"Summer of Love" Series 2021

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“Summer of Love” Series Overview

Join the summer of love.  Not the 1960s version but the one Jesus embodied.  For him, the greatest commandments were loving God and other people.  According to Scripture, “Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:8).  But what does that mean?  Through this series, we will look at different ways we can love God and the people around us by following the example and teaching of Jesus.  Embrace your inner hippie!

 

August 1

LOVING FRIENDS: Friends can carry each other through good times and periods of trouble.  Jesus models for us true friendship even through times of disappointment and hurt.  In John 21: 3-4, 10-17, Peter insists that he loves Jesus.  What makes a good friend?

 

August 8

LOVING NEIGHBORS: We witness to the love of God when we share our goods and gifts with the community.  In John 6:1-13, Jesus shows the abundance of sharing.  What have you borrowed from a neighbor?

 

August 15

LOVING FAMILY: Our families are the most immediate examples of giving and receiving love in our lives.  In Luke 10:38-42, two sisters welcome Jesus into their home.  Jesus invites us to appreciate the better parts of life when they are offered.  How does your family show love?

 

August 22

LOVING GOD: We all make time for things that are important to us.  Sabbath is time we give to God.  In Mark 2:23-28, Jesus reminds us that sabbath is not a burden but a gift.  We find freedom by setting aside time to rest and show our love for God through worship.  How does Sabbath nourish you?

 

August 29

LOVING STRANGERS: Have you opened a door for a stranger or greeted someone you don’t know?  These gestures of kindness remind us that all people have dignity.  In Matthew 25:34-40, Jesus says that because of his bond with humanity, he feels the impact of our actions, such as when we help or ignore someone.  When has a stranger helped you?  

 

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