The Marks of a True Christian...it is not Aaron and Paige making up this list, but no less than Jesus of Nazareth and Paul of Tarsus, sharing what it looks like for a person to be centered in God's Way...the Way of the Kingdom. And it should not be overly surprising that it's about HOW we live, what we DO for our neighbor in the world. It's about Care, Compassion, and Connection. As Jesus said in Luke 10, "Do this, and you will live..." authentic life lies within,

Here's a good metaphor brought to life! (Beaten to death?) "I am the vine, you are the branches," Jesus says. We were made for healthy connection to God and one another, and that takes intention. We were made to bear loving fruit for the world, and that takes discipline and commitment. And in this time and culture of dislocation, division, and self-reliance, steadfast connection, care, and commitment remain the ancient answer.

Both faith communities are celebrating All Saints this week, that time in the Church Year when we remember, and give thanks for, those who have gone before us. It creates a sacred and safe space to grieve, while at the same time holding our faith that life is eternal, that love is eternal, that the most important part of us is safe in the hands of God. We will visit the Apostle Paul's thought on this in 2 Corinthians, as well as the story of Jesus grieving the death of his friend Lazarus, even as he knew he would resurrect him. A complicated Sunday...a beautiful Sunday, just like human life itself.