Pastor’s Corner - March 25, 2021

I am committed to the way of Jesus because it not only makes my individual life meaningful, but it also brings me together with other disciples to influence the world God loves. Matthew records Jesus commission to followers in the final verses of his final chapter. The Risen Jesus calls us “to make disciples of all people”. This way of life is too good to keep to ourselves, we are instructed to welcome all others to Jesus’ way of grace and peace.

This commission has inspired the community of disciples or the church ever since. Each new disciple to the way of Jesus brings a God-given gift that adds to the diverse beauty and usefulness of the church directed to the world we serve in Christ’s Spirit. St. Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 12, described the church like a body. Jesus is the head that directs the action. Disciples are the various parts of the body; each part respected and cared for with a valuable purpose to fulfill. When the many and gifted members of the church follow Jesus’ instructions and work together cooperatively and faithfully, the world can be changed for the better.

I love being part of something that makes a big difference in my family, neighborhood, and world. How about you? Are you a difference-maker?

-Pastor Marc

P.S.:

Like you I am so sad and disturbed by the mass shootings that have claimed 18 lives in the last two weeks. These senseless acts targeting innocent people are so unsettling because deep down we know it could have just as easily been us or our loved ones victimized. This terrible phenomenon of American life is frustrating because it seems we have made little headway toward ending it.

As a person of faith and a follower of Jesus I am responsible to take action that reflects Christ’s humble and non-violent way of peace-making and justice-doing. For me that always begins with prayer, the most important action I can take. I have experienced prayer as the way God changes my heart and my mind. I know the difference it makes to be prayed for. So I will keep praying.

I am dedicated to listening and learning. Complex problems require many voices at the table to produce multi-faceted solutions. The older I get the more I realize the wisdom of listening and broadening the circle.

I will also embrace the role I have as a disciple and as a citizen. I advocate with my elected representatives on behalf of legislation I deem to be reflective of peace with justice.

This is what I am doing. What are you doing? How can we work together to help?