Hello beloved friends,

I pray you each feel the loving care of God in this diverse world we are living in today. And the world is very diverse, even amongst one identity group. Even though we in this church are predominantly white and trinitarian protestants, we are not all the same. We have different thoughts, ideas, beliefs over theology and the world. Different ways of being in the world even though the core of who we are is the same. The core being, I believe, is our love of God and each other.

That beloved, I believe, is the point of our faith in the United Church of Christ. The point is that we are stronger – more knowledgeable – wiser when we have a variety of voices. When we embrace the diversity in our world with humility that we cannot possibly know God’s mind all by ourselves. Rather, we need many voices sharing their thoughts and beliefs together to witness the vastness of our Creator and the teachings of Christ Jesus. 

Therefore, I would like to share my gratitude and pride for all of you who opened and continue to open your hearts to other voices. To all of you who stood up and shared your beliefs – no matter what they are or where you are on your journey. You, each of you, make us stronger by sharing the Truth of God as you see it and I am so thankful for your blessed voice amongst us. 

The outward expression of Open and Affirming which we voted on and accepted is a beautiful example of this opening of our hearts. Please know, it is not meant to silence traditional theology but to make a place of belonging for more people who were created by God throughout our diverse world. The traditional voice is still needed as are more progressive voices – as are moderate – trinitarian – unitarian – Anglo-Saxon – African American – able bodied and differently bodied and so on and so on and so on. We need all the voices in our world to speak and share with all the love each of you have already revealed to one another throughout the years. For in the end, we are all still the same in the core: people who love God and love our neighbors as ourselves. 

So again, I say thank you for allowing me to be a witness to God’s love being revealed through you as we make room for many more souls in our diverse world today.

Blessings and peace to you as we begin the ministry of Love

Your pastor and teacher, Brian

Please consider and share your “calling” is in this Eastertide season. I pray Lent helped you find your calling – let us consider what this means as we build and rebuild our fellowship through the sharing of our voices. If you would like, text, call, or email me always to talk and discover ideas to help you live into your calling. As I am here to support you and your relationship with God wherever you are on the journey. My number is (207-350-9561) if you need anything or simply want to talk. Next week, my pastoral care hours are Mon. 9-4, Tues. 12-5, Wed. 9-4, Thurs. 10-2 to provide some time for visiting. Many blessings and Love to you all.