How are you doing these days? News is seemingly only about division and violence. The economy is horrible. Social media feeds only represent the absolutely perfect, which is impossible, or the absolutely horrible, which, too, is impossible. Many people I know are tired, if not downright exhausted—physically, mentally, spiritually. 

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The bad news overload is hard to overcome.

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But…do you remember? The stories that speak most specifically about Jesus are found in the gospels. The gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The gospels are the first 4 books of the Greek or New Testament. Here we find Jesus’ teachings and parables. In these books, we read of his miracles. The gospels tell of Jesus going to/being with the Gentiles, the tax collectors, the lepers, the prostitutes, the poor, the sick—you know, the excluded and downtrodden and abused and bullied and despised people of their day. In the words of these writers, we hear Jesus speak of love and grace and peace and life and new life. Jesus challenges those who will call on his name and God’s to live as he lived. Right there in the gospels.

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The word gospel means good news. 

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This faith we have inherited is not about doom and gloom. It is about Jesus. Our faith does not call us to judge and condemn. We are called to live like Jesus.  The world might thrive on sharing bad news, but we who call ourselves Christians are called to share the good news of Jesus.

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On the first Sunday of October we will participate in World Communion Sunday, reminding ourselves of the connectedness of Jesus’ followers, best found ar table. Good news. The rest of October will be stewardship. Our theme reminds us that we are Called to be Generous (C2BG)—with prayer and time and talent and treasure. And, believe it or not, this is good news because we are spiritually connecting with God and promising to use all we have to live like Jesus. To live like gospel people. To live good news. 

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See you soon!

Peace,

Kelly