Labor of Love – We continue our walk through the New Testament and, currently, through the writings of the apostle Paul, with today’s reading from 1 Thessalonians.  Today is also Communion Sunday.  Paul’s letters in the New Testament are arranged in order of their length, and, historically, 1 Thessalonians was likely the first of Paul’s letters that were written, so in it we get the earliest glimpse of the spread of Christianity.  It emphasizes that those believers are known for their love, but they are suffering some persecution.  Also, they anticipate that Christ will return at any moment, but since that coming has not yet happened, there are mixed feelings and anxieties.  Paul encourages them to keep the faith and manifest the vision of what is expected when Christ returns – keep working and exhibit love.  In our lifetime we will celebrate the 2000^th anniversary of Christ’s resurrection, and, like the Thessalonians, we experience much that is not the kingdom of God, but Paul cautions us not to fall into hopelessness but to live being deeply involved in spreading the love of God.  On Labor Day weekend, we are called to work to extend God’s love.  Our work matters to God.

(NOTE:  Emphasizing the importance of the Word, the video begins with the scripture reading, but if you want, you can scroll back to the beginning of the service in the video – the entire service is available.)