Preaching: Tony De La Rosa

Dreams and visions have the remarkable power to transform not just individuals, but entire communities of faith. When Peter dreamed of a sheet filled with "unclean" animals and heard God declare "what I have made clean, you must not call profane," it revolutionized early Christianity. This pivotal moment expanded the faith beyond its Jewish origins to embrace Gentiles, fundamentally altering Christianity's trajectory and allowing it to become the global religion we know today.

Similarly, when John of Patmos experienced visions during Roman persecution, he glimpsed "a new heaven and a new earth" where God would "wipe away every tear" and make "all things new." These promises sustained early Christians through terrible suffering and ultimately proved prophetic as Christianity outlasted its oppressors. Though imperfectly realized, this vision continues pulling us toward God's promised future.

The Presbyterian tradition particularly embodies this visionary spirit through our commitment to mission. By balancing love of God with love of neighbor, we constantly reimagine how faith communities can meet unmet needs. Our congregation's summer sheltering program represents this commitment in action, addressing homelessness as fundamentally "a failure of community." When we open our doors to those without basic shelter, we restore the essential human need for belonging.

Sometimes divine inspiration comes through unexpected channels—even through innocent mix-ups like confusing a Star Wars-themed youth service with another congregation. But perhaps such "mistakes" contain deeper truths. After all, both our scriptures and our mission efforts offer what the beloved film saga proclaims: a new hope. By creating community for those who have lost theirs, wiping away tears, and working toward God's vision of renewal, we participate in making all things new. Will you join us in this mission to refresh thirsty souls?

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