Milestones...

This past Sunday we shared in the confirmation of 5 youth. We also renewed our commitment and reaffirmed our faith. As we prepare for “Senior Sunday” we will celebrate another milestone in the lives of our graduating seniors.

What do these milestones mean to us as a community? After the birthday, the anniversary, the confirmation, the graduation — do we simply pack it all away as a memory? Is it meant to be more?

Milestone. What an interesting word! According the Webster a milestone is best seen as a milepost. A post set along the way to designate distance in miles.

For most of us milestones are events that have happened. But dare we look ahead at the markers that are ahead of us? Considering the next marker on our journey, what do we hope to gain? Who do we hope to become when we reach the next milestone?

As we prepare to gather this Sunday, Ephesians 1:17-8 stands out.

“I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you”

May we continue the journey celebrating what has been and what is yet to be, with the “eyes of our hearts enlightened.”

Blessings,

Pastor Jo

GUMBO: Creating Space for Everyone

Ki ngombo. Sunday I gave my best effort to pronounce this West African word which translates as okra. I then shared this excerpt from a 2020 article written by Nikesha Williams:

“Gumbo, in a sense, is the best part of the worst moments of our history.

It is the legacy of both make-do cabin cooking in the slave quarters

and the opulence of fine dining during parties at the plantation house.

It is the syncretism of culture, race, and class,

but most importantly, it is the lasting connection between kin.”

Okra was used as a thickener. When okra wasn't in season they borrowed from local Native Americans who taught them to use powdered sassafras leaves, better known as filé (also used as a thickening). Roux, adapted from the French, is introduced much later.

The Spaniards introduced us to the “Holy Trinity,” onion, bell pepper, and celery. There’s also a hint of Caribbean influence, and whatever your grandmother added.

Gumbo has a rich history of inclusion and a willingness to share and adapt. How does our faith community compare to gumbo? Are we adaptable? Willing to learn from one another and share from one another — even those who aren’t like us?

Throughout scripture we see Jesus creating a space for everyone. The religious leaders and the outcasts, the rising stars and the downtrodden are all invited to sit at the same table and experience the same grace and acceptance. Dare we, who claim to be followers of Jesus, be so bold?

Pastor Jo

March 15, 2023

The Main Ingredient

This past Sunday we eavesdropped on a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus and found the beloved verse, John 3:16--"For God so loved the world..."

Some of us remember “Rainbow Man” from the 1970’s who appeared at major sporting events wearing a rainbow wig and holding a “John 3:16” sign. His determination in making certain everyone see his message led to his conviction for multiple kidnapping felony charges--crimes which he claimed were ploys to get more publicity in sharing the “Gospel.” He is now serving three life sentences in prison.

How tragic it is that the Rainbow Man did not include John 3:17 where Jesus reminds us that he did not come to the world to condemn the world but that the world might be saved.

In contrast, Quarterback Tim Tebow wore eye black bearing the inscription "John 3:16" during the 2012 NFL Championship Game. It has been reported that, in the course of the game, 90 million people googled John 3:16. And no one was kidnapped!

As we continue this journey from Ash Wednesday to Resurrection Sunday, how are we choosing to offer space for folks like Nicodemus who need time to process what a new relationship with God looks like?

We all know that the foundation of a good gumbo is the roux. Even though there are only a few steps in making an roux, the main ingredient is patience. It is the same with "making disciples." How patient we must be both with ourselves and with those who are struggling with faith. For truly, God so loves all of us.

May those who look into our eyes see the acceptance that comes from no condemnation, and may how we treat one another be a sign of God’s unconditional love.

Pastor Jo

March 6, 2023