June 14, 2026

Our Lectionary readings for next Sunday, June 14, are Genesis 18:1-15; Psalm 100; Romans 5:1-8; Matthew 9:35-10:8.

Our Lectionary readings for the next Sunday, June 21, are Genesis 21:8-21; Psalm 69:7-10, 16-18; Romans 6:1-11; Matthew 10:24-39.

"Prince of Peace," we call Jesus. "Peace, I leave with you," Jesus promises. Paul says that a "peace that passes understanding" guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. And then we hear Jesus insist, "Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword."

Jesus makes this startling assertion in the midst of a charge to his disciples to extend his own mission into a world that is not always receptive, a world defined by a different set of priorities than that of God's kingdom. 

It's inevitable that when Jesus' disciples offer witness to the priority of the kingdom in a reluctant world, tensions will erupt. Jesus says to expect such. There is also the promise, though, that even in the midst of such tensions our hearts and minds remain safe under guard by the presence of Christ.

We will have a guest speaker fill the pulpit on June 14. Former pastor Sam Wayman will lead in worship while Jeph and Joy head to South Carolina to celebrate Joy's mother's 94th birthday.

Some in our community are encouraging San Augustine Churches to unite in synchronized  prayer for the twenty one days between June 10 and June 30. We are asked to pray for our churches, our families, civic leaders, and mission efforts at both 7:00 am and 7:00 pm. United prayer for our community is a great expression of the oneness of the body of Christ.

You are encouraged to participate in the "Red Lister Bible Reading Program." We have distributed a "Read-the-Bible-in-A-Year" Guide that provides a helpful plan for daily readings of Scripture. If you haven't picked yours up, one is available for you for the asking.