GREETINGS FROM THE SEA OF GALILEE,

This week we are on the road, staying a couple of nights in Nazareth and a couple of nights at the Sea of Galilee. It has been very hot here with temperatures reaching 100 degrees. Good for us that we are at the sea for not only a boat ride but also swimming. What a delight it is to be in the land and on the waters where Jesus lived, to see the ruins and imagine his life among the people. There is a saying here that Jesus spent 30 years in Nazareth, 3 years in Capernaum and 3 days in Jerusalem.

The 30 years has been referred to as the “hidden years”, the years of common, everyday life that Jesus lived in his hometown with his family, relatives and friends in a town of about 200. He knew everyone and they knew him. Think about how hard it is for us to hear a new thing, a different thing from someone we know well. Jesus is rejected by his hometown folks when he makes claims about his relationship with God.

It is thought that Joseph and Jesus would have sought carpentry or stone work in Sepphoris which would have been a large city at the time of Jesus. Jesus would have had access to Torah scrolls through the larger synagogue as well as exposure to a larger culture. This was part of his preparations for the 3 years of ministry.

Those 3 years of ministry are done in the region of Galilee, a beautiful and lush area. Calling fishermen, teaching and healing and bringing good news to all the people. And meeting the disciples after the resurrection giving them the command to love and tend God’s people. And that is what we do together in community – love and tend to one another following our good shepherd, Jesus who shows us the way.

Thank you for your prayers. I pray for you as well. I pray for our youth on their mission trip and for the final preparations for our hosting of national night out. God’s peace and presence surround and keep you all in his loving care.

Bold Inquisitive Belief Loving Expansively,

Pastor Connie Spitzack