Dear Friends,
At the end of my sermon yesterday I urged everyone to reach out to every Jewish person you have ever known to offer words of support and love following the horrendous Hamas attacks on Israel. But I made a serious, inadvertent omission for which I am very sorry. I neglected to ask you to extend the same gesture of support and love to your Muslim friends who are innocent of the atrocities but who may be feeling attacked for them nonetheless. And, of course, both Jewish and Muslim people will surely suffer and die in the coming weeks. All need our support, love, and prayers.
In Christ,
The Rev. Steve White
Philippians 4:1-9
My brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.
I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.