The Opposite of Love
The Opposite of Love
Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor and 1986 Nobel laureate famously said, “There is no love without hate, and there is no hate without love; but the opposite of love is not hate, it is indifference.” This quotation came to mind this week as I was meditating on our readings for Sunday, because of something these scriptures exposed in me…nothing so “unrighteous” as hatred, but rather a pernicious kind of indifference.
The charge the Prophet Amos leveled against Israel was that while they cared extravagantly for their own bodies, they had become indifferent to the needs of others. The Rich Man in the parable Jesus told didn’t hate poor Lazarus who sat at his gate every day—he was just indifferent toward him (and paid a high price for it).
The pernicious problem of indifference this Sunday at 10. We will also, as always, sing, pray, read the Scriptures, and celebrate the Eucharist together.
See you then.
Steve+
Small Group Registration—continues through Monday, September 26
We'll be working through The Other Half of Church together, which provides insights and exercises we'll explore together and discover how we can experience more joy, support each other more intentionally, and create the kind of community that loves God more fully and our neighbors more fearlessly. You can purchase a copy here.
Groups will meet for eight weeks beginning the first week of October, and will go from 7:00 or 7:30PM till 9:00PM. You can register for a small group online here through Monday, September 26th.
Children’s Formation Volunteers:
We are in great need of once-a-month volunteers to help in children’s formation (the class that takes place Sundays during the sermon, Nicene Creed, and Prayers of the People). We need those who can teach our curriculum, and those who can simply help—our children’s safety protocols require at least two adults in each class. This is a great opportunity for couples to serve together. Contact Karissa (karissa.simmons@redeemerannapolis.org).
Seeking Our Neighbors’ Flourishing Together
We have the opportunity to participate in a group project at Historic London Town and Gardens, Saturday, October 15, 10AM-1PM. The work will include: trail building (laying gravel paths, edging, stabilizing); invasive removal (removing ivy, bamboo, or other seasonal weeds); and site restoration (restoring an area back to the way it was through invasive removal and bed amendments). It’ll be fun to work together. Registration will begin next week.
If Saturday doesn’t work for you, there are also weekday options available for individuals. Contact Patrick (patrick.finn@redeemerannapolis.org).
1082 Epping Forest Road, Annapolis
Please continue in prayer daily for our Vestry’s discernment as we consider this property as the potential site for Redeemer’s permanent home. Also, go by and look it over and tell us what you think.
Picture credit: ProMedia on Unsplash