“Hope and Refreshment” by The Rev. Kaji Douša
Dearly Beloved,
What an incredible celebration of Carl Buckland’s life we’ve had. Thank you. Thank you for the ways in which you have shown up for Carl, for Hillary, for Tony, for the family, for everyone touched by his incredible life. The words and spirit offered in the sanctuary, at the funeral home and at the graveside are a fitting attestation to the power of Carl’s love and spirit. Carl taught us and modeled for us what it means to follow Jesus, to truly love Jesus! Now he is with his Lord and always with us. Amen to that.
I write today in the hope that you are receiving hope and refreshment in these last few weeks of summer! As the days begin to shorten, I pray that you are able to lengthen your respite by living in God’s time – Kairos Time – and in God’s light, which never shortens, ceases or ends. Hallelujah for the Alpha and the Omega!
This is our final week of preparation for my trial, which begins on Monday. Please continue to remember me in your prayers! My testimony begins around noon EDT on Monday. If you might set some time in your calendar to mark the moment with God – know that I covet and appreciate your praying for me! And, as you pray, do know that I am praying for you. You mean the world to me.
We look forward to having you in church in these coming weeks, in person and online at 11 am (and online thereafter).
God bless you in this time, and see you soon!
Pax Christi,
Pastor Kaji
Scripture: Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 (ILB)
1 Continue to love each other as sisters and brothers.
2 Don’t neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
3 Keep in mind those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them. And be mindful of those who are being treated badly, since you know what they are enduring.
4 Let marriage be honored by everyone, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled, for God will judge covenant breakers and adulterers.
5 Put the love of money out of your lives and be content with what you have, for God has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” 6 Thus we may say with confidence,
“God is my Helper,
and I will not be afraid;
what can mere humans do to me?”
7 Remember your leaders, who preached the Word of God to you, and as you reflect on the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith. 8 Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.
15 Through Jesus let us continually offer God a sacrifice of praise—that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge God’s Name.
16 Keep doing good works and sharing your resources. These are the sacrifices that please God.