Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, ‘Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not even an extra tunic.

-Luke 9:1-3 (NRSV)

One of the questions we’re taught to ask in Seminary for counseling is: “Where is God in that for you?”

The question is meant to get at how folks are feeling about their lives in relation to God. It’s informal, it invites reflection, and it’s very personal. There’s no right answer to the question, “Where is God in that for you?”

Theology, defined, is the study of the nature of God or religious beliefs. In the Christian sense, that means the study of God through the lens of Jesus Christ. So why don’t we just set up tables and hold a bible study outside this Saturday night, from 5-7:30? If that’s what we’re supposed to be about, why not just deliver on that?

Because that’s not what life is like for most people in 2024!

For most folks you know, going to.church on Sunday is not automatic. Relying on God in times of trouble or of joy is less common than it was when we were growing up. And Jesus did not tell the disciples to sit in a building and worship God and hope that people would turn up. Not at all. Instead, he sent them out, into the community, with nothing but the clothes on their backs and the good news about God’s love.

So we meet folks where they are. And in June in New England, they’re outdoors at barbecues. Yes, we’re asking them to step onto the grounds of Pilgrim Church. But after that, we’re feeding them, talking with them, and appreciating their presence. They don’t need any inside information, and it’s not our job to “win them for Christ.” Let God do that. Just bring them here to know God’s love through God’s people.

If you can’t be with us at our BBQ, please keep us in prayer.

This Saturday the 15th, many Pilgrims will be here preparing through the afternoon. Keep them in prayer! Pray for great weather and for all those who attend to enjoy great food and fellowship. And pray that once they meet us in that fellowship, they can consider whether they’d like to join us at 9:30 for summer worship on Sunday!

Thank you to the Stewardship Team for putting the BBQ together again, and thank you to everyone who’s bought a ticket or who plans to help. I hope to see you there!