Beyond the Pulpit 2.1.26

Happy February Crozet UMC,

What a week we’ve had! From a little snow, to A LOT of ice, to sub-freezing temperatures, we’re kicking off February with a real winter wonderland—or at least a full-on frosty adventure. I know that while some of you have been out since the first flake fell last Saturday night, others have not been able to get out at all. So, we are taking things slowly and cautiously today. We will be worshipping as usual at 9a and 11am. Feel free to join us in person or online. But please note, there will be no Grow Groups at 10am. This will allow people who wish to come out to focus solely on getting to worship.

A HUGE thanks to the crew of about A DOZEN people who came out to chisel (I mean shovel) the sidewalks and steps at the church this past week. The lot was plowed multiple times, and our Building & Grounds crew stayed on top of things throughout the week. We are so blessed to have such dedicated volunteers at Crozet UMC!

Like you, I was at home much of this past week, except for the FOUR hours David and I worked to clear the driveway of ice so that we could get out and about (see the “After” photo below)!

While at home for more time than usual this week, I found myself even more bombarded with news than I typically experience. And so I am compelled to respond (not react) and urge us all, as Christian disciples, to remember who we are. We are Christ-centered and Biblically-rooted disciples. Yes we are in the midst of our Wesleyan Ways worship series, and this is a timely reminder of where to turn, when every time we encounter the news on TV, podcasts, phone notifications, or social media, we are confronted with hate and distrust of humanity, and death and destruction of beloved people and places. As disciples, we are a people who base our lives on the message of scripture and God’s desire to redeem the world through Christ and the Holy Spirit.

In worship today, we will be thinking about how the Holy Spirit animates and enlivens us to be faithful disciples. As followers of Jesus, we do far more than articulate our commitment to following Him. We are unique as Wesleyans because we embrace the power of Christ’s Holy Spirit to transform. It is the Holy Spirit that gives us life and breath and passion to share God’s love in the world and bring about change. In this time of war, and poverty, and social upheaval, and deep division, we must first reconnect with Christ through regular study and worship and prayer. And when we do, we can be assured that this will fan the flame that rekindles God’s Spirit in us, empowering us to use our unique gifts and do our part to stop the negativity, and hatred, and harm in the world.

When we turn to scriptures, we see what God asks of us:

And, Paul tells us in Romans 12:6 that “we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us.” So it makes sense that we are each called to respond differently to challenges of this world, according to our unique gifts. Yes, we know that God calls us to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly.” That will look differently for each and every one of us, and I believe when we all genuinely respond to God’s call to respond, in our own unique ways, together change and transformation will happen. Friends, I am grateful that I am called to be in community with you, who recognize the value of our diversity and who embrace God’s vision for us to be a part of the transformation and redemption of the world.