Nobody's perfect,” the saying goes. If you’re in a church context you might have someone come back with, “Except Jesus!”

Both of those sentiments are true. The limits of all human skill and striving is perfection. We can never reach perfection of our arts, profession, hobby, or even our relationships. There is always more to learn and a better way to go about it.

I’m reminded of that this week as the staff work to record, edit, and convey worship for this Sunday. In the midst of that process there are many times when I wish I had more skill in presiding during worship, as well as in digital video editing.

There are many points along the way where decisions can be made that increase the polish and shine on worship. What video quality to record at, what audio format to use, or what sort of editing to do to name a few.

It is that last one that relates to perfection. In this interim time where we are recording services there is a temptation to edit out all the mistakes. To record something more than once and “take the better one.” To hide verbal missteps or visual blemishes.

At the beginning of our time recording services I made a conscious decision to leave at least most of these mistakes in. To share with the parish our worship as it happened, mistakes and all.

Last week towards the end of my sermon I tripped up over my words and even lost my place a little. You will see me stumble at the end of one of the prayers this week.

I am not perfect. Perfection is not the standard that God calls us to. Faith is what God calls us to, even questioning and doubt filled faith.

Our faith is in that one person, Jesus, who was and is perfect. Whose love sets us free to be people of God as imperfect as we are in an imperfect world.

Even as we strive towards more and better love, the way Jesus commands us to.

In the hope of peace,

Rev. Deacon Chip Russell