|
Many things have changed over the last month on the website! Here's a few highlights:
- We've added 2008 Vacation Bible School photos (look under About Messiah → Church Photos)
- Article submission for website authors has been moved to the Administration area. (look under Website Administration → Add xxxx Item.)
- Want to see something else on the website or help out? Please submit your feedback using the "Website Suggestions" form on the left of the main page under "Other Links".
|
|
The following article from our pastor was published in the Tribune-Times Wednesday, June 6th:
By the Rev. John L. Yost III
Peace is a very difficult word to grasp and define. One author writes, "Peace is the brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading." The word "peace" gets thrown around a lot today. Sometimes those who really are pacifists and genuine seekers of non-violent means use it. Many times peace is a word used only as a cover for someone's political agenda that is anything but peaceful. Fredrick Buechner writes, "One of the titles by which Jesus is known is the 'Prince of Peace.' " Jesus used the word himself in what seems at first glance to be two radically contradictory utterances. On one occasion Jesus said to his disciples, "Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword." Yet in John's Gospel, Jesus says to his disciples as they gather for their final meal before his betrayal and crucifixion, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you."
But the contradiction is resolved when we realize that for Jesus, Peace seems to have meant, not the absence of struggle, but the presence of love. St. Augustine, one of the first leaders of the early church, wrote: "As we speak of peace, let us learn first what are the rewards of peace. "Peace is serenity of mind, tranquility of soul, simplicity of heart, the bond of love, the fellowship of charity. "Peace it is that takes away enmities, restrains wars, holds back anger, treads down pride, loves the humble, calms those who quarrel, reconciles those who are enemies. Peace seeks nothing that belongs to another, regards nothing as its own. It teaches a love that has never learned to hate. "It knows not how to be lifted above self. It knows not how to be puffed up." Perhaps St. Francis says it best in his wonderful prayer that begins, "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love, where there is injury, pardon. ..."
The Rev. John L. Yost III is pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church, 1100 Log Shoals Road, Mauldin. Call 963-4549.
|
|
|
The Messiah Website has gone under a major redesign to make it easier to keep up to date. It is now being managed under a CMS called Joomla. There are still lots of changes coming, so be patient! If you have any ideas, submit them using the link on the left! |
|
|
