A few weeks ago it was determined that this Sunday would be PWS&D Sunday. What might that be you ask? Well let me tell you. PWS&D stands for Presbyterian World Service and Development and it is the part of the Presbyterian Church in Canada that meets physical needs, while not losing sight of the spiritual needs, of people. You might think of it as the relief arm of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. I am quite happy to highlight this sort of thing in church. I think it is very important to not lose sight of the connection(s) to the larger body of the denomination and what it is up to. However, these sorts of services can put me in the difficult position of not using the Lectionary texts. I know, I know. I have said more than once that the Lectionary is not a requirement but using the Lectionary connects us to the larger church, even larger than the Presbyterian Church in Canada. So what do I do? As I am loath to “shoehorn” themes into texts or texts into themes I eventually turn to the texts and see if the Holy Spirit reveals a connection, which frequently happens, as it did this week.
The connection between a denominational relief arm and Luke 6 might not be immediately apparent and I’m not prepared to say I make the case that the connection is compelling but I do believe I make a pretty compelling case about what and how we are different.
As always, let me know if you think I succeeded or failed in the comments below or wherever it works best for you.
Blessings,
Leave a Reply