yourself to someone you may not know. They belong, too.

Grace and Peace.
 
Frank Allen

WORSHIP SCHEDULE
 
Sunday, August 30, 2015

8:00am & 5:00pm | Church

10:00am | Chapel
 

Regular worship begins on September 20th

8:00am, 11:15am & 5:00pm | Church

9:15am | Chapel 

St. David's Episcopal Church
763 South Valley Forge Road | Wayne, PA 19087
610.688.7947