Pride, something the bible often speaks about, is one of the traditional “seven deadly sins.”  It’s deadly because it is often an underlying cause of many other sins that move us away from God.  However, it’s popular these days to talk about pride.  We’re supposed to take pride in our work, have pride in our schools, be proud of ourselves.  And pride in these things is good, so long as we keep our focus in the right place.  The pride the Bible refers to is a self-centered pride—a state of being or thought that centers our focus on ourselves instead of God. 

Humility is what holds us in check—what helps us to rightly understand who we are in relation to God and others.  When asked what were the three most important Christian virtues, St. Augustine replied, “Humility, humility, and humility.”  He apparently knew that humility would keep us seeing ourselves and God realistically—would help us keep God and ourselves in proper position to one another.  Jesus said, “whoever humbles himself like a child will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”  There is a clue there about humility.  A child knows she is dependent on her parents and needs their instruction and advice.  She trusts her parents will provide for her and understands she is the child and not the parent.  Humility gets us in right relation to God like that.  It helps keep us in the right place:  we are the ones needing God’s guidance and direction.  This week, spend some time reflecting on a child’s humility, and see what you might learn.

This Week:

Remember, the Friends Center of the parking lot will be blocked off during the week and because of the chemicals being used, the contractors have urged us to park as far away (on the Library side) from the Friends Center as possible on weekdays in October.  On Sundays, both parking lots will be available. 

If you reserved wood from our historic oak tree which was cut down last year, and asked that it remain at the church for drying, pick up for your pieces is Saturday morning, October 29th.  There are also some pieces that have not yet been spoken for which will be available for sale that morning.  If you have questions or would like to reserve some of the wood, contact Joyce at the church office.  Or, you can come to the bus barn between 10:00-11:00 am on the 29th to see what is available (first come, first served). 

Please join us for a baby shower honoring Molly and Daniel De La Cerda as they enter into the season of parenthood through foster care.  The shower will take place on Sunday, October 30th at 2 pm in the Coffee Café.  Molly and Daniel are registered at Amazon and Target.

On Tuesday nights in November, you’re invited to join a video study by Jemar Tisby, based on his latest book, “How to Fight Racism.”  The group will view the videos and then discuss.   Everyone should watch the introduction video before the first class by clicking here.  We’ll begin November 1 at 7 pm and conclude the study on November 29th.  Email David Bridges to let him know you’re planning to attend and if you need child care.  

May God’s Holy Spirit fill you and empower you to bless those you encounter this week!

Peace,

David Bridges