This Sunday we continue our sermon series Life-giving Promises as we look at Salty Service. Our scriptural guide will be the words of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 5:13-16, part of the Sermon on the Mount. Salty Service describes those many ways we offer help, hope, and home to others. Just as salt enhances a food dish, brings out the flavors, and causes it to be even more enjoyable, salty service makes a real difference in people's lives – both those being served and those serving.

Salty service stretches us to love in the name of Christ and to serve others in ways we might not do if simply left to our own desires. It transforms us to be "doers and not hearers only." Salty Service connects the lives of disciples – you and me – with the ongoing work of Christ in the world. This means such service might be viewed as risky because it moves us out of our comfort zone and takes us to places, and brings us to people we might not ordinarily encounter.

Salty Service will often mean getting our hands "dirty" as we move from the safe sidelines of observation to be immersed in action in new and different situations. However, service in the name of Christ also provides each of us with credibility as we share the Gospel of love to a doubting world. Know that you are in my prayers daily and that I am eager to see you as we gather in worship this Sunday!

Thrilled to be your pastor on this journey,

Pete