Good afternoon friends and family of St.Giles,  

‘The verb καταλλάσσω in Koine Greek (biblical Greek) denotes bringing estranged parties into harmony.’  Strong’s Concordance goes on to say that ‘in scripture, it’s principal focus is the restoration of sinners to God through the atoning work of Jesus Christ, with a secondary application to human relationships.’  καταλλάσσω means ‘reconciliation’.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 in the New English Translation reads:

     “And all these things are from God who    

      reconciled us to himself through Christ, 

      and who has given us the ministry of 

      reconciliation.   In other words, in 

      Christ God was reconciling the world to 

      himself, not counting people’s 

      trespasses against them, and he has 

      given us the message of reconciliation.”

As the people of God called to proclaim truth and reconciliation, we are sometimes challenged by what this means in relationship with the people around us.  Especially during Indigenous History Month.  Especially on June 21.  

It is vital, as God’s people, that we remember the terms ‘truth and reconciliation’ came to us first through scripture.  And the initiative of reconciliation is entirely God’s: ‘All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ.” (2 Cor 5:18).  And as this message of reconciliation has been passed to us to transmit, we are faced with a choice – share the message of Christ and participate in the ministry of reconciliation, or don’t.  So what will you do with your freedom to pursue reconciliation with others, reflecting divine grace in practical relationships?

This Sunday, we will read Psalm 69 together, and reflect on reconciliation, lament, love, and the inseparability of gospel content and gospel living.  And we are blessed to be able to celebrate the 100th birthday of Chris Browne after the service.  More announcements are in the bulletin, including the upcoming book study, the worship with Knox Presbyterian, and Vacation Bible School (see attached).  

May this weekend be one of peace – the blessing from God as a result of being reconciled to God.  May there be harmony between you and all you meet.  

A’hoy!

Rev. Chandra Mannix