Between Sundays for the Week of June 15, 2026
Matthew 9 marks a shift in Jesus’ ministry. Up to this point, Jesus has been gathering people around him as he embarks on his mission of embodying God’s love, mercy and grace for the world. Now Jesus commissions twelve of his followers and sends them as emissaries into a hurting world hungering for compassion.
This gospel makes clear that faithful discipleship is not something attained through study or learning, or by some particular skill or capacity. The twelve that Jesus sent are marked by their ordinariness. Instead, the heart of faithful discipleship, as described by Matthew, is active participation in God’s gracious activity in this world. Jesus sends the twelve in the same way he has been sent by God: to attend to the needs of the people around them; rely on God’s provision; and carry forth the work of healing and restoration. They are sent to be for others as Jesus has been for them – a sign of God’s gracious presence.
As we journey through life, today’s gospel is a reminder that we can expect to be met by others who are prepared to respond to our needs with compassion and care. When they do, they bring a tangible sign of God’s gracious presence to us! It’s also a reminder that each of us is also sent by Jesus to respond to the needs of people around us. We are the sent ones whose compassion has the power to make Christ known for others. It’s a tall order, but we do it filled with the presence of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.
As we embrace our role as Jesus’ disciples, we will experience hardships, challenges, and obstacles along the way because that’s how life is, not because God has placed some test before us that we must pass. Whenever we experience the inevitable challenges that a life of following Jesus puts before us, we press on with the assurance that God will not leave us where we are, but will accompany us with love made visible. Sometimes we will be the ones receiving love and care from a stranger, and sometimes we will be the ones bringing that love to a stranger, or our neighbor next door, or our friend in need. And as this happens, God’s circle of grace grows ever wider, hope blossoms, and the kingdom of heaven comes near.
P.S. View Sunday’s worship service and listen to Pastor Amy’s sermon. (The gospel reading and sermon begins around 18:38.) As always, share your presence with us or prayer concerns by completing a contact form on our website! Links to previous worship videos are available on our website.
Faith Connection at Home – Summer Spotlight!
What’s something you know how to do really well? I know how to swim really well. One of the sports I do throughout the school year is synchronized swimming, which has also continued to improve my skills in the water.
What is something you would like to learn how to do? I would like to learn how to crochet succulents. I have gotten into crocheting over the past year (even learning to make a sweater this winter!) and I look forward to learning how to make something new.
What is something you love about our church? One thing I really like about our church is the music. The hymns we sing and the special music is really beautiful, and I think it is a great way for the rest of our church community to share their gifts during worship.
What is something you wish was different about our church? If I had a magic wand I would improve our church’s livestream audio. When we have special music with an instrument and singing, the sound does not always balance as well as it does in person, and I think everyone should have the opportunity to hear the special music just as well over the livestream as we do in person.
What is something you want our church to know about you? Something I would like our church to know about me is I like cooking, running and helping others – especially through Girl Scouts!
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Ponderings
Pastor Amy shared a story from the podcast My Unsung Hero in worship on Sunday. Listen to the full story of Rebecca Simonitsch and the person who made a difference in her time of need.