Habitat is a place where people come together to work together to try to make the world a better place for their fellow human beings.
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We celebrate our recent church conference vote to become a Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) Congregation. On Sunday, Aug. 20, we agreed by 95% (89-2-3) to this important step on our journey of being a church that is open to all, especially those who are LGBTQIA+. This Sunday, Aug. 27 we will rejoice together at 9:30 and 11:45 a.m. with Rainbow Worship in honor of this decision and PrideFest the day before. We will take a congregation photo for RMN, so please wear either an FUMC T-shirt or a brightly colored shirt.
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“I need to tell you something,” my 104-year-old Grandpa said to me in a serious tone. I leaned in a little closer. “I can’t do it like I used to a year ago. One hundred and four isn’t 103!”
We both sat back at laughed. “I’ll have to take your word for it, Grandpa!” I told him. Most of us will probably never reach that 104-year mile marker. But we recognize on a regular basis that our bodies, minds, and spirits have limitations. I recently told a friend that I wish I had the wisdom I do now in my 25-year-old body. I’m sure many of you feel the same way.
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What does it mean to be a reconciling congregation? Why are we taking this step?
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As a pastor, I’m sometimes invited to walk with people in very sacred spaces. The decision to transition genders is one of these spaces. This step is never taken lightly because it involves the entirety of a person – body, hormones, sex organs, mind, spirit, identity, and often a name and pronoun change. It is a very personal decision, and for youth, a family decision involving parents or guardians.
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When modern Christians say they wish they could go back to the good ole days of the early church, we have to break the news to them. There were no good ole days. From the beginning, the church faced debates, infighting, struggles, and division. Paul got wind of these storms and sent a letter of comfort and challenge to the young church. The letter is comforting because Paul reminded them of their unity in Christ. It was challenging because Paul refused to let them perpetuate lesser differences which threatened that unity. How might Paul challenge us today in our own fractured denomination that appears beyond repair?
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On Sunday, we’ll learn more about what gold, frankincense, and myrrh represented. For now, I hope you’ll reflect on this scene: Weary, stinky travelers from a far-off land who are outside of Jesus’ tight-knit Jewish community. They haven’t grown up hearing the stories of the Hebrew heroes. Yet they recognize the Divine when they find him. And their response is to rejoice, to worship, and to offer gifts that only they can give.
Read MoreAll three of these new bishops are committed to abeyance, which means holding complaints around LGBTQIA+ clergy and same-sex weddings without acting on them. This is an important move for us as a jurisdiction to ensure that our churches are safe, welcoming places for all people.
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The U.N. has proposed a rapid-action force, but it’s not clear that countries will participate. USAID has sent a disaster response team, but so much more help is needed. Please commit with me to pray for the people of Haiti to find hunger relief and hope for the future.
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Helen’s and my interest in Choir began when were dating in El Paso, TX at Asbury Methodist Church. She received a Bachelor of Music at SMU. Helen has the musical talent; my interest was in sports. But we found a common interest in singing in the Asbury Church Choir. Arriving in Bloomington, we went to FUMC for their outstanding Music Program. This was in 1967, and we have been fortunate to remain serving in the Chancel Choir to the present. The music that our Directors provide for us to present not only impacts the congregation, but is very moving to the Choir as well.
We serve as we can to help lead the congregation in worship, and receive blessings for ourselves as well. We have found a support group within the Chancel Choir’s members. The blessings we’ve received from our service are the many friends we have made because of our participation in the Choir.
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Discipleship Hour helps us grow in our faith. Classes are offered for both kids and adults, so there’s something for everyone. We really enjoyed the “Wired Word” classes in the summer that connected faith with current events. The Discipleship Hour also gives us opportunities to connect with other church members, learn their stories, and build relationships. It’s also a great way to help out and give back to the church, so I now teach the 2nd-4th grade class every other month.
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