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June 30, 2010
Spiritually Speaking
Some time ago I read about an instant cake mix that was a big flop. The instructions said that all you had to do was add water and bake and you had your cake. The company couldn’t understand why it didn’t sell — until their research discovered that the buying public felt uneasy about a mix that required only water. Apparently people thought it was too easy. So the company altered the formula and changed the directions to call for adding an egg to the mix in addition to the water. The idea worked and sales jumped dramatically.
That story reminds me of how some people react to the plan of salvation. To them it sounds too easy and simple to be true, even though the Bible says, “By grace you have been saved through faith…; it is the gift of God, not of works” (Eph. 2:8-9). They feel that there is something more they must do, something they must add to God’s “recipe” for salvation. They think they must perform good works to gain God’s favor and earn eternal life. But the Bible is clear — we are saved, “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy” (Titus 3:5). Unlike the cake-mix manufacturer, God has not changed His “formula” to make salvation more marketable. The gospel we proclaim must be free of works, even though it may sound too easy
Our Parish Camp: Our Parish Camp is planned for August 20-22, 2010. Please register early. Registration forms and other details are available in the office.
Confirmation Classes:Confirmation classes are being planned during this summer after I have come back from my vacation in July. I will keep you informed.
My time away from Church: During my three weeks off from the church, I will be attending our Annual CSI Conference in Houston. I am leaving on the 9th of July and returning on the 29th of July. I have arranged for emergency pastoral care the Rev. Pamela Bakal, Rector, Grace Church Nutley. Her Numbers are: Church phone: 973-235-1177, Home phone: 973-235-0365. Please contact Ruth (Our Warden) at (201) 9333-2743in case of emergencies.
Summer Vacation: I wish all those of you who are going on Vacation a wonderful and happy time.
Yours in Christ,
Rector