Blessings from Butner PC
March 29, 2017
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Ps 139:23-24)
Pastor’s Corner
Just when I thought nothing else could surprise me, I ran across an article earlier this week about an 11 year old girl in West Harwich, Massachusetts, who was served with no-trespass orders from three neighbors who didn’t like her cutting through their back yards to get to and from her school bus stop. The girl’s mother said she was unaware neighbors had an issue until the police arrived at her door. She questioned why she wasn’t informed by the neighbors or school officials, who also knew about the situation. She wondered if the fact her family is new to the area and she and her daughter have brightly colored hair may have caused neighbors to dislike them. One neighbor said they were previously sued because a girl fell in their yard. According to the notices, the sixth grader could be arrested and fined up to $100, imprisoned up to 30 days or both, if she steps onto the properties listed in the no-trespass orders.
It is a truly sad state of affairs when we would rather call our lawyer than our neighbor. What happened to “love thy neighbor as thyself”? What happened to forgiveness?
Jesus faced this same kind of mistrust during his earthly ministry. Most of the scribes and Pharisees could not bring themselves to believe that Jesus was actually the Messiah – he was nothing like what they expected or wanted – but his followers were growing every day, so out of fear, they conspired to bring about his demise. In this Sunday’s sermon, we’ll talk about the latest plot against Jesus on the road to Golgotha.
Best of all, this Sunday will feature singing by the Butner Presbyterian Pre-Kindergarten! It is always fun having the Pre-K kids sing in worship. I hope you will join us for this special occasion.