Minister's Message

We have exited the Gospels and entered into the book of Acts. It's believed that Acts was written by the Gospel writer Luke. It describes events that took place after Jesus' resurrection and during the development of the early Christian church. Stephen, a deacon in the early church at Jerusalem, was the first Christian martyr. He was a victim of the tumultuous times that followed Jesus' crucifixion. Stephen was chosen as one of seven deacons to deal with a conflict between two factions in the newly formed Christian community. He was given the responsibility to ensure that the widows of each faction were provided for equally because it was reported that widows of one group were not receiving their food provisions. Stephen preached Jesus' message of love and caring. He also performed 'signs and wonders.' He was accused of blasphemy by the Sanhedrin and subsequently stoned to death. The manner of his death was shocking and reminiscent of the violence Jesus' suffered on the cross. The violence of Stephen's death is not nearly as surprising as the reason for it. Stephen was following Christ's example; advocating for fair and equitable treatment for widows! Where is the message for us today? It's about communication. Polarization is problematic. When people cannot hear divergent views from their own without reacting violently, society suffers. Where is God in this story? Stephen identifies God as the 'Holy Spirit' that moves us to love and care for one another. Like Jesus, he likely knew that being an activist in that time and place could lead to his death. Being a martyr for a cause is controversial. We don't want anyone to die for a cause. It shouldn't be necessary. It shouldn't be allowed. But in history, there have been many martyrs who have moved a cause forward either deliberately or by accident. Selfless devotion to a good cause is remarkable and tragic all at once.

Lowville News

NOTES FOR US ALL ([email protected])

U.C.W. Meeting Wed May 14 at 11:30am Zimmerman Room Bring your lunch.

LOWVILLE CARES - Place your Local Food Bank Donations in Zimmerman Room Baskets located under the Guelph Line window near the Sanctuary door.
 
 Did you know that Lowville has an online calendar??? Go check it out at www.lowvilleunitedchurch.ca/calendar It’s updated with all the Happenings.