I don’t know who first coined the phrase “between memory and hope.” A book of essays examining themes in the writings of Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel was published with this title some years back, but was that its origin? Likely not, as this phrase stands as such a poignant definition of each present moment. We live each instant of our lives, literally, at the intersection of past and future, of memory and hope. We live each moment influenced by past experience and an expectation of what the future will bring.
As Christian people, in our past we can see clear evidence of God’s presence with and provision for us. And our future? It holds the expectation of God’s continued faithfulness. So it is, we live out each moment right there, “between memory and hope.” And that is our worship theme for the summer.
With appreciation for what God has given us in this church family over the years — the dear friends and prayer warriors, the teachers and companions for the journey — we hold great hope for how God will continue to be active in our future here together. How does that shape our life together in each present moment? How is our faith in God to be lived out? We’ll be looking to Moses’ valedictory address to the people he had led out of slavery and on to the very cusp of God’s promise in the book of Deuteronomy for perspective. What did he try to underscore as of chief importance for this people facing a whole new future? And how might these lessons yet apply to us? Join us as we find out together.
