Newsletter Thoughts February 8, 2025

Dear Friends,

This weekend is the 15th anniversary of my ordination. I’ve learned much in these 15 years, while also experiencing the joys and frustrations of ministry. My favorite parts of this pastoral journey are preaching, teaching, and walking alongside people in those momentous times of their lives: birth, death, marriage, divorce, moving, celebrating milestones. It is truly an honor to be able to accompany people at these important times. It is also an honor to accompany members of a church in the daily/weekly work of living as a community.

Central to all this work is the gospel. But the gospel is not always easy. I remember a professor in seminary once said, “if you’re reading the gospels and not feeling uncomfortable then you’re not really reading them.” I’d say this is true of all the texts that are central to our faith.

Sometimes I (and other pastors) hear comments such as, “the gospel is not supposed to be political.” Or, once a member of my previous church was unhappy about a sermon and said as he left, “I come on Sundays for messages that make me feel good.” I did not have a response that made that particular person feel better… while the gospel is always good news, sometimes our discomfort is a call to examine ourselves.

As for the gospel not being political? I usually respond with “why did they kill Jesus if not for political reasons?” The gospel, with the central commands to love God and love neighbor as we love ourselves is political. It is about life and justice and care for one another. It is not, however, partisan! Sometimes we have trouble distinguishing between the two. These days it seems to be even more difficult. The temptation may be to close ourselves off from the chaos and turmoil, but that is not what God calls us to do.

Coincidentally, the texts for worship this weekend are texts about Call. These are not just about the Call a pastor receives, but rather, the Call that God extends to each of us. We live our faith in service, with the only difference being in our roles. In times of uncertainty the best thing we can do is to respond to that sacred Call to love God and love neighbor. I don’t think we can really love God if we are not loving our neighbor…it is all related. So friends, how might God be calling us to love these days? I’d love to hear from you. Meanwhile I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Peace,

Pastor Nancy