June 17

We welcome Rodney Tom, our first member from the 10am service to lead The Sunday Gathering! 

If you don't already know Rodney, he is the son of Elaine and Walter Tom, who work tirelessly every Sunday with Joe Chan @ Joe's Cafe!

On Father's Day, Rodney wanted to honor our Holy Father. He tells us about his journey with cancer and how God stayed beside him during challenging times.

He suggests we read Isaiah 40 in it's entirety. This verse helped him get through the past 6 months while dealing with his illness:

"Why do you complain, jacob? Why do you say, Israel, "My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God?" Do you now know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Rodney says in addition to praying that meditating is crucial to finding that connection and peace between you and God. Sometimes praying and "asking" God for comfort isn't enough. Being mindful and using mediation can build a better foundation.

He turned to Jeremiah 29 which helped him to stay focused and gave him hope during very difficult times. 

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you, declares the Lord and will bring you back from captivity.  I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have vanished you, declares the Lord and will bring you back to the place from which i carried you into exile.

Rodney then shared a beautiful song "Before you call" which you can view on this link below along with his entire Sunday Lesson.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/LSEtYGKkFjLa9A4RA

We broke into groups to discuss and reflect by and asking each group the following questions:

1. Where have you seen God today?

2. When has God been faithful to provide for you before you even asked?

3. When has God answered your prayer?

4. Do you put limitations on God based on how you view your own father? if so, how can you change that to really experience God?

In closing, Rodney suggests we be mindful of ALL that God has provided for us and to remember and honor him today and everyday. View his closing below:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/e9x2VDFf9hrHfknU6

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The Sunday Gathering

A place to get to know each other 

and

to grow closer to God

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