I give thanks for you

As we approach this years Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration - I find this week's 1 Corinthians text helpful.

I give thanks for you, for you and your faith. God has gifted you, called you, and strengthened you - and it is evident in the way that you live faithfully in love.

My brothers and sisters, we must continually find a balance between the world as it is, and the world as God would have it to be. In the words of MLK, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice anywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” - from a letter from a Birmingham jail.

This week in the lectionary Paul gives thanks for the believers, and for what God is doing in their lives. They live in a world in which they are not the dominant group in power. Christians are even persecuted for their faith as they refuse to bow in worship to Caesar. Most of the apostles were martyred for their leadership and faith. Despite the darkness and the danger, the movement grew into the church we know today.

I give thanks for you.

Today I had the opportunity to worship with leaders in United Methodist churches from Illinois to Wisconsin, and even Ohio - leaders that are a part of the Reconciling Ministries Network of our church. Churches who stand boldly and proclaim that the love of God is a message for everyone, and that God welcomes everyone equally to the table. These churches recognize the extra work needed to care for those who have been excluded by the church in the past - most notably our queer brothers and sister who identify as LGBTQ.

As we approach the inauguration and incoming administration, we know that there is still so much reconciling work for us as disciples of the light.

In the amazing words of a song we sang together today...

"From Seneca Falls, to Selma and Stonewall - we've come a long way, but the journey isn't over."

Friends - the journey is not over. And God needs all of us. I give thanks for you.

Peace,

Deacon Erin