We are now in the long, green season of Pentecost. During this half of the church year, the scripture readings focus on growth - the growth of the disciples, the growth of the church, the growth of the people of God, people of faith.

In July, the gospel readings we have are about People of Faith. As we hear these texts and consider what these disciples did, we grow in our own understanding of faith and discipleship. These texts call us to grow deeper and wider as we live as people of faith in the world.

We hear the story of the 70 who were sent out to preach, teach and heal. People of faith do what Jesus did - proclaim the coming of the Kingdom of God. The kingdom has com near. We have been called and we have been sent. This sending of the 70 is as much for their sake as for the sake of the world. As they go, they discover that they can do what they've been called to do. They weren't sure at first, but in the power of the Spirit, they preach, teach, and heal. They grow deeper and wider in the faith and discipleship.

We will read the story of Mary and Martha, who teach us that along with the doing of faith, we need the growing in faith. As we spend time at the feet of Jesus, our doing is not distraction, but purposeful. We will hear about the Good Samaritan, the outsider who was a disciple, willing to give all he had for the well-being and care of a stranger, who was an enemy. The Good Samaritan teaches us that God is at work in the world in unlikely places and unlikely people. This story also encourages us to consider that God can use an unlikely person like me and you to do his mission in the world.

The last text we have in July is about prayer - disciples who pray. Prayer undergirds all we do. Prayer in the foundation for our relationship with God. As we connected to God, so we connect to others and we are empowered to be disciples. Prayer in the beginning of all.

Take time to consider these people of faith. Ask how they might teach you to be a deeper, wider person of faith. Give thanks for these stories and for God's word which encourages, challenges, and grows faith.

Blessings in July!

Pastor Siri Sorenson