A Safe Harbor
for All People
Worship Gatherings have been suspended until further notice. Video worship is available each week, and can be accessed by clicking on the Worship tab above and following the links.
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SUNDAY WORSHIP
Traditional Worship – 9:00 AM
Our Traditional Service features hymns accompanied by choir and piano led by Jennifer Roden. Pastors deliver Bible-based sermons each week.
Contemporary Worship – 11:00 AM
Our Contemporary Service incorporates multi-media messages and praise worship led by Mollie Philbin and Pastor Russ Nanney.
Sunday School for all ages
Sunday School from 10:10 – 10:50 a.m.
Nursery care provided for all ages 6 weeks – 3 years old from 8:30 A.M. – 12:15 P.M.
Location – Harbor UMC
4853 Masonboro Loop Road Wilmington, NC 28409
910-452-7202
claire@harboronline.org
Mid-Week Morsel - July 8, 2020
Scripture: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 (Read it here: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A16-19%2C+25-30&version=NIV )
Reflection: In unprecedented fog, we must not lose sight of true north.
Many of you are anxiously awaiting the announcement from our governor about our public schools this fall. The fluidity of this crisis feels like a roller coaster for parents, especially working parents dependent on regular paychecks. The complexities of this decision cannot be overstated—a decision impacting the quality of education, the livelihoods of families, the lives of “at-risk” citizens, and the mental health of everyone involved.
The Gospel of Matthew is often referred to as the “teacher’s gospel”—a most appropriate gospel for this moment. Jesus teaches his disciples to teach all nations because teaching facilitates wisdom. Wisdom helps us to see beyond our overloaded sensory perceptions. Wisdom also breeds vision, which is exactly what everyone is craving—a wise vision for the future (or the fall).
Above all, wisdom never loses sight of true north. Jesus notes that wisdom can be unpopular (as will this decision), but it is vindicated by her deeds—wisdom protects and guards us (Psalm 4:6). In the same teaching about wisdom, Christ calls those who “are weary and burdened” to him. Wisdom’s true north is those who are most vulnerable—the poor, the “at-risk,” and the students.
However, the opposite of wisdom is foolishness. In Matthew 11:16 Jesus compares the generation of his time to children playing in the marketplace because fools are playful. Let’s be honest, this pandemic is formidable, but it’s become worse because we’ve allowed too many children to play in the marketplace—too many fools are being indulged. True north doesn’t register on the compass of fools.
The weight of this decision may not rest on your shoulders, but its implementation will require wisdom from all of us. The margin for error in this pandemic does not have space for foolishness, so let us be dispensers of wisdom for the sake of those who are “weary and burdened.”
Breath Prayer: “Lord, give us wisdom for today’s challenges.”
Prayer Emphasis: North Carolina public school students, teachers, and administrators
Daily Challenge: Don’t indulge foolish words or thoughts today
Submitted by Pastor Russ Nanney
Today’s message is “Beating the Odds” from Luke 5:1-11.
Comment on Facebook 10157358447726676
Russ, this was a wonderful setting and perfect message today. Thank you for your faithfulness and your creativity. This spoke to my heart today.
Thank you so much for the effort put into these pandemic sermons!
Great message and beautiful setting. Thanks again Russ.