June 2023

Pastor’s Note and Intro to Knox News:

Belonging.

Have you ever wondered where you fit?

Have you ever entered a place where everyone else seems at ease and familiar with the surroundings, but you feel alone, even in the crowd?

In all our coming and going as a family of faith at John Knox, we place a high priority on connections – connecting with God, each other, and our neighbors near and far.

We place a high priority on creating space for people to form and flourish through shared practices of worship, service, truth-telling, vulnerability, peacemaking, accountability, and eating, singing, laughing, crying together.

In our life together we cultivate the belonging, imagination and collaborative connection that addresses our deepest longings.

This vision emerges in and through Christ who said,

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, 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.”   Matthew 11:28-30

I often use these words from Jesus when inviting our community to the Lord’s Supper. There are times when I pause, looking out, because I know so many are craving a sense of belonging and inclusion. So many are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and so many need a little rest.

So we’re going to stay with this passage through the summer months.

We will be talking about Jesus inviting us into relationship and caring for our weariness, burdens, and rest.

We will be talking about our connection to Jesus and learning the unforced rhythms of grace.

We will be talking about the gentle and humble nature of Jesus and our invitation to receive the rest He provides and assurance that we belong.

You belong. Don’t wonder if you have do this alone or figure it out by yourself. Come, develop your connections at John Knox and “Get Plugged In.” 

Tom