Second Sunday of Easter, Year B

April 23, 2006

Acts 4:32-35

Psalm 133

1 John 1:1-2:2

John 20:19-31

 

This week will be our "Annual Meeting" Sunday, which is always a challenge because I present my "Annual Report" during the morning service.  It is not my intent to eliminate the Proclamation of the Word, and yet I don't want to fabricate a connection simply for the sake of a connection.  Some years I have abandoned the lectionary for this Sunday, in order to preach a passage that more directly connects with the state of our congregation.

 

However, our Annual Meeting is typically scheduled for the first Sunday after Easter, and the lectionary utilizes passages from Acts during the weeks following Easter.  These passages about the early church generally lend themselves to an Annual Report that talks about Ecclesiology and the qualities of a healthy church.

As I contemplate the direction of our church, I think it will be beneficial for us to be reminded of the small band of disciples that had a global impact because they were willing to give up everything.  In our last board meeting, we discussed the notion that we are a "Local Church with a Global Impact."  Just as those spirit-empowered apostles were able to launch a global movement, we want to be in a position to build the Kingdom of God--here in Cape Elizabeth, Greater Portland, and all over the world.

 

Grace and Peace,

Jon