A Message from Pastor Kaji

We had phenomenal Pride worship! Thank you so much for the beautiful spirit of inclusivity and love that you brought to all celebrating this month. Special gratitude to C. Anthony and Stephanie for their careful planning and attention to these services. If you missed them, I highly encourage you to take a look at the services from June 23 and June 30 on our YouTube channel. 

Looking ahead to this coming Sunday, in our text from John we encounter a profound moment of both divine revelation and human struggle. After witnessing the miraculous multiplication of loaves and fish, the people were ready to crown Jesus as their king. They saw in him the fulfillment of their hopes and expectations, the prophet who was to come into the world. But in a surprising twist, Jesus withdrew to the mountain by himself.

This act of withdrawal can resonate deeply with many of us. As you prepare for worship in your devotions, I encourage you to consider the question: have you ever felt distant from God? Like God is on a mountain, far away? 

We will explore this and so much more, together. I can’t wait to see you!
 

Pax Christi,

Pastor Kaji

SCRIPTURE
John 6:14–20 (Year B, p. 229):
 
14 When the people saw the sign that Jesus had done [multiplying the loaves and fish], they said, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.” 15 When Jesus realized that they were about to kidnap him in order to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

16 And when it was evening, his disciples went down to the sea. 17 And they boarded a boat and headed across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea surged; a strong wind was blowing. 19 When they had rowed about twenty-five stadia [three or four miles], they saw Jesus walking upon the sea and coming near the boat and they were terrified. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; be not afraid.”