Church programs for Monday, Jan. 22 will resume their normal schedule at all locations this evening.
Leawood’s Sunday night in-person worship has been moved to 4 pm for Sunday, February 11.
1 One day Jesus was standing beside Lake Gennesaret when the crowd pressed in around him to hear God’s word. 2 Jesus saw two boats sitting by the lake. The fishermen had gone ashore and were washing their nets. 3 Jesus boarded one of the boats, the one that belonged to Simon, then asked him to row out a little distance from the shore. Jesus sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. 4 When he finished speaking to the crowds, he said to Simon, “Row out farther, into the deep water, and drop your nets for a catch.”
5 Simon replied, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and caught nothing. But because you say so, I’ll drop the nets.”
6 So they dropped the nets and their catch was so huge that their nets were splitting. 7 They signaled for their partners in the other boat to come and help them. They filled both boats so full that they were about to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw the catch, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Leave me, Lord, for I’m a sinner!” 9 Peter and those with him were overcome with amazement because of the number of fish they caught. 10 James and John, Zebedee’s sons, were Simon’s partners and they were amazed too.
Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid. From now on, you will be fishing for people.” 11 As soon as they brought the boats to the shore, they left everything and followed Jesus.
I am excited to learn more through our new sermon series, “Jesus at the Lake.” These are fascinating stories integral to the ministry of Jesus. We will learn about the Sea of Galilee and its importance for our lives. The stories that surround this body of water will inspire us in the weeks to come.
I know when I am near a body of water it calms me. It can be a beach, a river, or a park with a small pond. There is something about the reflection of the clouds off the water that provides an opportunity for us to let down our guard, to free our stress, and to relax. Sometimes, when I get overwhelmed, I drive or walk to the nearest body of water. For me, that place can be Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park in Lenexa or Shawnee Mission Park. Both have beautiful bodies of water where you can find a bench to stop, rest, and pray.
What will you be doing during this sermon series to appreciate the beauty of creation?
As we begin this sermon series, I invite you to resonate on how God is calling you into action or into a time of rest. Let us pray:
Creator God,
We give you thanks for the beauty that you have given to us. We see your art and creativity in how you have made the world around us. As we embark on our daily activities each day let us be reminded that you formed us first, that you provided the remarkable landscape that often disappears in our busy world, and that no matter how our day unfolds that we are not alone. We know that you are a God who will never leave us, who sustains us, and invites us into a relationship each day. Amen.
This week's prayer tip is by Jessica Lovell, who serves as a Connection & Care Pastor at Resurrection Overland Park.