A Message From Bob Henderson 
Friday, Jan. 15, 2016
Dear friends:
 
Neither Jews nor Christians have quite known what to do with the biblical book from which we'll take our primary reading this week. One commentator suggests that Song of Songs is a "series of poems that unabashedly celebrates bodies, including breasts and groins and hands and lips and eyes and ears and, well, just about everything." In other words, it's a series of canticles that runs cartwheels over young love. In fact, nowhere does the book even mention God.
 
Now that I have your attention, let me tell you why we're reading from this small book nestled between two justice-oriented prophets. After much consideration (and with some trepidation) we're launching a sermon series on the topic of marriage. My reasons for delay were legion: will single people feel included (I certainly hope so!); will people assume it's political/social commentary (I certainly hope not!); and how do I speak honestly amidst the wide experiences of marriage in a congregation like ours (it's proving to be a real challenge!). Yet, I decided to do so because beneath all of today's rhetoric on the subject lies the innate human desire for intimacy, for life shared with another human being, and the privilege of traveling a long road together. And, after 27 years of my own marriage, I know it's alternately thrilling and difficult, poignant and mundane, and every one of us needs all the help we can get.
 
I hope you'll come. I promise it will be practical, honest, and biblical. Who knows, it might even be enjoyable! In the meantime, find a quiet place away from the kids to read this (Song of Solomon 2-3)

Warmly,

Bob Henderson's Signature

Bob Henderson, senior minister

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