From the Congregational Church of Eastford
Greetings Eastford! As I write this, the Congregational Church of Eastford is moving towards a moving target — the completion of our new building. We are very blessed to be able to replace the building we lost to an arson fire 3 1/2 years ago. It is, however, taking a bit longer than we had hoped, and the ride is a bit bumpy. But all is OK. We will be in the building “soon” (please note that I’m non-committal about an exact date) and will invite you all to an open house later this fall.
In the seasons of life, fall is often a time of new starts. A new school year, a new football and soccer season, and a time when we move from the loose structure of summer life to more structure and discipline. This fall, I have an invitation for you to step into something you may not have tried before. Now, maybe you just jumped to the conclusion that I am about to ask you to add Sunday worship to your weekly routine. I could do that, but it isn’t actually what I have in mind.
As we start new things this fall, as we shift our “busy” from summer to school, work, exercise, diet, and driving kids to sports and such, maybe the cooler weather has you energized. Or maybe not. Perhaps you are feeling the burden of fresh responsibilities. Maybe you are starting to feel tired before you even get started. In light of this, I have another idea you might consider.
Jesus said these words: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
I can tell you from personal experience that when you are busy, harassed, and harried, if you accept Jesus’ invitation to “come to me,” you will indeed find rest. Real rest. Soul rest. The kind of rest you can only have when you are “right” about things like guilt and shame and fear — even fear of death. I am talking about sleep-well-through-the-night, peaceful rest. If you come near to Him, you will also be challenged, changed, spiritually healed, loved, and hopeful.
If that sounds good to you and you would like to know more, please reach out to us at the Congregational Church of Eastford so that we might help you find that rest. Or, come worship with us on a Sunday. Or open a Bible and start reading. Maybe start with the Gospel of John. One of the titles of Jesus is “Prince of Peace.” He loves you and wants you to receive ultimate peace.
P.S. The Congregational Church of Eastford is centered on Jesus Christ, grounded in the authority and truth of the Bible, and committed to serving God by telling all about Jesus, emulating His love, and walking in His truth. Check us out at cceastford.org.