Where it Hurts

Paula Modersohn-Becker, The Good Samaritan, 1907.  

Because he was still recovering from having an ingrown toenail removed by the podiatrist, I spared my youngest son the walk home from school yesterday. Arriving a few minutes before closing bell at his school, I noticed another parent in their SUV waiting to pick up their child. Actually, what caught my eye was the condition of one of the  rear tires. It was flat. I got out of my car and walked over to the driver and asked if she was aware that her tire was flat. She was shocked, and for a moment, in disbelief. She got out and walked around the back of her vehicle where I showed her the flat tire.  And then, she thanked me. "Glad it didn't do that last night when I was driving home from the airport!" she said. "Yes", I said, "better here than almost anywhere. Look on the bright side, it's only flat on the bottom."

By that time, our children were released from their day at school and help was soon on the way.

What impressed me about that encounter was how grateful the mom seemed that I simply took a moment to talk to her and point out the flat tire. And while this may not be the best example, at least it is a current one of meeting people in the midst of their struggle. The Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 is a better example.

Over the next four weeks, I invite you to read and study this parable with me and others in the Adult Faith Formation Class (Sundays at 8:45 AM). We'll consider together the importance of being willing to meet our neighbor in need. What is involved in reaching out to those around us? How can we do this more effectively, faithfully, and intentionally? What is evangelism and outreach ministry? And, by the way, there is more to the story of the mom and her flat tire. I'll share that with you on Sunday.

Where does it hurt? Answering this question is critical to meaningful and substantive evangelism. The Gospel is not icing on the cake; it's balm for healing and hope. So, take a moment to invite someone to join you this Sunday at this first of four classes. All are welcome. No experience necessary!

_______________

Here is a song to enjoy from Molly Skaggs:

The Acts of the Holy Spirit Through the Apostles
In case you want a head's up on the current sermon series during these Sundays of Easter, here is an outline. The first readings each Sunday from Acts of the Apostles will be the primary preaching text. Take some time to read along in preparation for each Sunday by reading not just the designated passage, but the entire book of Acts.

Second Sunday of Easter,   April 28, 2019
Acts 5:27-32

Peter has been arrested for proclaiming the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection. 

His response to the charges of the high priest summarizes the early church’s proclamation of forgiveness of sin through repentance.

Third Sunday of Easter,  May 5, 2019

Acts 9:1-6 [7-20]

Each of us has a story of meeting God’s grace. Saul (later called Paul) was an ardent persecutor of all who followed the Way of Christ. This reading recounts the story of his transformation, beginning with an encounter with Jesus Christ on the way to Damascus.

Fourth Sunday of Easter,  May 12, 2019

Acts 9:36-43

Dorcas was a faithful and devoted woman of charity in the community of Joppa. Her kindness and her work with clothing was well-known, especially to the widows in town. When she fell ill and died, Peter raised her back to life through the power of prayer.

Fifth Sunday of Easter,  May 19, 2019

Acts 11:1-18

In defense of his earlier baptism of pagan believers, Peter demonstrates to the members of the Jerusalem church that God’s intention to love Gentiles as well as Jews is revealed in Jesus’ own testimony. In this way the mission to the Gentiles is officially authorized.

Sixth Sunday of Easter,  May 26, 2019

Acts 16:9-15

A vision compels Paul to move his ministry into Greece. There he meets Lydia, an important person in the business community, whose heart has been opened by God to receive the gospel. Her conversion and baptism provide the impetus for the founding of the church at Philippi

Seventh Sunday of Easter,  June 2, 2019

Acts 16:16-34

The owners of a slave-girl who used her powers to tell fortunes threw Paul and Silas into jail for “healing” her and, consequently, ruining their business. In prison, Paul and Silas bring the good news of the gospel to the jailer and his family.