Barriers to Love

Roger here this week enjoying the snow and cold weather. Mary Jo and I have already burned through a few logs on the fireplace, trekked the snow-packed park next to the church, and savored a cup of coffee or two. These are memory-makers that remind us of seasons and the beauty each brings. I love this time of year for its uniqueness. Of course, I'm looking forward to the colors of Spring just around the corner, too.

"Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love." - 1 John 4:7-8

These verses are the first verses I memorized through song. Maybe you know the medley and just sang it as you read it. Maybe not. I learned it KJV-style like this:

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God, and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love....Beloved, let us love one another...1 John 4:7-8."

I learned from an early age the importance of loving God with all that I am. As I grew into my teen years and then into young adulthood, I began to place barriers in front of that love. These self-imposed barriers create a void that lasts for many years if we are not diligent in recognizing them and removing them. We must begin to release and trust.

In my message for Sunday, we will take a look a three barriers to love as we gain wisdom from John's gospel, chapter 4. Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well provides the framework. I invite you to read ahead and come ready to explore God's love as we worship Him this Sunday. We will sing a few familiar hymns, read Scripture, and encourage each other in fellowship.

NOTE:  Our Sunday service continues to meet at 9:30am, with two options for participating.

1. Attend our live "in-person" gathering.  No reservations are required and we will continue to follow all necessary COVID guidelines.  Please wear a mask so we can keep everyone safe and healthy!
2. We value our online church community and will continue to livestream our church service at 9:30am for those who wish to participate. 

NOTE:  For the month of February, our "after-church" zoom gathering will be joining our discipleship class titled, "Resolving Everyday Conflict".  See below for information on the class.  To receive a book, please email: roger.sharp@parksidefellowship.org

Sunday Mornings in February: “Resolving Everyday Conflict”
10:45-11:45am
You will need a copy of the book “Resolving Everyday Conflict” and your Bible.
In-person and Zoom options 
Link for zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84125779768
 
We all encounter conflict - whether it be with a coworker, family member, friend, or complete stranger. And yet we all desire harmony in our relationships. Resolving Everyday Conflict is a practical, biblical, and concise guide to peacemaking in everyday life.  This biblical guide written by Ken Sande and Kevin Johnson will take you far beyond simply ending conflicts. Instead, true, life-changing reconciliation can take place in your relationships.

Topics that will be covered include:

• understand where conflict originates
• take a biblical view of conflict
• own your role in a conflict
• offer forgiveness and arrive at reasonable solutions

 
Finally, attached is our weekly prayer list.
 
See you Sunday!

Pastor Roger