July 8, 2023

Dear Road Church Friends,

Barbara and I have just returned from the Annual Meeting and Conference which was held in Milwaukee this year. Its theme was “The Daring Endeavor of Being Church.” Its presentations and workshops were about new challenges that local churches all across the nation are facing in our times. These large gathering are a source of encouragement because they are opportunities to share our experiences with other churches and learn from each other’s stories. Being Church today is truly a daring endeavor with its unique challenges. Jesus faced his own challenges, and his responses to them have charted a course for churches today. Sunday’s message is about what the temptations Jesus faced have to say about the challenges we face today. Gather with us for a time of prayer, praise and reflection.

SERMON: Jesus’ Daring Endeavor

SCRIPTURE:  Psalms 145:8-14

The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made. All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord. They shall speak of your glory and tell of your power, to make you known to all people. You uphold all who are weary, and raise up all who are weighed down.

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew 11:16-19, 28-30

To what will I compare this generation? You are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, ‘We played the flute, but you did not want to dance; we played a lament’, but you didn’t like that either’. John the Baptist came neither eating nor drinking, and you said, ‘He is demon-possessed’; then I came eating and drinking, and you call me a glutton and a drunkard which is a friend of tax collectors and sinners! Yet wisdom will prove me right.

So, come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

CHILDREN IN THE MARKET-PLACE

by Henry van Dyke

Like children in the market-place who weary of their play,

We turn from folly’s idle race and come to Thee today.

O Jesus, teller of the tale that never will grow old,

Thy words of living truth prevail our listening hearts to hold.

Tell us that life is not a game, but real and brave and true,

A journey with a glorious aim, a quest to carry through.

Tell us that though our wills are week and though we children be,

The everlasting good we seek we can attain through Thee. 

Blessing to you all,

Pastor Norm

Michael Northup filled in for Pastor Norm this morning due to illness.
This service on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/33defti5XAU?feature=share