First Days

  The first days of summer have me thinking about starting over. We've heard the cliches.

The first day of the rest of your life.

A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.

  The importance of the first moment or first day is captured in the Scriptures. The story of Creation begins with God at work on the first day. Then, in the Gospels, which tell of God re-creating the world through Jesus Christ, we are told that the women went to the tomb on the first day only to find it empty. Easter is the first day of the rest of history.

  Think of all the first days you have experienced. First day of school. First day in a new city. First day in a new job. First day at home with a newborn child. Each one is precious and powerful in our minds. Of course, on that first day we don't know what the future will hold. But we do know that it all starts with the choice to do a new thing.
  Our worship this weekend takes on a First Day theme. I was inspired some time back by a song by Matt Maher. The chorus says,

This is the first day of the rest of your life

‘Cause even in the dark you can still see the light

It’s gonna be alright, it’s gonna be alright

  In an article talking about the 2010 song he says, "You know, the Gospel does not promise wealth. It does not promise earthly success. Jesus in the scriptures promises two things — 1. trouble 2. peace in the midst of it." He goes on to capture his ideas by saying "To love is to risk and be promised extraordinary highs and lows; it will help you soar through the highs, and carry you through the lows, so you can help carry your neighbor through."
  I want every person to have the opportunity to make a first day sort of commitment. We don't know what the future holds, but we do know that is our love for each other that helps carry us through. That is what Epworth is about. That is the joy and blessing of what it means to be the church. So with Andy playing a new song in worship this weekend, I want you to be present for a special morning.
  You should also come prepared to see something new when you walk into our building. It is another small way we are moving forward and welcoming our neighbors and each other to this great place.
  See you in worship. Grace and Peace, Scott