Dear Saints in Residence:

June 8 was a very busy Sunday around the church. I know we only had one service, but during that Sunday time we celebrated Holy Communion, honored our Sunday School teachers, commissioned our Haiti missionaries Sue Rich and Sue Robinson, the Sues, videotaped the service for use in different ways on the internet. Finally, through the spiritual gifts of Stacie Pickel and UNYTS, we collected 20 pints of blood. WOW, what a busy day! I want to lift up to you a comment by one of our members, Joe Smith, as he was giving blood. As I was finishing the process of giving blood, I sat across from Joe. As he was giving blood for the first time he said to me that there is a powerful relationship between participating in Holy Communion, referring to the blood of Christ as we do during that service, and then asking people to give blood. He went on to say that this was the reason that he decided to give his blood for the very first time.Could it possibly be that Joe’s blood has already stabilized or saved a life? What are we to say about this act probably repeated millions of times across this nation and many other nations annually?

First, thank you Joe, for seeing the point of giving blood, especially on the day that the Hamburg Presbyterian Church celebrated Holy Communion. Jesus Christ’s gift to us enables the faithful to love through acts of kindness. For those of you who could not give blood for some reason, if you are able you will have another chance. For those of you who can not give blood, find a way to show your love for the Christ because of his gift to you. By the way, I do believe that the act of every blood donor can save lives.

We all need to remember that the prophet in Micah 6:8 reminds us of our responsibilities to the world and all of God’s creation. “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” All along the journey of life, we are to balance justice, kindness, and humility with the way we live. The balancing act is difficult, yet it is worth the effort.

Next time you have an opportunity to help save a life or to make the abundant life possible for another, remember the kindness and humility of Jesus Christ and so many people. Joe gave blood for the first time. We need to do many acts for God for not only the first time but many times after that. Reaching out in God’s name to people is God’s desire for us. Act out and practice your faith by doing and believing the very things that a disciple might do.

I Thank Our God for You!

The Reverend James (Jim) D. Burton, Pastor