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Over the next three Sundays we will explore chapters 6-8 of St. Paul's Letter to the Romans. Paul calls us to reflect the absolute generosity of God in our daily lives. God's faithfulness is the gift that gives birth to our own faithfulness in return. 

In a certain way we reflect on Paul's theology every Sunday. One of the things I've come to appreciate about St. John's is the use of the Collect for Mission at the end of the 10:00 Eucharist. Its an unusual liturgical choice, but a wonderful way to remind us all of the gift God has given us and our sharing that gift in our lives in response.

Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on

the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within

the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit

that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those

who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for

the honor of your Name. Amen.

Jesus' saving embrace is the place of our healing, our peace, and our hope.Our mission is to proclaim God's extravagant generosity. Paul reminds us, we can't boast of our own accomplishments, but only of the enduring faithfulness of our loving God.

I invite you to read these chapters from Romans over the next several weeks and reflect on where you are experiencing the healing peace and faithfulness of God in your life. This week we will sing hymn of thanks for God's generous gift.:

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father

There is no shadow of turning with Thee

Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not

As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth

Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow

Blessings all mine with 10, 000 beside

Blessings,

Fr. Dan