Dear St. Lukers,
What a powerful turnout for the Civics for Change Makers Lunch and Learn this past Sunday. Nearly 100 people gathered, with many more expressing a desire to learn what concrete steps they can take to engage faithfully in the issues shaping our city, state, and nation. Chris Card, Bonita Thomas, and Saniye Kazan led the conversation with wisdom and compassion, and there is much more to come. If you would like to receive information about future education and advocacy opportunities, please email Saniye at SKazan@st.lukes.org.
As I write this, Pastor Melissa and our Missions directors, Saniye and Amy, are attending the national DART conference here in Orlando, with a particular focus on immigration. DART—Direct Action and Research Training Center—has, for decades, gathered faith leaders across denominations and traditions to equip local communities to advocate for justice and address their most pressing needs. Florida’s United Methodist episcopal leader, Bishop Tom Berlin, preached alongside leaders from other faith traditions, reflecting on sacred texts “from the margins” and reminding us of the biblical call to stand with the least of these.
I wonder how many of us have heard the words from the book of Ruth read at weddings or sacred gatherings: “Don’t urge me to abandon you…Wherever you go, I will go…Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.”
What we may not always remember is the deeper story behind those words. Ruth is pledging to risk her own safety to accompany her mother-in-law into a foreign land, becoming what Scripture calls a “stranger”—a word that, in Hebrew, also means resident alien or immigrant. The book of Ruth is, at its heart, a story about how God’s people are called to treat the stranger with sacred hospitality—chesed—steadfast, loving, faithful kindness. When we learn God’s story more fully, especially through texts from the margins, we are given eyes to see our world—and our responsibilities within it—through God’s deep and abiding love.
This week, we move into the second movement of our rhythm of awakening as disciples: to LIVE God’s story in community. I’ll be preaching from one of the scriptures that most deeply shapes my understanding of ministry, Acts 2:41–47. Spend some time with this passage, noticing not only the devotion of the early church, but their radical commitment to one another. Pray about what community looks like in your own life, not only as friendship, but as the place where you practice God’s story together.
And join us for worship as we gather around the Lord’s Table, where bread and cup become sacred gifts of love, and where God’s open invitation always makes room for all.
Grace and Peace –
Jenn.
