Dearly beloved,

Each month, the Church council prays for members of the congregation, signing postcard that get mailed out. It is a random decision about who gets cards each month as we go through pre-printed labels. I can’t tell you how many times that we’ve had people tell us that the card just when they needed it. It might be random for us, but it certainly isn’t for the Spirit.

Well, after May’s meeting, it was my turn and the postcard actually arrived on the day that I broke my ankle – so I really needed it!

In addition, it was after George Zhang shared the reflection below both for church council as well as during my sermon on May 31st (can be found at the 30:15 mark here on YouTube: George’s reflection). It is easier to think about others who need to ask for help rather than asking for yourself. But isn’t this what community is all about – the ways in which we both support one another as well as how we work together to share God’s love and grace with the world.

You are invited to share George’s reflection with others – but also think about how it might be God’s message for you this day as well – I certainly found myself doing so!

peace in Christ, Pastor Jen

Reflection by George Zhang

I have been reflecting on how difficult it can be, not only to help others, but sometimes even harder for people to accept help.

As Christians, we are called to carry one another’s burdens. Scripture tells us:

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2

Yet one of the painful realities of life is that we cannot force someone to receive help, healing, or truth. We can pray. We can reach out. We can encourage. We can stand beside them. But eventually, a person must also be willing to humble themselves enough to admit they cannot carry everything alone.

And if we are honest, this is not just about “someone else.” This is about all of us.

Many of us were taught, directly or indirectly, that strength means handling problems ourselves. That asking for help is weakness. That vulnerability is failure. But Christianity teaches something radically different.

The Gospel begins with admitting we cannot save ourselves.

The cross itself is the ultimate reminder that humanity needed rescue. And God did not shame us for our weakness — instead, He came to us through his son, Jesus Christ.

Sometimes pride disguises itself as strength. Sometimes fear disguises itself as control. Sometimes people hide pain so deeply that even those trying to help cannot fully reach them.

And that can leave us feeling helpless too.

There is an old saying: you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink. In ministry and in life, that can be heartbreaking. We want to fix things. We want to rescue people. We want our love and concern to be enough.

But perhaps one lesson God teaches us is this: we are called to be faithful, not all-powerful.

Only God can ultimately soften hearts, break denial, heal wounds, and restore souls.

And perhaps the lesson for all of us tonight is not simply to become better helpers — but also better receivers of grace.

To be humble enough to say: “I am struggling.” “I cannot do this alone.” “I need help.” “I need my brothers and sisters in Christ.” “I need God.”

That is not weakness.

That is the beginning of healing.

And perhaps one of the strongest testimonies a Christian can give — is not pretending to have everything together, but trusting in God enough, to let others walk beside them – through the storm.

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, Teach us to carry one another’s burdens with compassion, patience, and wisdom. Give us hearts that are willing to help without judgment, and spirits humble enough to receive help when we ourselves are struggling.

Protect us from the pride that isolates us from You and from one another. Remind us that true strength is not found in pretending we are unbreakable, but in trusting the One who holds us together.

Help us become a church where people do not fear being honest, where grace is stronger than shame, and where Your love reaches even into the darkest and most difficult places of life.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.