~Psalm 121~

 1I lift up my eyes to the hills —
 from where will my help come?
 2My help comes from the LORD,
 who made heaven and earth.
 3He will not let your foot be moved;
 he who keeps you will not slumber.
 4He who keeps Israel
 will neither slumber nor sleep.
 5The LORD is your keeper;
 the LORD is your shade at your right hand.
 6The sun shall not strike you by day,
 nor the moon by night.
 7The LORD will keep you from all evil;
 he will keep your life.
 8The LORD will keep
 your going out and your coming in
 from this time on and forevermore.

Psalm 121 was a favorite of Bev Burns who died tragically when her home burned on March 15, 2023.  Bev frequently preached and presided at worship when I was unavailable.  Her sermons are found on this website under the Sermon tab.  She served at St. John’s over the years in many ways.  Most recently she helped with setting up and distributing Holy Communion weekly and leading the adult Sunday Bible Study.  Here, at St. John’s we lost a friend, co-worker and someone who inspired us in faith.  The grief for many here has been great.  Since Bev’s death, two of her close friends (who were also dear friends of many of us) also died.  

In the midst of this grief, we celebrated Holy Week and Easter.  Despite the tears and shadows of grief the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection still holds true and lights our way with the hope and love only Jesus can give.  And for this truth, to quote a very good friend, “I am grateful!”   

If you find yourself going through times of grief or struggles, know that the promise and hope of Jesus’ death and resurrection hold true for you too.  May you too know the truth proclaimed in Psalm 121 - the steadfast love and help comes from God.  Know that no matter what, the Lord keeps you and is your help.   

You are welcome here.  We tend to be a people who know we are not perfect, we love and lean on Jesus, and seek to welcome all. May Psalm 121 help sustain you as you seek the resurrection hope we have in Christ Jesus.                                                             Peace, Pastor Michelle