If you were in worship this past Sunday, you will remember the sermon came from Jeremiah 29, the story of the Israelite’s exile in Babylon. We talked about God’s message to them – to live fully in the new situation, to build houses and settle down, to plant gardens and eat what they produce, to marry and have sons and daughters. In other words, God was telling the people that even though these will be very hard years, instead of fretting and complaining, they were to settle in and live. And then God offered a promise found in verse 11, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” God said, I will always be with you and I have a plan for you. God will always be with us. We will never be alone. What an amazing promise!
During communion following the sermon, we heard a beautiful piano piece, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” from the Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway musical, Carousel. You must admit, this is an unusual piece for communion, but it was just right for this past Sunday! Why? Because in a round-about way, it spoke of God’s promise to the Israelites and to us, that no matter what, we will never walk alone. That God will always be by our side. I encourage you to look up the lyrics of this song and you will quickly understand just how perfect it was.
Each week we are blessed with the music of Gina McKinney. She is thoughtful in her music selection and in her playing. She selected this piece because after reading the scripture passage, she automatically knew the theme of my sermon and selected accordingly. Each week she does the same thing. I am thankful for Gina’s quiet service every Sunday. Please join me in offering your gratitude. Thank you, Gina.
-Pastor Jane