Earlier this afternoon, I received a phone call from one of my retired clergy associates who called to express condolences about the break-in that occurred in my office and to let me know he had a file full of old sermons in case the thief made off with all of my sermons. We had a good laugh, and I enjoyed the call - it was a nice break to a crazy day. However, as I reflect further, I realize that his was an important call not just for the offer of the sermons (although those of you who have been around here long enough have probably already heard most of Vernon's sermons), but also to be reminded that ours indeed is a connectional church; whatever happens to one congregation affects us all, and that we all have a stake in each other's ministries.
Why is this important? In a society where we have more ways to be connected to one another than ever before, it seems that we are more and more isolated. Instead of being a part of our local communities, we now have the ability to make communities wherever we would like, and these communities know no geographic or political boundaries. It is very easy, as we unfortunately see from time to time, that one can go through life without knowing any of the people around them. As the people of The United Methodist Church, we reject this notion of life and say that community is at the heart of how we do things. More importantly, as people who profess to be Christian, we have no choice but to live in community with one another.
My question for you today is: What is your community? Who resides there? Where is the community located? Do you have a community?
Thanks again to Vernon, and to others who have checked in upon hearing about our misfortune - it is great to know that Pharr Chapel does not exist in a bubble, but is indeed part of a larger body of people who pledge to be with one another in all things.
See you Sunday!
Lamar
Why is this important? In a society where we have more ways to be connected to one another than ever before, it seems that we are more and more isolated. Instead of being a part of our local communities, we now have the ability to make communities wherever we would like, and these communities know no geographic or political boundaries. It is very easy, as we unfortunately see from time to time, that one can go through life without knowing any of the people around them. As the people of The United Methodist Church, we reject this notion of life and say that community is at the heart of how we do things. More importantly, as people who profess to be Christian, we have no choice but to live in community with one another.
My question for you today is: What is your community? Who resides there? Where is the community located? Do you have a community?
Thanks again to Vernon, and to others who have checked in upon hearing about our misfortune - it is great to know that Pharr Chapel does not exist in a bubble, but is indeed part of a larger body of people who pledge to be with one another in all things.
See you Sunday!
Lamar
