08/23/2026
Pastors Moment:
Is Bee-Leaving Worth Your While?
Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. 51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” 52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. (Mark 10:46-52 NRSVue)
When we ask the question, “Can believing in your faith be costly?” many of us would take a step back and say without certain terms “Of course not!” We are so blessed to have been given so many gifts of grace from Creator that we live in this so-called “Land of Milk and Honey” where there seems to be an abundance of all we need for our human existence, but at what cost? A price for this grace of faith and belief in something or someone not seen by human eyes? Consider the story of the blind man who also has not seen grace in the eyes of Jesus, but has seen faith in his own heart. We have been exploring these past weeks our faith and has it grown or is it just so-so as we go about our days forgetting the importance of worship. We go about our days busy with so many deals and devices of our human desires that we overlook that which our faith relies upon, fellowship within your community of faith. Are you out standing in the pasture of your life and something seems amiss, something that is buzzing about to remind you that your faith is lacking something ever so important. Before you get stung it’s time to reignite your “bee-leaving” in what Jesus asks of us of our faith, worship, and fellowship. Jesus does not use the modern word “fellowship” very often, but His teachings make it clear that worship is not meant to be an isolated activity. Jesus connects worship with community, love, forgiveness, shared meals, prayer, and serving one another. “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20) This shows that Christian faith is not meant to be lived entirely alone. When believers gather in Jesus' name, Christ is present among them. Take a moment to consider that you have fulfilled the cost of your faith. Have you looked to your heart and do you find something missing? “Bee” one of the two who gathers and you just might find that what you “leave” behind is much less important in your life with Christ.
Farmers Market Mission Project: If you have not taken a moment to come by the farmers market yet, please do and see the great variety of good and fresh veggies available, but also a delicious summer time meal. You too can help out with the newest mission of our church family as we serve hotdog and brat meals as a means to raise funds for the many missions of our church family. If you would like to help out and share in this fellowship with others from our church and your community contact PAstor Dean and he can give you more information. You can also check out the sign up sheet in the Narthex of the church building. It is a great time of fellowship and fun. Help out when you can, or just come and enjoy a good meal.
Bread Distribution: Our church family has embraced the opportunity to share and break bread with our community. If you would like to help out with repacking of the bread for distribution and to help manage the tables as we share the bread with all who come. If you would like to help out and have not yet, give the church a call and we’ll share how you too can help out.
Cup of Grace. Come and join Pastor Dean and other members of our church family as we share with our community a free cup of coffee and some quality time to chat about almost anything going on in your lives. Your cares, concerns, and joys are shared. We are always looking for volunteers to come and welcome our community to share in a cup of brewed coffee, and to share a good morning to all.
