Philip Yancey notes in his book ‘What’s so amazing about grace’, that the prohibitions in the Old Testament about which foods one could or couldn’t eat excluded all the odd-balls – the creatures that didn’t really fit. And it also included the odd-ball people who, for whatever reason, were not like everyone else. Those people found themselves excluded and often ignored.
The story of Jesus however, reminds us that all of us are welcome, that all of us are loved and that includes the ones many of us may view as odd-balls. And the way that was expressed was through food – Jesus invited the odd-balls to eat with him, to share a meal with them despite the expectations of everyone else that he too, would shun them.
So to all of us, who are odd-balls in some way, welcome, Jesus invites you to come and eat.
If you are struggling at this time and just need someone to talk to, then please email us at office@pb.org.nz or call 0223075225 and we will make contact with you.
This Sunday @ 10am we will be thinking about eating, specifically how Jesus used food and meals as a way of including others and making them feel welcome. A children’s programme for children aged 3-6 is available during the service and also a crèche for younger children.
To join with us on air tune in to Coast Access Radio 104.7FM from 10.00am or livestream at http://coastaccessradio.org.nz...
Mainly Music – Wednesday from 10.00am. This programme is a fun way for parents and their children to spend quality time together based around music and movement. It is an opportunity for us as a church to connect with and offer something back to the community of which we are a part. It’s also a way for us to demonstrate care, concern and support for those with young children.
Small Groups. We have several groups meeting. Contact the church office@pb.org.nz if you would like to join one.
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Grace and peace