Tessera Materials

Opening Prayer

God of faithful surprises,
throughout the ages
you have made known your love and power
in unexpected ways and places.
May we daily perceive
the joy and wonder of your abiding presence
and offer our lives in gratitude
for our redemption. Amen.

Scripture

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. [7] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. [8] Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. [16] At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. [17] But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. [18] The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Reflection & Discussion

In today's reading from the Church lectionary, the Apostle Paul (the apostle to the Gentiles/non-Jews) is writing to young Timothy. Paul writes that his leaving of this world in death is imminent, and his present days are seen as a pouring out of his life for the Lord. He then uses some athletic metaphors and makes 3 statements. He's fought the good fight. He's finished the race. He's kept the faith. This sums up the faithful journey of life. The good fight is living, serving and loving like Jesus without attempts to conquer and place one's self first. The race is long and tiresome. Persevering in the faith, God's Story embodied by a community of people living under our Savior's reign, rather than giving ourselves over to some other story over this long race can be a struggle.

• Share together what the good fight looks like in your life at this time.
• Are there other competing stories other than God's Story that you find yourself drifting into from time to time?
• What practices keep you persevering in God's Story and what habits cause you to wander?

Closing Prayer

Be a bright flame before us, O God,
A guiding star above us.
Be a smooth path below us,
A kindly shepherd behind us.
Alone with none but you, our God, we journey on our way;
What need we fear when you are near, O Lord of night and day?
More secure are we when in your hand than if a multitude did round us stand. Amen.

Giving Update

8/1/25-7/31/26
Budget YTD Need: $44,516.04
Budget YTD Giving: $39,478.40
Variance: -$5,037.64