05/08/2026
5.8.26 "Chimings" from Church of the Bells
As we prepare for another weekend of worship and ministry, we hear some words from Matthew's Gospel account....
When the disciples heard it, they fell facedown and were terrified. Then Jesus came up, touched them, and said, "Get up; don't be afraid."
(Matthew 17: 6-7 HCSB)
The phrases "fear God," "fear of God," and "fear of the Lord" appear fifty-five times in the Holman Christian Standard Bible, from which today's scripture reading is drawn. While it's true that fear implies an element of strong respect for God, in many cases in scripture, it's an actual terror of the Lord's holiness and power.
Matthew 17 describes Jesus' transfiguration, when He granted Peter, James, and John a preview of His coming glory. That must have inspired awe: Jesus, accompanied by the long-ago prophets Moses and Elijah, "was transformed in front of them, and His face shone like the sun. Even His clothes became as white as the Light" (verse 2 HCSB). But when God's voice from heaven silenced Peter's babbling about erecting tents for Jesus and the prophets, the disciples fell on their faces in abject fear.
Jesus' response for them is the same as he has for us: "Don't be afraid." The fearsome God of the universe proved His love by sending Jesus to die for our sins (Romans 5:8). And when we follow Jesus by faith, however imperfectly, we are "blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavens" (Ephesians 1:3 HCSB). So remember to fear.... but don't be afraid.
Jesus, thank You for making Your Father my Father as well. Now I don't have to be afraid! Amen.
+++ On Sunday we will gather once again for worship at 8:30am and 10:00am. We will be celebrating not only the 6th Sunday of Easter, but also Mother's Day! In worship we'll continue hearing from Jesus' words to his disciples on the last night he would spend with them and his assurance never to leave them alone. My message is entitled, "Jesus Will Never Leave Us" and I am thinking about all the ways Jesus demonstrates to us that he accompanies us always. Come and join me as I think this through, please. There will be great special music at each of our worship services on Sunday and we will save you a seat! We also continue our "live streaming" on the church's FaceBook page and "uploading" the recorded worship on our YouTube channel, as well. However you can join us, we can't wait to see you in worship on Sunday!
+++ On Tuesday our Finance Team will meet at 6:00pm in the Fireside Room and then our Administrative Council meeting follows at 6:45pm. We hope to see you all at these important meetings next week!
+++ Each Wednesday morning we gather for Coffee With the Pastor at 9:30am in the Fireside Room. Great conversation and fellowship is always available (along with a good cup of coffee or tea)!
+++ Next Saturday, May 16th is the plant sale offered by the Cornell Cooperative Extension's Master Gardeners group. The sale starts at 9:00am.....so be here early for the best assortment of plants for your summer gardens.
+++ Have you signed up yet to help with the Highway cleanup project after worship on May 17th? Many hands make light work and a luncheon will be offered here as well! Please sign up on the white board today!
+++ Mark your calendars to attend a new gathering of our Prayer for Peace group which meets on Tuesday night, May 19th at 6:30pm in the Fireside Room. We will join together to pray for peace in our lives and in the world. We hope to see you there!
Make this day a great day and always be fearful but never afraid! Pastor Jack
