Ministry Updates for Tuesday, June 2nd, 2020
Return to In-Person Worship
We are planning to return to in-person worship on July 12th. The service time will be at 9:00 am. We will continue our Facebook Live Worship indefinitely, but it will be moved to 11:00 am on July 12th. This return date decision was based on the responses we received from the survey many of you participated in.
Scripture for Reflection – Mark 9:20-21
And they brought the boy to Jesus. When the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “If you are able!—All things can be done for the one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
Reflection – Closer Relationships – Part II of III – Vulnerability
Monday, we spoke of building closer relationships through listening with the intent to understand. Another way to build close relationships is through speaking our vulnerabilities. These two practices together are a powerful way to build and maintain relationships.
One of the most vulnerable moments we can have is when we fear for the well-being of our children. Most parents know this experience. The father could not find someone to cure his son. He went to Jesus for help. Jesus said, ‘All things can be done for the one who believes’.
The cool part of this story to me is the father did not try to trick Jesus, or talk about how much community service he did, or how much money he gave to his synagogue, or even talk about how he was not a stranger to prayer. His desperation made him crystal clear about the situation; ‘I believe; help my unbelief’. How many of us pray, and still doubt?
Brene Brown is a researcher who speaks about the power of vulnerability and who wrote a book by that title. She speaks of how most people perceive vulnerability as a weakness. So ‘the power of vulnerability’ sounds like a contradiction in terms. But vulnerability has the power to open doors which lead to closer relationships. Confessing our weakness seems to draw out the compassion in others. Sharing our failures tells both us and the world, ‘this hurts, but it is not fatal.’ Being vulnerable connects us in the challenge of navigating this world as a flawed being.
Is there something you would like to share with someone important to you, but it never seems to be the right time? Or maybe you are afraid they will not understand? Know we all lug around flaws and do not put them on display. But it doesn’t need to be this way. Have a little belief in God, yourself, and others. And know you can ask God to help your unbelief.
Prayer
God of relationships, Jesus who came into the world to connect with us, give us courage to not hide our weakness, our fears, or even our dreams. Help us be vulnerable with those who are important to us, so we may be made strong. We believe, Lord. Help our unbelief. Amen.