Pastor Dana has been serving as Unity’s Associate Pastor for just over a year! In a typical year, the incoming pastor is installed within the first month or so after their arrival. This past year has been anything but typical. Thankfully, we are slowly getting back to normal.
I am happy to announce that Pastor Dana will be officially installed this Sunday during the 11 am service. Please come and show your support. An installation service is a combined effort between the Presbytery of Western North Carolina and Unity Presbyterian Church. Byron Wade, the Presbytery’s General Presbyter, and Cam Murchison, the Presbytery’s Stated Clerk, will assist in leading the installation service. I look forward to welcoming them!
In addition, this Sunday we will begin our summer series Teaching Through Stories. Jesus was an expert storyteller and he often chose to teach important truths about God and faith through stories. Why do you think he did that? Wouldn’t it have been easier for Jesus to deliver a textbook with everything we need to know about God?
Personally, I believe Jesus knew of the best way for humans to learn— through story. Sure, I can strive to memorize a textbook, but I’ll have much easier time re-telling a story. When someone says, “Tell me a little about yourself” you may share a fact or two, but after that, you’ll begin to share stories about yourself. This Sunday we will explore a parable from Matthew 18. Here is how it begins:
The kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.
-Matthew 18:23
Right off the bat Jesus tells you that he is going to teach about God’s kingdom. But he doesn’t come right out and tell you about the qualities and attributes that are important in God’s kingdom. Jesus doesn’t provide a list of characteristics that are essential in God’s kingdom.
Instead, he begins to tell you a story.
There was once a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants…
What does this story teach us about God’s kingdom? You’ll have to wait until Sunday to find out…
We will spend the summer exploring these parables and searching for the deeper meaning within them.
The children of Unity will also be studying the parables during their summer Sunday school. This will meet in the picnic shelter and will be led by Bailey Beam.
Suffice to say— this is going to be a big Sunday!
Did I mention that the handbells are playing at both services?
And did I mention that the breakfast crew is cooking up a delicious breakfast at 8:30 am?
Big Sunday!
Join us as we celebrate Pastor Dana’s call to Unity and explore the story of a king and his servants.
See you on Sunday!
-Pastor David
