A note from Pastor Travis 9/10/26
One of the most well-known theological ideas from the 20thcentury is Dietrich Bonhoeffer‘s concept of cheap grace. In ‘The Cost of Discipleship’, he writes:
“Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline. Communion without confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.”
These are powerful words, and the idea of cheap grace is an important one. Yet, Bonhoeffer doesn’t leave it there. He also defines costly grace for us. He writes (forgive his masculine exclusive language):
“Costly grace confronts us as a gracious call to follow Jesus; it comes as a word of forgiveness to the broken spirit and the contrite heart. It is costly because it compels a man to submit to the yoke of Christ and follow him; it is grace because Jesus says: “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Cheap grace demands that we recognize our own need for grace and make the changes that are needed to experience it. Costly grace demands that we share that same grace with others.
In Matthew 18:21-35, Jesus told a parable about one who sought grace without real repentance and then refused to share grace with another. This Sunday, we will reflect on these ideas and ask if we are willing to do the hard work to be transformed by forgiveness and to share forgiveness with others.
Join us on Sunday as we consider these important ideas for our faith.
Here are some upcoming events that you will not want to miss:
This Sunday is the Victorian Fair — This is an opportunity for us to share the great things that are going on in our church with the wider community. We need people who are willing to join us at our table. It is easy and fun. You also get to pet lots of dogs and see the happy faces of children as they paint rocks. We also need people who are willing to help us pack up and take things back to church after the fair is over. If you can help, please let Pastor Travis know.
Chancel Choir Rehearsal Begins This Sunday at 9:05– Love singing? Want to join with others who love to sing? Join the Chancel Choir! All voices welcome!
Sunday School Starts – September 20 – This first Sunday will be AOK, where our children have the opportunity to participate in the mission of the church. This is a great time of fellowship, support, prayer, and study. All are welcome to join us.
Blessing of the Animals — October 4 — 1:00. Share this news with family and friends, so that they can have their animals blessed too!
MAAV Walk – October 25, 3:00-6:00— MAAV works to break the cycle of domestic violence through community awareness, resources & support. We are in the process of assembling our team of walkers. For more information about the walk and how you can participate, please contact the church office.
There will be many other wonderful opportunities for ministry, study, service, and worship this fall. So, keep an eye out so that you don’t miss any of them!
Blessings,
Pastor Travis