Friends, The above subject line is directly from Ephesians 4:14. It's a theme that's common to our thinking and choices. There are things we do so that we may no longer be wrinkly, tired, overweight, out of shape, cash strapped, bored, stuck in this job. Also, there are things we hope other people would do so that they may no longer be. . . :-) This week we continue our 3rd week looking at the church as the Inspirational/Transformational Community. The church is where we grow so that we may no longer be . . . As you think meditate on our main text, Eph 4:7-16 and the confession and quotes below, I'd encourage you to take note of the various elements of our liturgy as we combine ancient and contemporary insights on the theme " so that we may no longer be." We'll read responsively from 1 Peter 2:9-10 in our Call to Worship (you should recognize this text!), read together the confession below, and receive the grace of Romans 3:21-23. (remember to scroll down for announcements/news) Confession O' Lord, I am not sure where to begin when I think about my sin. I confess that I am confused, ashamed, anxious, and uncomfortable. Trying to make my life work without you is exhausting; but my heart is stubborn. Forgive me for my anxiety, for it keeps me running from your love. Forgive me for my pride, for my inclination is to ignore you rather than turn to you. Forgive me for my anger, for I want to fix everything and I can't. Forgive me for my fear, for I struggle to believe that you could delight in me. Forgive me for my shame, for it is easier to be despondent than hope. O' Lord, show me your true self that I may rejoice. Remember your promise and give me rest in your forgiving love. Trouble, famine, hardship, wilderness, exile - these are biblical words that describe our present existence. It's not a picnic. It was never intended to be a picnic. We are pilgrims, not picnickers. We are pilgrims progressing somewhere, not merely hopeful travelers in search of a destination. The resurrection of Christ assures us that the promises of God are true and that we can count on them. Iain Duguid It is not the authors of absurd plays or pessimistic poems, nor the suicides, nor people constantly afflicted by anger, boredom, anxiety, and despair, nor the alcoholics and drug addicts, who have, in the deepest sense, lost their grip on the meaning of life and become 'nonbelievers': it is people who are apathetic. Vaclav Havel