Table Talk Newsletter

Pastor’s Letter

Grace and peace to you in the name of our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In our Sunday morning worship, we recently celebrated the Reformation occurring in the 16th century. In addition, in Sunday worship, we envisioned what the time ahead will be and how we can participate in helping make the Kingdom a reality. There have been numerous reformations in the Christian church but this one in 16th century was extremely influential in shaping and forming – REFORMING – the way people did church – how they worshipped and also how they lived out their beliefs. People took to heart that identifying one-self as a Christian, to own and claim that identity, meant rendering to God one’s whole being. Their actions and behaviors extended beyond Sunday and permeated how they lived in society. Many protestant faith traditions of today are a direct result of the countless reformers speaking up and speaking out during this time.

Often we think of the Reformation as a defined period in history, with defined start-stop dates. But the Re-Formation has been occurring throughout history, though during some periods the re-forming may have been rather quiet – not much action. Some would even say the reformation was dormant. But when God broke into the world in the form of Jesus, the real reformation began – and has continued to this day. Though things may have been quiet – a seed in the ground, though not visible is still a seed, and life at the cellular level, the cellular transformation – re-formation, is occurring. In the same way, the words of the prophets, the wisdom of the saints, the blood of the martyrs, power of the Holy Spirit stirring in our souls is still ever present and has not gone away. Reformation occurred, is occurring, and will continue until time is no more. The re- forming of the church is an unfolding of Gods almighty plan. We are participants in the unfolding, not simply puppets where God pulls the strings, not simply spectators watching it all go by, but active participants helping bring about the Kingdom.

We are who we are today because of constant and continuous re-forming. Our behaviors and attitudes, by God grace, have continued to be re-formed as we grow in relationship to beloved God and neighbor. We continue to grow and learn, as we are accompanied by God on our journey. Our call to discipleship is constantly unfolding as we are formed and re-formed. We all as children of God are always being re-formed and made new. Praise God.

Salam, Shalom, Peace,
Pastor Raymond