July 2023

Pastor’s Note and Intro to Knox News:

Dear John Knox Family and Friends, 

This summer we are focusing on the theme of “Belonging” in our series “Getting Plugged In” with the passage from Matthew 11:28-30 at the center of our theme.  

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 

This all begins with Jesus’ invitation to “Come to me.”  Jesus’ voice is one of love and welcome.  It encourages us and comforts us when we respond, but we must respond. Staying in one place is not an option; we need to move toward Jesus.  

One of the ways that John Knox is responding to Jesus’ invitation to “Come to me” is to deepen our connection to our community by taking our worship service to a new location. We are not staying in one place. On August 6th, our normal Sunday morning worship service will not be in the Sanctuary, but at  Sycamore Shelter in the Rocky River Reservation in Fairview Park. Here we will find God, celebrating beyond our church doors new ways of “belonging”, connecting with nature and neighborhood. We do not know what this will bring or who we will meet, yet we do know that God has created us for community and connection. Let us live into our calling with courage and love as we respond to Jesus’ invitation.  

“Come to me.”

John Knox Worship Staff