First Church Family:
I imagine that with me, you are happy that the elections are over. I also imagine that, with me, you can report that some of those you voted for won, and some lost. But, as I closed last Sunday’s sermon: regardless of what comes out of the elections, “our God remains on the Throne!”
That is what unifies us. My goodness, we need something to unify us! And that can only be our faith in our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ!
I want to share something that our United Methodist leaders have suggested and written:
“United Methodist churches remain some of the very few institutions in American society where people from different political persuasions can build deep and meaningful relationships with each other.
In a polarized and often toxic political climate, UMC congregations are positioned to advance the ministry of Jesus by creating a beloved community that bridges political and theological divides.”
Before reading the rest of this letter, go back and read the above two paragraphs again.
I believe that with my whole heart. A reason that you don’t hear political talk from our pulpit is that worshiping Jesus together is our most important endeavor; and I would never want to do anything that would keep us from being drawn closer to God through our faith in Jesus Christ.
And the fact is that by their very nature, political speeches are meant to divide us.
Another thought that I have is that Jesus means for our church to be a place where all people are welcome and encouraged to join us in following Him.
Too, I believe Jesus is “color blind” in every way, in that He sees every one of us to be alike in that we are all in need of His forgiveness, and His saving grace.
Think about this with me: even the youngest of children learn that a combination of red and blue makes purple. So, what if our church could actually be seen as a “Purple Church,” where people who consider themselves blue and red individuals and families could sit beside one another praising God, from whom all blessings flow?
That’s the kind of church that I believe God wants us to be, for He knows there are far more important conversations and actions we need to be having than those defined by our political persuasions.
Please join me in putting all that would divide us far behind, so that together we might be able to move forward worshiping, serving, giving, and reaching out to others together.
I am so proud to both serve you and serve with you here at First Church!
Blessings,
Pastor Dave