Scripture – Matthew 28:16-20 NRSVUE
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him, but they doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
From Rev. Heather Leffler
The disciples gathered on a mountain carrying both faith and uncertainty. Matthew tells us that some worshipped and some doubted, yet Jesus entrusted all of them with the same mission. He did not wait until they had all the answers. He simply called them to go, make disciples, teach, baptize, and trust that he would remain with them.
Many generations before us responded to that call in the ways their time required. They built churches, taught children, cared for neighbours, maintained buildings, sang in choirs, served on committees, and gave generously of their time and gifts. Their faithfulness created communities where many of us first encountered God's love. We honour that legacy best not by holding tightly to the forms that served previous generations, but by continuing their willingness to follow where Christ leads today.
The risen Christ still calls us from places of comfort and familiarity into relationships with people who may never have experienced the welcome, hope, and belonging we have found in the church. We are invited to share not only our buildings or programs, but our stories of faith. Like those first disciples, we go carrying both worship and doubt, trusting that Christ is already present wherever we are sent.
Contemplation and Conversation
Who first helped you experience God's love or a sense of belonging in the church,
and how might Christ be inviting you to offer that same gift to someone else today?
Prayer
Loving God, we thank you for the faithful people
who helped us know your love and nurtured this community.
Help us to share that same love,
so others may find hope, welcome, and belonging among us. Amen.
If you missed Sunday’s worship service, visit our Rockwood Stone YouTube page.
