When Peter and John arrive at a temple entrance in Jerusalem, they encounter “a man crippled since birth” begging on the front steps. Every time I read this passage, I’m struck by one detail: they stop at the man and stare at him and then, they command him, “Look at us!” I always thought that this felt a little harsh. I mean, the guy is clearly already down and they want to push him around too? Even with this thought, I wonder if what Peter and John were actually trying to do was restore dignity to this sibling in the faith. After all, if God’s intentions are for us to be fully alive and wholly restored to community, does begging on the front steps of the temple really meet that standard? I believe Peter and John knew that there was something more that God wanted for this man, and so they extended an invitation to him for a different path forward; one in which this man is not an object of pity but a full participant in community. This week in worship, we’ll take time to reflect on what it means to be healed and how we might uniquely be agents of healing by the power of God’s transformative love. We’ll also have an opportunity to practice some of that communal participation through our Community Sunday meal, so be sure to sign up to bring a salad fixing and plan to stick around after worship!
Faithfully,
Pastor Emily
Open Door Legal Gala 2023
We are celebrating a “Decade of Access” with our partners at Open Door Legal! We are so proud of their vital work in expanding universal access to legal help into even more neighborhoods in San Francisco. (Download our app and go to Resources to check out our Lenten prayer walks to hear some of what they’ve been up to!) In the last year alone, ODL has served over 966 families. You’re invited to join City Church leaders and staff at SOMArts on Wednesday, June 21st for a night of stories, celebration, delicious food, and drinks. Register or donate to Open Door Legal here.
COMMUNITY MISCELLANY
Be sure to validate your parking on Sundays before returning to your car!
We’re on Spotify! Check out our worship playlists - This Sunday and Worship Catalog
June 18 | Community Sunday - Salad Bar Edition
Members, don’t forget to nominate someone for the Elder Board! (LAST DAY IS TOMORROW!)
- Follow, Like or Subscribe to us online atYOUTUBE, IG, TWITTER, FACEBOOK.
