A Deeper Point
A Deeper Point
The familiar story that’s told in Sunday’s Gospel reading—Jesus, then Peter walking on water—is replete with straightforward and practical lessons.
And even if you read it casually, you could probably point to most of them. Among them are:
Jesus refusing to be distracted from the necessity of being with the Father in prayer in the midst of an incredibly dynamic situation—rather than prayer as a last desperate resort.
Peter, in a bold and inspiring act of faith, stepping out of the boat. And he’s doing great…until he lost focus and took his eyes off Jesus.
And, of course, Jesus’ presence calming the punishing headwinds for the disciples and the promise of the same for us.
All of these are helpful for framing the love of God and his desire to be “with us” in prayer, illustrating the power of stepping out in faith with our eyes fixed firmly on Christ, and the promise of Jesus’ presence and power with us in the midst of our own adversities.
They’re all there in this story of an angry sea, and they’re all incredibly valuable takeaways.
But if you read a bit “deeper” (pardon the pun), this passage also has a rich and vivid Christological subtext that has some immediate and, candidly, demanding implications for us as we live our day-to-day lives.
See you Sunday.
Steve+
Youth Formation Launches This September
On Sunday, September 6, our Youth Formation class (ages 10–13) begins the next stage of our ongoing catechesis during the Sunday School hour (9:00–9:55am).
Following last spring’s “Foundations” course, students will spend this fall exploring “Beginning with Christ” and “Believing in Christ,” the first two movements of To Be a Christian: An Anglican Catechism. This 15-week catechesis journey is part of a broader formation journey that will continue in future semesters with “Belonging to Christ” and “Becoming Like Christ.”
This fall’s study will help students discover the heart of the Christian faith through Scripture, To Be a Christian: An Anglican Catechism, prayer, discussion, artwork, memory work, and engaging classroom activities.
Together we will explore questions such as:
What’s wrong with the world—and with us?
What is the Gospel?
Why do we need Jesus?
What do Christians believe?
Who is God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit?
Why did Jesus die and rise again?
Our goal is not simply to teach information but to help young people grow as disciples of Jesus Christ within the worshiping life of his church.
Youth catechesis will prepare students to make a mature public profession of faith in Confirmation while forming them into lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ who believe the Gospel, participate in the life of the church, pursue holiness, and join Christ’s work in the world.
If your child will be 10–13 years old this fall, we warmly invite them to join us in the Parish Hall at 9am.
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Second Sunday Sandwiches—Sunday following worship in the Parish Hall.
Vestry Meeting—Sunday at 12:15pm
Chesapeake Baysox Baseball and Fireworks—Friday, August 21, 7:05pm.
Discovery/Membership Luncheon—Sunday, August 23, following worship. Email Kaarin if you’d like to attend.
5th Sunday Potluck/Membership Sunday—August 30 following worship.
Weekly:
Around the Table—A prayer time for women, Thursdays, 9:00am, at the Wishart’s. Email Lauren for details.
Morning Prayer—Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 8:00–8:30am on Zoom.
Men’s Bible Study—Thursdays, 7:00am at 1309.
Photo: Stormseeker on Unsplash
