Seriously Joyful - 4 May 2025

Dear friends of BCUC,

Have you ever lost a child or grandchild in a crowd or while out on a walk? Or perhaps you've been lost yourself? That feeling of dread and panic—flushed with the need for action yet pale with fear—all at the same time. Then, hopefully, comes the overwhelming relief and joy of being reunited: the tears, the hugs, the elation. That sudden and dramatic reversal of emotion is beautifully captured in Psalm 30:“Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning”(Psalm 30:5).Praise God—the hope and promise of mourning turned into joyful dancing is a gift from Him to us all.This Sunday, we are privileged to host a visit from the Moderator of the Uniting Church in South Australia, Rev. Peter Morel. He recently visited South Korea with a group of young adults, including our own Meghan Letcher. He will be preaching from the theme of his Moderator term: "Seriously Joyful." He’ll unpack this theme using John 15:10–11:“Just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”At BCUC, one of our core values is "Spreading Joy." Psalm 30 is a fantastic, emotionally rich hymn of joy. It’s often called the “Resurrection Psalm” because it so clearly speaks of new life—of resurrection that comes at sunrise after a long, dark night of weeping. I encourage you to read and reflect on this psalm in your own Bible. Maybe even underline the parts that speak to you right now. How might you share what God is saying to you with others today?Please come along this Sunday to make the Moderator feel welcome—and get excited! We’ll also be hosting a Welcome Day Lunch after the service for another wonderful group of people that God has sent to be part of our community.Your brother in Christ,Benji.