On Sunday, December 3, 2023, VLC gathered in person and also broadcast online via YouTube. Pastor Stuart shared a message about when Jesus appointed and sent out seventy-two disciples in pairs to the surrounding areas to prepare for Jesus’ arrival. He instructed them to pray for the Lord’s favor and to extend the Lord’s peace to the houses that promoted peace. Lastly sent them to preach about the nearness of God’s kingdom and to heal the sick. From this story, we see the value of partnership, prayer, and extending peace as we seek to be the body of Christ in our world.

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.
“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.
“When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’
Luke 10:1-9 (NIV)