REV. RYAN'S FAREWELL AND SERMON REFLECTION

On behalf of Sandy and myself, I offer a huge "Thank you!" for a fantastic Sunday and Pot-Luck frivolities and cheer. Y'all are an amazing, faithful, fun, devoted and kind-hearted Church and you have certainly blessed my heart as I have served alongside you in the past several months. The Lord will continue to have good things in store for you. . . and I am grateful to have been a part of the ministry of this church for such a time as this.

This past Sunday, we also spent sometime in ACT IV of the Godstory. . . and yes, the ACT is all about Jesus! And I invited us to stand alongside the NSM (the newly-sighted man) of John chapter 9 and receive and hear the blessings and promises of Jesus as Jesus talked about being a Shepherd and the "way" (gate) to abundant life (John 10:10).  We talked of life in the A.S.P. (the Altadore Sheep Pen) and though we acknowledged that it wasn't always neat and tidy, it's a place where we can cultivate and nurture affection and loving support. 

We don't do this in our own strength! We pour out affection and loving support as the Spirit of Jesus pours affection and loving support into our lives. Jesus consoles and companions with us and promises that nothing will overwhelm us. . . for no one will snatch us out of the hands of Jesus (John 10:28). 

So. . . this week, know that you are nurtured and cared for! Keep on reflecting upon and drawing encouragement from the images of Psalm 23 (see the FNV version attached) and if the "breath prayer" that we learned on Sunday is meaningful, keep on praying it and breathing it!

May we behold ourselves and others. . . with loving kindness and faithful care.

Peace be with you!
Rev. Ryan