He humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death
even death on a cross. Philippians 2:8

In these autumn weeks, deep in the season of Pentecost, we are thinking about the Christian life and the spiritual principles at the heart of our faith. Sunday, reading in Philippians, we will contemplate the notion of Christ sacrificing his own desires so that God’s spirit could fill him. Christians imitate their Lord, Christ, when they locate their way of life in God’s will, and make it the guiding light of their lives.

Just to be clear: this is not what the world around us believes, and not what the world around us believes Christianity is. Most people–even most church members–would say that the Christian faith is a set of beliefs about God and Jesus, about creation and heaven, or a set of rules about life.

Paul teaches that the Christian faith is an imitation of God’s love: present in creation, present in a special way in Jesus Christ, present to faith in those who receive Christ in the word and the sacraments.

Live your life in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.   Philippians 1:27

Sunday our second lesson leaves Romans and takes up Philippians. Paul is writing from prison so his words take on a reflective tone, but some of the same issues we heard the last few weeks are present in this new book: how do our beliefs turn into convictions that change our behavior and give us peace? Paul seems to be directing the Christians of Philippi to the “joy of faith” that comes through believing in Christ and in joining Christ’s way of life.

Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them. Matthew 18: 20

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we assemble as a community of Christians and prepare to receive the Word of God in the scripture readings, the sermon, and communion. We respond to these three gifts of God with confessions of sin and of faith, songs of praise, and faith-filled prayers. On Sunday we will hear Jesus’ words of encouragement to his disciples, and hear Paul tell the Christians in ancient Rome that the law of Jesus honors and fulfills the law the Moses.

Bring in personal care items for the Wayland Food Pantry.

Faith formation leaders meeting Sunday at 11 am. Speak to Kim Canning if you are willing to spend time with our children on Sunday mornings. Parents, register your child for faith formation classes or in some other way indicate to Kim that your children plan to attend. This is a good time of year to invite a friend of your child to join them for Sunday school at Peace.

The council meets Monday, September 11 at 7 pm.

Next Sunday, September 17 return to church Sunday.
First choir rehearsal of the year at 8:45 am
Expanded coffee hour. Bring food to share. Tables and chairs will be set up.
Semiannual meeting rescheduled from June will begin at 11 am
Rally day activity for the children at 11 am

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12: 21

After Paul makes his powerful argument about faith in Christ, he turns to the results of that faith: a new kind of community is born. New human behavior is seen in the world.

The power of the Christian faith is shown in human action that runs counter to what the world expects.

In this 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, I will read words of Martin Luther in my Sunday morning sermons. Luther thought that Paul’s Letter to the Romans summarized the Christian faith.

Make plans to register your child for faith formation classes. Faith formation leaders meeting next Sunday, September 10, at 11 am. Two new teachers are needed. If your child has a friend who might like to come to Sunday morning faith formation classes, invite them and register them for classes.

Bring in personal care items for the Wayland Food Pantry.

Mark and Kim, our Beehive Art friends, will paint the hallway and the community arts doors next week.

The fall is a good time to invite a friend to church. Think of someone like you who is looking for a Christian congregation. Invite them, and tell Pastor Johnson that you did so.