May 22, 2016 - Trinity Sunday

Photo by Ron Houser

This morning Creator held our Congregational Meeting after worship.  A time of transition in our time of transition as we elected new members to the council; Heidi, Deb and Linda .  Greg was recognized, during the service, for his 11 years of service as Treasurer.  Creator's new co-treasurers are Heidi and Michael.

Many conversations today with members, and others, were about personal transitions as well as the congregational transition.  Doors were opening or closing on future opportunities with the happiness or disappointment those openings or closings brought.
Pastor Michelle opened the sermon with a story about a man who did not worship on Trinity Sunday because he did not believe there should be a worship devoted to a doctrine.

Cartoon Pastor Michelle referenced today

The bulk of her sermon today focused on the emphasis the Trinity brings to our understanding of God through relationship.  Relationship not only with us but the "dance" of all the aspects of the different roles where we perceive God in our lives. The loving Father, Mother and Creator who sustains us.  Christ our savior, who is our caring companion and the Holy Spirit who heals and sets our hearts on fire.

Today's Gospel Reading John 16:12-15 , together with John 15:15, is a special gift for those who believe Jesus and the Word continue to be revealed in new ways that come to be understood.

John 15:15 - I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

John 16:12-15 - I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.  When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.  He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you.  All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

How well this captures a truth about Christianity.  Everything has been revealed and yet our understanding of what God's will or kingdom is changes and deepens in what we can bear to understand.

Pastor Michelle quoted a saying that alternately is attributed to Buddha Siddhartha Guatama Shakyamuni or the Theosophists.  The saying is - When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.  This is a gift that I have seen be true in my daily life, for which I am thankful.

Photo by Ron Houser

 The words to express that thanks today comes from the third verse of the hymn that is sung every Trinity Sunday:

 Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,
 though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see,
 only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
 perfect in power, in love and purity.