Neighbor News
Friend-Raising, Sunday, May 10, 10:30am
Sunday morning worship service at First Baptist Church
WELL, IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN, the fundraising time! (When isn’t it, right?) Public radio, WNYC is gearing up for their spring pledge drive, many non-profit organizations in Westchester are having galas and banquets for good causes. It takes a lot of money to be a part of the good in our community.
In this week’s passage (John 15:9-17) Jesus’ execution is fast approaching and he is reminding the disciples that they are his beloved. They are not merely his servants anymore, but his friends whom he has served, his companions, his chosen. Jesus is friend-raising for the greater good. Certainly the days to follow will be dark and desperate, but he is building them up by reminding them of who and whose they are: God’s friends. You don’t need any money to be a friend of God, but keep his commandment to love.
But this isn’t some Hollywood, romantic notion of love … it’s Agape love, which means to love without conditions. That means that we love our mothers, family, neighbors, and ourselves. That means to love others sacrificially as Jesus loves us. That means to love not just those who love you in return, but to love your enemies, as Jesus taught us and lived out. It’s time for a friend-raising effort, letting people know that they are important and worthy of our love, because Christ has friended them too!
Free parking. Fellowship follows worship.
First Baptist Church of White Plains
456 North Street, White Plains NY 10605
914.949.5207
