Today our theme was Lives Touched. We saw many expressions of that this Sunday.

 First, we heard in our first Hymn “Before the World Began” the promise of God’s strength and love:

All who received the Word by God were blessed;
sisters and brothers they of earth's fond guest.
So did the Word of Grace
proclaim in time and space
and with a human face, 'I am for you.'
What a reassuring and powerful reminder of how God touches our lives every day.

Second we heard as we responded together to Psalm 14:

He heals the brokenhearted
    and binds up their wounds.
He covers the sky with clouds;
    he supplies the earth with rain
    and makes grass grow on the hills.
He provides food for the cattle
    and for the young ravens when they call.
He hurls down his hail like pebbles.
    Who can withstand his icy blast?
He sends his word and melts them;
    he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.

What a wonderful reminder how The Lord touches our lives in every way on every day for our sake.

 Third we were reminded how Jesus the Lords only son was sent to touch our lives with his healing and teachings:

32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33 The whole town gathered at the door, 34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases.

38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.

 Fourth Karen in her sermon explained how Jesus came an healed not for his benefit or lunch but to spread the word of the Lord’s love through his teaching and healing. A lesson we sometimes overlook.

Fifth we took the time to Bless and dedicate the new Hand bells and Hand chimes a way that we can touch people through the heavenly music. A gift not to be underestimated when that music touches so many not only of this church.

Last but certainly not least Colton lead a Lunch and Learn about what he had seen and how he had worked in Uganda as that country tried to deal with the South Sudan refugee crisis.  People like Colton remind us that there is much we can learn and bring to our efforts to touch lives with the love of our Lord and Jesus.

Thank you to all who take the time through work, music, teaching or preaching to make the effort to Touch Lives.

The Lord’s Blessings on these people.

Noral R.