SEPTEMBER 14, 2023

LAKESHORE FRIENDS—

God is a God of unity. Everything that He does is to create or restore unity.

Unfortunately, human beings tend to have the exact opposite behavior. We seem to prefer to divide from others based on immutable characteristics like the color of our skin, the places we were born, and the unique personalities we each possess. Instead of appreciating these diversities, we reject them. 

Today, we see the effects of this division everywhere! Disagree on virtually any issue and there may be lots of animosity, heated words, personal hatred, and potentially even violence that follows. This division and animosity is everywhere and it seems that no one is immune. You could be on public transportation, getting into your car, walking down the street, or sitting at home. Worse, we sometimes see it in the church, even on Sunday mornings. 

This should never be the case because the God of unity created one church, regardless of ethnicity, financial income, or even small, non-essential differences in theological doctrine.

On Sunday, we’re going to celebrate our 17th year of being one church as we invite four other congregations to join us for Rochester Together, a reimagined event building off our annual Roc Service. With two churches predominantly African American, one predominantly Hispanic, and one Messianic Jewish, we will have an opportunity to reflect the true unity that the church and the world need to see. That’s especially true as divisions in our nation are at levels we have not seen for decades, if not longer.

Our goal for Rochester Together is to worship together, work together, and be a witness to the world of the greatness of God so that others will see it in its undeniable beauty.  

I hope you’ll join us on Sunday and that you’ll invite others to join you too. We have special guest musicians and you’ll hear from the Pastors and Rabbis of each congregation. This is easily one of the best Sundays of the year.

Warmly,
Vince