Pastor's Reflections?May 2008

Most of the work that we do together in the interim time has to do with the life of this particular congregation.  We look at and develop an understanding of the congregation's history, its high points and low points, its values and beliefs, its worship, programs, and fellowship traditions.  With this as a foundation, we look at what has been most important in defining who we are now and what has the most promise for the future of the church.  This might mean renewing the sense of mission or even discovering a new identity.  And, of course, when a new pastor is called, we commit to new pastoral leadership and to new directions.

There is one other task that goes beyond the local congregation.  That is maintaining and reaffirming or renewing the ties to our denomination.  Most of the time that means participating in cluster, association, and conference meetings and events or becoming involved more fully in denominational life and initiatives.  This congregation has done a number of things from hosting the association meeting last spring to participating in the Still Speaking Initiatives to training classes for the Pastoral Succession Committee.   And these will continue.

At this particular moment in time, though, we have a unique opportunity for involvement outside the walls of the Congregational Church of Jefferson Park.  This was the subject my sermon a few weeks ago, but I believe that it is important enough to share again whether you were or were not in church on that Sunday.  This opportunity concerns support of our sisters and brothers at Trinity United Church of Christ, its long term retiring pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, and its incoming pastor, the Rev. Otis Moss. 

For weeks now, the newspapers, internet and television news have been spewing forth hateful attacks on Trinity and Rev. Wright based on a few seconds of sound bytes from a handful of his 36 years' of sermons.  The word "incendiary" has been used over and over again for these sound bytes.  And, indeed, taken all by themselves, they sound shocking.  What is missing, of course, is their context as well as an understanding of the prophetic style of African American preaching.  Also missing is the tremendous good that has come from Trinity's ministries of hope and encouragement for people who still must address intolerance and violence in their own neighborhoods.  A church that has grown from a membership of 87 to thousands under Rev. Wright's leadership has been portrayed as a cult lead by a "whack-a-doodle." 

This is unfair and outrageous.  We need more, not less, public ministry where people are unafraid of calling our city, our society, and our nation to accountability without being labeled as anti-American.  This is part of our biblical heritage where Jesus' ministry is clearly an example as are the prophets of the Hebrew scriptures!  As people of faith, we are not meant to stay comfortably inside our own walls not rocking boats of injustice and hatred.

What can we do?  First of all, pray for the people of Trinity.  They have been overrun with reporters?some who even got their hands on church bulletins and called shut-ins on the prayer list to get information.  They have received death threats. 

In addition to prayer, take the time to become informed.  That way, when people repeat what is damaging, you can speak what is true.  I have placed copies of articles in the sanctuary and would be happy to send or e-mail them to anyone who wants them.  They include a letter from the Illinois Conference asking us to speak out, a lengthy article from The New Yorker, and copies of ads the United Church of Christ placed in the New York Times and USA Today.  There was also an excellent interview with Rev. Wright on Bill Moyer's Journal which aired on PBS in Chicago on Friday, April 25.  You can watch this online at www.pbs.org/Moyers/Journal. 

If you are able, you can contribute funds to the Illinois Conference for the purpose of getting the word out about who we are as the United Church of Christ.  And, if there is interest, it would be great to make a trip to Trinity to worship in the next few weeks.

We have also been called by John Thomas, the UCC's Executive Minister, along with the National Council on Churches of Christ, to join in dialog about racism on Sunday, May 18.

Jorge Morales, our Acting Illinois Conference Minister tells us, "We are the United Church of Christ.  We are blessed by our diversity.  We are a church of open ideas, extravagant welcome, and evangelical courage.  While we do not require uniformity of belief, we are united in our faith in our crucified and risen savior, Jesus, who reminded us that our neighbor is everyone who believes in the Still Speaking God.  Please join us in Speaking our Faith to the community and the world!"

                                                                                        Blessings,

                                                                                        Pastor Gloria