Park Slope UMC

From the corners of the world
from the confusion of life
from the loneliness of our hearts
Gather us, O God

To feed our minds
to fire our imagination
to free our hearts
Gather us, O God

Together with you,
Together with Christ,
Together with all our brothers and sisters in the Spirit.
Gather us, O God

Friends, a jaded and weary world why we are gathering here today.

Yesterday, Albert, Emma and I attended Park Slope United Methodist Church. We had the humble privilege of sharing our call stories with the congregation in place of the pastor's actual sermon. Once we arrived we soon discovered the woman leading worship that morning was actually a lay leader and the minister was out of town. I am impressed with how well the congregation welcomed each of us. The church actually has a "Circle of Ten" rule meaning "they will greet anyone, member or guest, who comes within ten feet of us." I'm proud of how all of the churches I've attended seem to welcome others fairly well; however, I love how intentional this congregation is with making others feel like apart of the church. They are extending God's kingdom.

I shared parts of my call story and Emma shared a story about the time she spent a year abroad in India. After meeting her host "sister" for one of the first times, Emma went to the local hot spot in town; Subway. While sitting outside enjoying their meal and getting to know each other, Emma noticed a community of people living under tarps just beside the restaurant. She asked her host sister "Who are those people?" The host sister replied, "What people?" Implying she does not acknowledge the people living under the tarps. Emma continued on to share it was a moment she realized one of the unjust systems within our society and the unjust ways people treat one another. She also asked the congregation to join each of our ministries through prayer, monetary donations, and sharing their own stories with us. I will share the impacts of asking other churches to join in our journey in just a little bit.

Albert preached. And man did he preach. Albert is the kind of guy who likes to plan things at the last minute which made me somewhat nervous as we tried to coordinate our messages the night before. Yesterday, Albert shared his beautiful understanding of how God breaks down boundaries and does not exclude anyone from His encompassing love. (Ephesians 2:19-22). It's always inspiring to listen to someone speak with such passion. Emma and I commented that he had "preacher arms" as he stretched out his arms to emphasize different points. The Holy Spirit was moving in the church.

After the service we had the opportunity of speaking with a few of the members. I think the most rewarding moments, as we continue to visit different churches, will involve the times I get to hear all the stories from my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. I shared that by sharing God our stories with one another it allows us to be overwhelmed and inspired by one another in new ways. I was overwhelmed and inspired yesterday.

Finally, I want to share the creed of Park Slope United Methodist Church.... Do you think your own church is capable of such inclusive commitments?!

"Hand in Hand, we the people of Park Slope United Methodist Church - black and white, straight and gay, old and young, rich and poor - unite as a loving community in covenant with God and the Creation. Summoned by our faith in Jesus Christ, we commit ourselves to the humanization of urban life and to physical and spiritual growth."