“Surviving Through These Times” by The Rev. Kaji Douša

Dear Ones:Once again, news in our country has shaken the ground on which we stand.

And, quite frankly, it has shaken up my reading of this week’s text. I’d originally planned to talk to you about doubt. And I will, though it won’t be my chief focus.

Instead, this week, I’m going to focus on bodies.

Our text is quite visceral. It is fleshy. As are we.

One thing that has become incredibly clear to me is that ministry, church, community in these times MUST give us the tools to find safety, to survive and thrive while many other things collapse around us. This is God’s intention for each of our lives. I want us to treat this work to survive and thrive as holy, relevant and anointed.

To this end, you’ll notice me getting quite practical in my preaching in the weeks to come. I want you to walk away equipped. God has put us on this journey together, and what a privilege it is for us to serve you in this way.

Join us as we honor these beautiful bodies God has given us.

I can’t wait to see you on Sunday – online or in person.

God bless you through these times,
Pastor Kaji

Scripture: John 20:24-29 (Year W)

24 But Thomas, one of the twelve who was called Didymus (the Twin) was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Messiah.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
26 And within eight days his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, though the doors were shut, and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you all.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands. Bring your hand and put it in my side and do not doubt, rather believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, saying, “My Savior and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Was it because you have seen me that you believed? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”