Between now and Reformation Day (which is always the last Sunday in October) we’ll be focusing on giving thanks to God in our liturgy. The Bible has a great deal to say about thanking and praising God for all sorts of reasons…

When you hear the word “apocalypse” you probably think of something terrible happening. “The complete and final destruction of the world.” is the first definition my computer’s dictionary gives for the word. But that’s actually not what the word used to mean.

A couple of weeks ago we read Gen 34, which includes a story about the sexual assault of Dinah, Jacob’s only daughter. Following this attack, her 11 brothers (Benjamin isn’t born yet) pursue a vicious plot of vengeance on the town. In the end they kill all the men of the city and take their wives and children into captivity.

As we enter the Summer, the spiritual focus of our liturgy and our scripture readings is on growth. This is the traditional theme of the season of Pentecost, or “ordinary time.” Obviously, it parallels what’s going on in the world around us, as plants and crops grow and bear fruit. Growth is a basic expectation God has for each of us.

Then Jesus says this: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt 5:14-16)

We’ll divide Pentecost Season into 4 unique focuses: the Holy Spirit, Growth, Discipleship and Gratitude. All four of these are parts of the over-arching theme of growth as disciples, followers of Jesus.