tbc Worship & Fellowship

Will You Help Lead Us?

As we step into a new season of worship, we’re inviting you to help shape what comes next.

We’re navigating a meaningful time of transition in our worship life, and now more than ever, we’re leaning on the gifts of our whole church family. Whether you’ve helped lead worship before or you’re open to trying something new, we’d love for you to consider stepping in.

Scripture readers, prayer leaders, singers, instrumentalists, testimony-givers—there’s room for all kinds of voices. If you’re willing to give it a try, we promise to support, guide, and walk alongside you every step of the way.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence, growth, and faithfulness.

Let’s do this together.

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Sterling Severns Life of the Community, Worship, Worship & Fellowship

Pastoral Reflection: A Moment Worth Holding

“A sacrament,” Frederick Buechner once wrote, “is when something holy happens. It is transparent time—time when you can see through to something deep inside time.”

A Moment Worth Holding

And wouldn’t you know it, last Sunday felt like that.
Not holy in a big, dramatic sort of way.
Nothing flashy. Nothing staged.
But holy in a way that you could feel in your chest.
In the quiet that settled before a hymn.
In the steady presence of people who knew this moment mattered.
In the kind of moment you know you’ll carry with you.

Judy stood there—humble, clear-eyed, and fully herself—and guided us, as she always has, with the kind of wisdom that doesn’t need to raise its voice. She reminded us that Baptists don’t really “do” sacraments. But that doesn’t mean we don’t know when we’re standing on sacred ground.

“This is a transition,” she told us. “But more than that—it’s a glimpse. A thin place. Transparent time.”

She was teaching us to notice the holy humming beneath the familiar. To pay attention.

Honoring Judy

Last Sunday felt like one of those moments where the everyday and the sacred sit side by side, and you can sense something deeper just beneath the surface.

Music lifted us, stories grounded us, and a spirit of celebration reminded us who we are together. We honored Judy Fiske, Organist Emerita, for her years of ministry—decades spent faithfully stitching together worship and community in ways that have shaped us more than words can express.

We hold Judy, Eric, and their entire family in prayer as they step into this new season—a time to rest, reconnect, try new things, and enjoy being together in a different rhythm of life. We also anticipate seeing Judy in worship again in September—not in a staff role, but as a fellow worshiper. We’ll be eager to see her at the organ bench with some regularity, though we’re still discerning what that rhythm will be.

We’re deeply grateful for the many hands and hearts that planned and facilitated such a meaningful day—thank you for helping us mark this transition with so much love and care.
The beauty of that moment continues to echo in the life of our church.

This Sunday’s Gospel: Luke 8:26–39

This Sunday, Jesus steps off a boat and into the chaos of a man’s life. The man’s name is Legion. That alone tells you plenty. He’s a walking crowd of pain.

But Jesus doesn’t flinch. He sees through to the deep inside.
And in that seeing, there’s healing.
In that moment—terrifying and tender and beautifully human—there is mercy.

Not the kind that says “I’ll pray for you” and keeps walking. The kind that stops, listens, lingers. The kind that stays.

Jesus sends the man home, not just well, but whole. With a story to tell.

A Request for Prayer

Like him, we too are walking forward with a story to tell—grateful for healing, grounded by mercy, and reminded that our calling is not just to look back with thanks, but to look ahead with hope.

That’s where we are, church. On the edge of something new.
Listening to the Spirit who whispers, “Now go tell what God has done for you.”

We invite you to be in prayer for our pastoral and music staff, and for our congregation, as we take up the shared work of worship planning and leadership. These next few weeks will be a time of transition—filled with both memory and discovery. Let’s ask God’s Spirit to guide us gently and clearly through each step.

And together, we will keep walking—grateful for what has been and expectant for what is still to come.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Sterling W. Severns
Senior Pastor

tbc Life of the Community, Staff, Worship & Fellowship

Judy Fiske Retirement Transition – Congregational Q&A

A Word of Gratitude and Grace

This is a sacred season in the life of our church—one filled with gratitude, memory, and the faithful work of transition. While we have walked with others through retirement before, we have never experienced a transition quite like this—Judy Fiske retiring after 45 years of continuous ministry within the life of Tabernacle. That reality calls for deep care, deliberate attention, and shared grace.

First and foremost, we are grateful for Judy—for her decades of faithful, life-giving ministry, and for the humility and strength with which she is walking this transition. We also extend our deep gratitude to Judy’s family, who have walked alongside her and made sacrifices so that she could serve, lead, and thrive in ministry here for so many years.

We are also deeply thankful for the staff, the Personnel Committee, the Deacons, the many individuals who serve within the music ministry, and the countless others who have helped guide this process in quiet, faithful ways. And we are grateful for you—the congregation—for your flexibility, support, and commitment to this community.

Let’s continue to move forward in trust—trust in God, trust in one another, and trust in the unfolding future that awaits us. This is a moment to listen well, to show up generously, and to extend the same grace we’ve received. Together, we make the road by walking—and we do so as a people shaped by love, memory, and hope.

When Will Judy Retire from Staff?

Judy’s final day as a staff member will be Sunday, June 15. That morning, we will gather for worship as usual, followed by a church-wide celebration and reception in recognition of her 45 years of ministry.

We are indebted to Terry and Nathan, along with others, for their leadership in planning this celebration on behalf of the congregation.

After June 15, Judy’s staff email and Basecamp account will be deactivated as part of a healthy and respectful staff transition. We encourage you to remain in touch by using her personal email or phone number.

Why Is Judy Stepping Away This Summer, and What Will Her Reentry into Church Life Look Like?

With Judy’s staff role concluding on June 15, we have committed together to a 90-day period of intentional space (June 15–September 15). During this time, Judy will step back from participating in worship, attending church events, and engaging in the structured rhythms of church life.

This decision wasn’t made lightly. It reflects a shared desire—for Judy, for staff and church leaders, and for the congregation—to move through this transition with intention and grace. After 45 years of faithful, life-giving, and deeply rooted ministry, Judy’s role has become inseparable from the day-to-day fabric of Tabernacle. This pause is a necessary invitation to everyone involved—to acknowledge what has been, and to begin making room for what’s next.

Rather than trying to hold onto familiar patterns, we’re choosing to create space. This gives Judy a chance to breathe, reflect, and rest. It also allows the staff and church leaders to settle into new rhythms, and the congregation to begin embracing this significant shift in identity and practice.

Importantly, stepping back from church life does not mean stepping back from friendship and community. Judy has been part of this congregation for decades, and many of her closest relationships are with people in this church. It’s entirely natural—and welcomed—that she may continue connecting personally with friends over the summer. She is also looking forward to some well-earned freedom and rest—worshiping with her husband, Eric, at First English Lutheran Church, spending time worshipping with other friends throughout Richmond, and simply having the ability to choose how to spend a Sunday morning—something she hasn’t had in all of her adult life.

While Judy will not be participating in worship or formal church life over the summer, she will have access to the building and the organ for private practice. This access supports her ongoing musicianship and respects the deep connection she holds with the instrument. These moments will be personal and not connected to any public or staff responsibilities. They are also in keeping with the spirit of the 90-day period of intentional space.

In September, Judy will reenter church life first as a fellow worshiper—taking her place in the pews and worshiping alongside others. From there, she and church leaders will thoughtfully discern what further involvement might look like, including musical leadership or service in new ways.

There may also be rare and meaningful moments during the summer—such as baptisms or ordinations—where Judy’s presence may feel appropriate and welcomed. Any such invitations will be approached with great care and in full alignment with the spirit of this transition.

Key points:

  • Judy will not participate in worship, events, or structured service roles during the summer (June 15–Sept 15).
  • The 90-day period is a deliberate pause that honors both the depth of her ministry and the need for healthy transition.
  • This pause does not exclude personal connection—Judy may continue informal time with friends in the congregation.
  • She looks forward to worshiping with Eric at First English Lutheran, connecting and worshipping with friends around Richmond, and simply having the freedom to choose how to spend a Sunday.
  • In the fall, Judy will return first as a fellow worshiper; additional involvement will emerge through shared discernment.

What Does the Title ‘Organist Emerita’ Mean, and Will Judy Play the Organ Again?

The Deacons have unanimously affirmed the decision to honor Judy with the title Organist Emerita, a permanent and honorary designation offered in deep gratitude for her 45 years of faithful, creative, and spiritually grounded leadership. The title reflects the congregation’s enduring appreciation for the role Judy has played in shaping the worship life of Tabernacle Baptist Church.

This is not a staff position and does not carry expectations related to responsibilities, compensation, or weekly participation. Rather, it is a visible and lasting tribute to Judy’s legacy and continued presence within the church community.

The Deacons will formally present this honor on behalf of the congregation during the worship service or luncheon on June 15. Judy’s name and honorary title will also appear in places where staff names are typically listed—such as the church bulletin, website, and other communications—as an ongoing public expression of appreciation.

Looking ahead, Judy and church leaders will enter into a mutual dialogue this fall about the possibility of her serving in a part-time or contractual organist role. That conversation will unfold with care and clarity, shaped by the needs of the congregation and Judy’s own sense of calling. It is important to note that Judy will first return in the fall simply as a fellow worshiper, reentering church life gently and without expectations.

Key points:

  • The Deacons have unanimously approved honoring Judy as Organist Emerita.
  • The title is permanent and honorary, not a continuation of staff responsibilities.
  • It will be formally presented during the worship service or luncheon on June 15.
  • Judy’s title will appear in the church bulletin, website, and other formal communications.
  • A mutual dialogue between Judy and church leaders will begin this fall regarding any future organist role.
  • Judy will first return to church life as a fellow worshiper, without formal responsibilities.

Who Will Plan Worship and Lead Music Following Judy’s Retirement?

Beginning June 16, Pastor Sterling Severns will take primary responsibility for worship planning, at the request of the Deacons. He will work in collaboration with a team of staff and congregants to shape meaningful, theologically grounded worship for the months ahead.

Judy will no longer be involved in worship planning after June 15. Her contributions in this area have shaped the spiritual life of Tabernacle in lasting ways. We are deeply grateful for her years of pastoral musicianship and faithful preparation.

The worship team recognizes that this next chapter is one of discernment and adaptability. While the organ will not be used every Sunday, it will continue to be a valued part of our worship life—used less frequently in the summer, and more regularly in the fall.

The church is also exploring the possibility of contracted musicians to support worship. These conversations are ongoing and are rooted in care for spiritual depth, relational health, and financial sustainability.

Key points:

  • Sterling Severns will lead worship planning, in collaboration with staff and congregants.
  • Judy will no longer plan worship after June 15.
  • Worship will continue to grow through creativity, prayer, and shared leadership.
  • Organ music will remain a part of our worship life—less frequent in summer, more regular in fall.
  • The use of contracted musicians will require thoughtful review.

What Is Judy Focused on During Her Final Month on Staff?

In this final month, Judy is focusing on the significant and necessary task of preparing her materials for transition. After decades of ministry, she has gathered a substantial collection of worship resources, books, music, and discipleship materials. These have long supported the life of the church.

  • A staging space in the former youth room is being used to sort these items. Organ music is being moved into a set of filing cabinets near the choir loft. Several spaces are being cleared so they can be cleaned and refreshed, including:
  • The choir loft
  • The front pews of the sanctuary
  • Judy’s office
  • The former music library, which the youth will begin using as their meeting space in June
  • In the choir room, Judy’s personal items will be moved to the staging room prior to departure, while materials that are already organized—such as those under the risers and on the bookshelves—will remain in place and be reviewed at a later time as part of the church’s broader facilities discernment process.
  • Other small storage areas throughout the building
  • Seeing familiar spaces cleared out offers an emotional and visual cue—reminding us that Judy’s transition is real and significant. This makes room for gentler expectations around her return and helps us all move forward with grace.
  • All clearing and organizing that needs to happen before Judy’s departure will take place between now and June 15. This includes removing materials from several key spaces and relocating items into the staging room. Once Judy retires from staff, she will not continue this work over the summer. The contents of the staging room and remaining materials in the choir room will be left as they are until after the 90-day period of intentional space, at which point Judy will resume sorting and decision-making in those areas—beginning after September 15.

Key points:

  • Judy is sorting worship, music, and discipleship materials in preparation for retirement.
  • A staging room is being used; organ music is moving to filing cabinets.
  • Several church spaces are being cleared to support this transition.
  • In the choir room, personal items will be addressed; other organized materials may remain.
  • The work of gathering and placing items in the staging room will be completed by June 15.
  • Judy will not work on this during the summer, but will resume after Sept. 15.
  • Volunteers are needed—with and under Judy’s guidance.

What Is Judy’s Role in Music Camp or Clue Camp This Year?

As part of her transition, Judy will not be attending Music and Worship Arts Camp at Eagle Eyrie or Clue Camp in New York City this summer.  She has offered some behind-the-scenes support for Music Camp, including supplies and encouragement.

We’re grateful for the many members of the congregation who are stepping into leadership and helping continue these important ministries.

Key points:

  • Judy is not attending Music Camp or Clue Camp this summer.
  • She has offered behind-the-scenes support for Music Camp.
  • We’re grateful to those leading and continuing these ministries.

How Can I Help During This Transition?

There are many ways you can support Judy, the staff, and the church during this important season. With a great deal to do in the next month, your help is both needed and deeply appreciated.

Here are a few meaningful ways to get involved:

  • Volunteer to help move and organize music, books, and personal items before June 15.
  • Let Nathan and Terry know if you’re available to help with the June 15 retirement celebration.
  • Offer encouragement to Judy and others walking closely with her during this transition.
  • Pray for wisdom, tenderness, and spiritual clarity for all involved.
  • Be present on June 15 as we celebrate and give thanks together.
  • Hold space for one another—this is a tender time, and your grace matters.
Sterling Severns Worship & Fellowship

TBC working with Technology Consultants.

Let’s take a  moment to talk about why we hired IT4Causes, what we’ve been working on together, and how this work is positioning Tabernacle for the future. At Tabernacle, we’ve always placed a high value on people. We want everyone who comes into our physical and virtual spaces to feel seen, heard, welcomed, and cared for, while also making those spaces as safe as possible and protecting the private information they entrust to us.

To live out these values, the systems we rely on—our technology, infrastructure, and access to our physical and virtual spaces—must be equipped to support, protect, and mobilize people. Over time, however, these systems have become piecemealed together. They’re harder to navigate and outdated, making them incompatible with the tools we need today and increasing the risk of security vulnerabilities.

This strain is deeply felt by both staff and volunteers. Outdated systems make basic tasks frustrating, time-consuming, and inefficient. These challenges impact how we spend our time, with too much energy focused on navigating technology instead of the ministry we’re here to do. Without tools that are simple enough for others to step in and use, we also risk burnout and gaps when people can no longer fill their roles.

Why We Hired IT4Causes

Tabernacle has always been blessed with individuals willing to use their unique skills to build and support our technology systems. During the pandemic lockdown, volunteers and paid staff offered sacrificial availability, ensuring our technology supported ministry during a critical time. We’re deeply grateful for all they gave during that season.

As time has passed, life has naturally shifted for many of those individuals. Some have moved on to new opportunities, while others have needed to step back as their circumstances changed. At the same time, technology has continued to evolve, and the complexity of our systems has grown. We still have a few individuals with the skills and willingness to serve in this area, but no one can do it all. That’s why we partnered with IT4Causes: to stabilize our systems, address critical gaps, and ensure we’re no longer relying on a few individuals to shoulder such enormous responsibilities.

What We’ve Accomplished and What’s in Progress

Since partnering with IT4Causes, we’ve made significant progress while laying the groundwork for what’s to come. Here’s a snapshot of some of our main projects: 

  • Enhanced security: We’ve implemented tools to protect our network and email from malware and phishing attacks. IT4Causes is monitoring our network for security breaches and can troubleshoot issues remotely, minimizing disruptions.
  • Reliable internet: Internet upgrades are nearly complete, supported by the purchase of brand-new hardware to replace outdated equipment. Our previous hardware was no longer supported, leaving it vulnerable to security breaches and limiting reliable connectivity. These upgrades ensure consistent and secure internet access across both buildings, even with challenges like thick walls.
  • Email migration: We successfully transitioned our email system to a supported, reliable server, ensuring better functionality and reliability.
  • Phone system design (in progress): IT4Causes is helping us explore and design a phone system and plan that meets the complex challenges of this moment, particularly in the context of inner-city ministry.
  • Copy machine collaboration (in progress): Just one month before the pandemic began, we signed a long-term lease for a copy machine, which was shared between the church, ExCell, and the Child Care Center Ministry. That lease wasn’t designed for the current level of sharing, and the congregation was producing much higher volumes of copies at the time. Now that the lease has ended, we’re working together to lease a new machine designed to meet all three groups’ needs while saving money through better resource sharing.
  • Historical record preservation (in progress): We’re working to securely store, back up, and manage access to 130+ years of church records. This includes ensuring sensitive information is only accessible to the appropriate leaders.
  • Collaborative tools (beginning stages): We’ve introduced Microsoft 365 to help us communicate, organize, and collaborate more effectively. The next step is to establish an official church calendar and begin using shared documents with leaders and staff.

An Invitation to Trust

This is hard work, and it takes time, focus, and resources. But we’ve done hard things together before. And we can do them again.

This investment is about more than fixing systems.
It’s about freeing up staff and volunteers to focus on the work they’re uniquely equipped to do. It’s about making sure that when new staff, volunteers, or leaders join us,
they can step in with confidence, using tools that are easy to learn and simple to navigate.

By equipping people well from the start, we can build continuity and keep ministry moving forward, even in times of transition. It’s also about positioning Tabernacle for the future, giving us the systems we need to be effective, to serve people well, and to live out the mission God has called us to.

Thank you for your time, trust, and prayers as we continue this journey together.

_________________________________________________

tbc Worship & Fellowship

Christmas Basket Ministry

This Saturday is our annual Christmas Basket Community Ministry, and you’re invited to come be part of this meaningful day! While the tradition of providing holiday meals continues, this year will look a little different as we live out our values of hospitality and dignity in new ways.

Instead of packing baskets, we’re offering neighbors the opportunity to choose the ingredients that best suit their needs—just as we normally do in the food pantry. Choice matters because it honors our neighbors’ preferences and experiences.

There are so many ways to be involved, and not every job requires heavy lifting! We need help with set-up, guiding neighbors through their selections, carrying groceries, and—just as importantly—offering a warm smile, a listening ear, and a spirit of welcome.

Come be part of this special day of connection, care, and joy. Together, we’ll share the love of Christ in the way we welcome and serve one another.

How Can I Participate? Sign Up Here

 1.   Volunteer to help prepare baskets and other Community Ministry food on Friday, December 20.  

  • The heavy lifting team will meet at 9:30am at Aldi (927 Meyer St). Strong muscles and trucks needed!
  • Join the set up team at 10am at Tabernacle. There’s a job for every ability level!
  • Stick around to help with some additional projects: Epiphany stars, organizing, etc

2.   Join us Saturday, December 21 as we welcome our neighbors for breakfast, choice pantry and Christmas Basket distribution. 7:30am to 1pm

3.   Commit to praying for our neighbors receiving baskets. Join me in praying for the invitation that will be extended around each table.  Pray that the host and participants will recognize belonging. Pray that our neighbors will see Christ as they engage with those around their table. Pray for the lonely that they will be comforted. And pray that doors will be opened through relationships.

communications Worship & Fellowship

Important Building & Grounds Information

*Atrium Roofing Project Update
Due to safety concerns voiced by the scaffolding company and our desire to avoid risk of interference with our duty as a voting precinct for the upcoming elections, the atrium roofing project is delayed.  We do not have a definite start date currently.  We will coordinate with Chandler Construction to also avoid any overlap with the scheduled elevator project timeline of November 7-21, 2024.  Other details remain the same:

  1. The elevator will be available during this project.Overhead protection will be in place.
  2. When work begins, we anticipate a three-week project timeline
  3. The atrium stairwell will be blocked off from use.  Users of the facility will be asked to use another entrance if possible.
  4. Signage will be present to help direct users to the elevator or to another entrance.
  5. There will be a dumpster at the Meadow Street/alley corner location, protected by plywood and with signage.This will prevent interruption of alley use.

*Elevator Control Panel Replacement Project
Please mark your calendars now—this project requires that our elevator is out of service for two weeks.  This work is scheduled for November 7-November 21, waiting until after the Presidential election to be sure that there is no interference for that commitment. 

The B&G Committee, pastoral staff, and Administrative Board are making every effort to communicate this information to all building users.  We are researching options for how we can best serve our building community during this project time frame.  More details will be provided as we get near the start of the work.  Please keep reading the TAB for updates.

We sincerely appreciate your understanding as we manage these two important improvement projects.Please direct any questions you may have regarding these building initiatives, or any other suggestions regarding our facilities, to Donna Soyars at soundsidedfs@gmail.com. 

tbc Worship & Fellowship

Adult Reflection Guide: Romans 5:1-11

Scripture: Romans 5:1-11, Duet by Jessica C. and Clara, Sermon by Rev. Sterling W. Severns

Romans 5:1-11 (The Message)

Reflection Questions

1. Facing Resistance: Reflecting on Our Discomfort

The pastor acknowledged his initial resistance to Paul’s teachings, especially the perception of Paul’s arrogance. This resistance is something we often experience when faced with uncomfortable truths that reveal our own vulnerabilities. Paul’s writings, especially in Romans, challenge us to embrace grace over pride, and to let go of the need to control or judge. It is in releasing our resistance that we find transformation.

Quotes:

  • “God’s grace is not a gift we can earn by being strong; it is a gift we receive by admitting our weakness.” — From the sermon
  • “The arrogance that pushes back against grace is the same arrogance that resists transformation. The sooner we surrender it, the sooner God can work in us.” — Paraphrased from the sermon

Reflection Questions:

  • When have you resisted a difficult truth in your spiritual journey, and what did that resistance reveal about your own need for control or comfort?
  • How does embracing the reality of God’s grace change your view of Paul’s teachings and how you relate to others?

2. Suffering as a Path to Growth

Paul teaches that suffering is not a curse but a pathway to growth and transformation. As Paul writes in Romans 5:3-4, “suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” This chain reaction is how God shapes us through hardship. Instead of seeing suffering as something to avoid, Paul invites us to see it as an opportunity to grow deeper in our faith and trust in God’s love.

Quotes:

  • “We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next.” — The Message paraphrase of Romans 5:3-4
  • “Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory.” — William Barclay

Reflection Questions:

  • How do you typically respond to suffering—do you avoid it or embrace it as part of the journey?
  • Can you think of a time when suffering produced growth or deepened your hope in God?

3. God’s Presence in Suffering

One of the key themes of the sermon is that God is not distant or uninvolved in our suffering but walks alongside us through it. Paul understood this deeply, having endured great personal suffering. His message is that God doesn’t cause suffering, but God is present within it. This reframes how we view hardship—not as something to escape but as a place where we can encounter God’s love most powerfully.

Quotes:

  • “God is most present in our suffering, not to fix it, but to walk with us through it. It’s in those moments that we find the deepest sense of God’s grace.” — From the sermon
  • “Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” — Romans 5:5, NRSV

Reflection Questions:

  • How has your understanding of God’s presence during suffering changed over time?
  • When have you felt God’s closeness during a difficult season in your life?

4. Justification: Being Grounded in God’s Grace

Justification, as explained in the sermon, is about God “putting us in our place”—not to humiliate or punish, but to ground us in grace. Whether we find ourselves feeling superior or inferior, justification reminds us that we all stand equal before God, with our feet firmly planted on the same ground of grace. Paul’s message is clear: we are all recipients of God’s love, and that levels the playing field.

Quotes:

  • “Justification is God putting us in our place—firmly on the ground, not hovering above others or sinking below. We all stand equal in God’s grace.” — From the sermon
  • “It’s not about what we do; it’s about what God has done for us.” — Paraphrased from the sermon

Reflection Questions:

  • Where do you feel ungrounded or out of balance in your life? How might God be calling you to find your footing in grace?
  • How does seeing yourself and others through the lens of God’s grace change your interactions with others?

5. Endurance Leading to Hope

The sermon emphasizes that endurance isn’t just about getting through hardship, but about being transformed by it. Paul teaches that through endurance, our character is refined, and that character leads to a hope that will not disappoint us. This hope is rooted in God’s love—a love that doesn’t falter in the face of suffering, but is strengthened by it. Endurance, then, becomes a spiritual practice, not just a survival tactic.

Quotes:

  • “Suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. And hope does not disappoint us.” — Romans 5:3-5, NRSV
  • “Hope is not a feeling; it is a decision to trust in God’s love, even when we cannot see the way forward.” — From the sermon

Reflection Questions:

  • Where in your life do you need to cultivate more patience and endurance? How can you lean into the process of growth even when it feels slow?
  • How has God shaped your character through the challenges you’ve faced? How does that give you hope?

6. Peace Beyond Understanding

The peace Paul speaks of in Romans 5:1 isn’t just the absence of conflict—it’s a profound sense of reconciliation with God, a peace that permeates our entire being. This peace, described in the Greek word eirene, points to a state of wholeness and restoration that goes beyond what we can intellectually understand. It’s the kind of peace that, as the woman in the pastor’s story described, resides “in the gut” and transforms our outlook on life.

Quotes:

  • “By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us.” — Romans 5:1-2, The Message
  • “Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of God in the midst of chaos.” — Paraphrased from the sermon

Reflection Questions:

  • How have you experienced a deep, lasting peace in your life, one that goes beyond mere calm or absence of stress?
  • What steps can you take to seek a deeper peace in your relationship with God and others?

7. The Pharmacy Story: A Journey from the Head to the Gut

In the pharmacy, the woman’s story reflects a powerful journey of healing—one that moves from the intellectual understanding of suffering to a deeper, more embodied peace. She begins by touching her head, the site of her tumor, acknowledging where her suffering began. Then she speaks of the peace she felt in her heart—a peace that came after surgery and recovery. But months later, her description of peace had moved even deeper, down to her gut. This profound shift symbolizes more than just healing from illness—it reflects a deep, embodied understanding of God’s peace, beyond emotion, rooted in lived experience.

This story beautifully parallels the movement of faith from intellectual belief to heartfelt trust and finally to an embodied knowing that transcends mere feeling. The woman’s peace in her gut, as the pastor describes, is akin to the peace that Paul speaks of in Romans 5:1-5, a peace that results from enduring suffering and growing in hope.

Quotes:

  • “I had this understanding in my life of what it meant to have the good life and kind of this peace. It was right here in my heart. But now I’m discovering this peace that is here, in my gut.” — From the sermon
  • “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” — John 14:27, NIV

This deeper, gut-level peace is not just an emotional state; it is a knowing that transcends intellectual understanding and reaches the core of our being. It is the kind of peace that comes after we have walked through suffering and emerged with a renewed sense of God’s presence.

Reflection Questions:

  • The woman’s journey from head to heart to gut represents a deepening of her understanding of peace. How does this progression resonate with your own experience of peace?
  • Have you ever moved from understanding something intellectually to knowing it deep within your being? How did that shift change your outlook or your faith?
  • What does it mean to you to have peace in your “gut”—a peace that goes beyond mere feelings or thoughts and becomes something you embody in your daily life?