Growth and New Life

THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL: JOHN 15:1-8 (MESSAGE)

 “I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer. He cuts off every branch of me that doesn’t bear grapes. And every branch that is grape-bearing he prunes back so it will bear even more. You are already pruned back by the message I have spoken.

 “Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me.

 “I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.

We are trying something new at Christ Church.  We are planting a garden. Yes, a dig in the dirt garden. 

During the last five years, we have been talking about who we are and who we want to be. We have been struggling and questioning and changing.  In this unknown place, we are doing something extravagantly expectant … planting a garden and sharing our food with others. 

You see, our garden is a sign that we believe God will provide for us and for our neighbors.  By planting this garden in full sight of everyone who drives by the church, by planting this garden with the full intention of its fruit being shared with those who are hungry through the Wellesley Food Pantry, by planting this garden, we are acting in faith and believing God for our future.When we are joined with God in feeding, caring and loving others, the harvest is sure to be abundant. 

Please join us in prayer and in hope that our garden will be just the beginning of our growth.  If you are in the neighborhood and want to get dirty, come and join us.  Everyone is welcome in the garden and in Christ Church.