January 24, 2025
Dear Friends,
This Sunday we will continue our sermon series focusing on the the story of David, a shepherd boy who became the anointed King of Israel. Last week we focused on the story of David and Goliath. This week we will continue with 1 Samuel 18-20 which tells us the story of David’s relationship with friend and foe. King Saul becomes increasingly envious and jealous of David’s popularity and charisma. So much so that it drives him to plot David’s death not once but numerous times. Jonathan, Saul’s son, whom we might think would see David as a threat to his own power, commits to a lasting and loyal friendship with David. Jonathan does this to the point of risking his own life for the sake of David. There is in this story a contrast between King Saul and Jonathan when it comes to God’s anointed and future King of Israel. It gets us to consider the value of having deep and lasting friendships. It gets us to consider what Jesus said to his disciples about the use of power and serving others. (Matthew 20:20-28) It gets us to consider the words of Jesus about his friendship with us and what he has done to be our true friend. (John 15:15) So please join me on Sunday as we continue to explore this great story in a message entitled “The True Friend”.
This will be Samantha’s last official Sunday working as our Office Administrator and Pastoral Care-Coordinator. It has been great to have Samantha as a leader within our congregation. Samantha has been instrumental in many areas of GPC. We worked together through Covid providing worship and on-line pastoral care during that anxious time. We formed a great team which has been able to reach out to minister through the livestream. Sam has also been pivotal for me in covering many pastoral care concerns more recently with my increased responsibility in the larger church. In short, I will miss her presence and I know as a congregation we have been blessed though her leadership. Sam is continuing to assist our new Office Administrator, Andrea, whom we are so pleased to have on board. I am also looking forward to this coming June when I will be able to officiate at Mike and Sam’s wedding.
Have a lovely weekend.
Pastor Ian
