3.28.2023 PBPC Family Bulletin
PBPC Family,
During Sunday's sermon discussion, we further explored how the Canaanite woman persisted in asking Jesus to heal her daughter. She did not let up but kept asking, kept pursuing, kept at Jesus until he healed her daughter.
One person shared how this story reminded them of the parable of the widow and the unjust judge (Luke 18:1-8). Jesus tells the story of a woman who, in her desire for justice, kept knocking on the judges door until he finally got so fed up that he gave her what she wanted. This widow is another example of persistent prayer, of continually knocking on heaven's door until God finally responds. It is an image of perseverance in the face of silence and a thousand "no's".
I've been thinking of this parable as we are grieving yet another school shooting, this time in Nashville. 6 people have died, three of them children. It's been less than a year since the Uvalde shooting and a week since the shooting at a school in Denver. School shootings, unfortunately, are becoming common events in our country.
I'm deeply heartbroken over the loss of innocent lives, especially children. I am angry that this continues to happen in our country and our government officials do nothing. I am tired of this same cycle repeating itself over and over again. I am scared that this may soon happen in our community, and God forbid, to those we know and love. At times, I feel hopeless, that this will never change.
How long, O Lord? How long?
I feel like that widow, constantly knocking on the door late into the night, crying out for justice. And though it seems like we continue to be met with silence, may this widow and Canaanite woman give us the courage and hope to keep asking, keep knocking, keep praying for an end to gun violence, not just in our country but in our world.
May God comfort those who are grieving, especially those parents who have lost beloved children. May God be with those who survived the shooting and are processing this traumatic incident. May God move our leaders and officials to act to prevent further acts of violence. May God lead us to be part of reducing gun violence in our own community. And may God hear our cries and respond, putting an end to gun violence altogether.
Let us persist in prayer as God's people, never relenting until we get the justice we are seeking.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Calvin
"Jesus Rides Two Donkeys"
Matthew 21:1-11
Pastor Calvin Sodestrom
Communion Sunday: Don't forget your elements if worshipping via Zoom or a dish to share if you're coming in person.
Lectionary Readings for April 2
Lenten Book Study: Tuesdays from 7:30-8:30pm
Join us on Zoom for our Lenten Book Study on "Hope: A User's Manual," by MaryAnn McKibben Dana. Tonight we will discuss the fifth section - "The Practice of Hope" (pp.115-141). HERE is the Zoom link for tonight's meeting.
Churches Have Left Their Buildings: March 29
Each Wednesday in March from 7-8pm, we will gather with other churches for a time of prayer, education, fellowship, and food. We will meet Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church (3534 Lakeshore Ave). There's only street parking so budget a few extra minutes
Holy Week @ PBPC