Dear Church Family, 

We had a wonderful time at our fall Vesper Service this year and I would like to thank Hamer and Jenny Tate for their wonderful hospitality.  

As we were getting ready for the music time, I noticed that Rod was just about to tumble down the hillside.  He was sitting on the box drum and as he began to play, the slope of the hillside was causing him to lose his balance and nearly roll down the hill.  While this may have been entertaining to us to watch, it was certainly not ideal for us to keep on the beat together.  

We tried a few different playing positions but ultimately we had to find a spot that was a bit more level, which we finally did.  Once he set up on the level area, we were able to lead the music keeping the tempo together.  

I was thinking about that hillside this morning.  Level ground is essential for just about any foundation.  Building upon unlevel ground causes the building to come apart. More than once I have set my campfire chair on a hillside only to suddenly tumble backward.  The slightest shift of weight can throw one off balance and remove me from the group.    

The same is true for our lives.  It is important that we establish ourselves on level ground if we desire true unity.  It has been said: “the ground is level at the foot of the Cross.” I believe this certainly to be the case.  Whatever differences we may have with each other, the cross of Christ is the great equalizer.  We are all sinners.  Our differences melt away in the power of God’s Amazing Grace.  

Gal 3:26-28

...for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. -ESV

In the many attempts underway to address disunity through amplifying our differences, may we seek the level ground at the foot of the cross of Christ.  In the shadow of the cross, we view one another with Christ’s love and dignity, humbly treating others' needs above our own.  Let’s stand together on this level ground. 

Loving you all,

Michael