Pastor’s Message – May 17, 2022

What’s Bringing Us Joy in May

Every month I like to take a moment and share what I’ve been reading, watching, or listening to that has brought me joy over the past month. The hope is that in sharing what has lifted my spirit, you will take time to ask God what has lifted your spirit as well.

The Enneagram Goes to Church: Wisdom for Leadership, and Congregational Life by Todd Wilson (book): I have only been familiar with the enneagram for a few years now, and I wasn’t too fond of it at first. It’s a tool used to help us better understand personalities—both our own and others. The more I’ve read about it, I’ve learned that it can be very helpful in cultivating compassion for each other. Todd Wilson is a pastor who wrote this book especially for pastors, and I’m currently enjoying it.

Under the Banner of Heaven (TV): I am finally trying Hulu for a month, and my main motivation was to watch this series. Though the story revolves around a murder that occurred in Utah in the 80s, the show is more than true crime. It’s the mystery that keeps me intrigued with the plot, but I’m learning so much about the Mormon religion from it and how fundamentalist religion can be so deceptive.

Come Down O Love Divine by Fernando Ortega (music): If you are looking for some beautiful and peaceful worship music to play at your desk or around the house, I’d recommend any album by Fernando Ortega. His arrangement of “Give Me Jesus,” is so beautiful that it was the only song that Ruth Bell Graham requested for her funeral years ago! This is the album I’ve been listening to most recently in the office, but any of them are sure to bring you God’s peace.

I’d love to hear what’s bring you joy this month and all year long!

all good things to each of you,
Dr. Darian

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, May 22, 2022
Acts 16:9-15
Psalm 67
Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5
John 14:23-29

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