Rev. Chism's Weekly Message

*This past Monday, we celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Day once more. We have a lot of work to do to fight racism and systemic problems that creates injustice for black and brown people. I come from a place with Confederate symbols of hate that surround you. Also, I come from a place where Civil Rights museums that remind us of our sad histories past. They remind us of healing and hope for the future as well. We all battle on to live in the words that the Apostle Paul said, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile," found in Galatians 3:28. The journey continues...

*I want to offer President Biden and Vice President Harris my prayers. Leadership is tough and much criticism comes your way. Let me congratulate our Vice President on being the first women and the first black and Asian women to old this office. She has conquered a barrier that needed to be torn down. Young girls see her example and can say, "I could do that."

*This week we have heard the cry for unity in our nation. President Biden talked a lot about unity. Dr. King talked a lot about unity. Many people today would prefer us to pick a side and battle with each other. Let's try something different. Let's live by the example of Jesus and listen to one another. Unity does not mean we agree on all things. We continue to respect each other and work for the common cause of the Gospel.

The Minnesota Conference of the UCC has a beautiful statement of unity. I want to thank Rev. Holly Millershank for sharing this:

We believe that each person is unique and valuable. It is the will of God that every person belong to a family of faith where they have a strong sense of being valued and loved.

We believe that each person is on a spiritual journey and that each of us is at a different stage of that journey.

We believe that the persistent search for God produces an authentic relationship with God, engendering love, strengthening faith, dissolving guilt, and giving life purpose and direction.

We believe that all of the baptized ‘belong body and soul to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.’ No matter who – no matter what – no matter where we are on life’s journey – notwithstanding race, gender, sexual orientation, class or creed – we all belong to God and to one worldwide community of faith. All persons baptized – past, present and future – are connected to each other and to God through the sacrament of baptism. We baptize during worship when the community is present because baptism includes the community’s promise of ‘love, support and care’ for the baptized – and we promise that we won’t take it back – no matter where your journey leads you.

Jesus said in John 17:20-23, "My prayer is not for them alone (the Disciples,) I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one - I in them and you in me - so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."

Unity is up to us. Jesus gave us the way.

*Let us all work together to stand against extremism in our country and around the world. The violence that occurs hurts us all. Think about Jesus and how He was non-violent. Let us talk to people and help them not fall into this trap.

*I'm in the process of scheduling a 3-Part Discussion concerning racism via teleconferencing. If you are not computer savvy, you can connect via your telephone or mobile phone. Each discussion will last from 60 to 90 minutes. The discussions will take place during Lent which is just around the corner. We will discuss God's Word concerning racism and also have guests to share with us their experiences. Look for me to announce the schedule very soon once all is confirmed.

*Thanks to Mike Wildeman for standing in for me this past Sunday. He did a great job. Our quarantine ends tomorrow and we are not experiencing any symptoms. It is going to be great to get out of the house and ride around. Our Boards have worked together for us to have a plan to keep us all safe and it is working!

*We are looking for members of our congregation to help out the Holy Ghost Crew on Sunday mornings. It is time to develop teams to handle our audio and visual system during our worship services. Our current team has done an excellent job since the beginning of the pandemic. They need a break so let's step up and help! Pray about it and give us a call.

*I want to challenge all of you to seek out the help of our Deacons and myself with spiritual needs. We are here to help. Also, give us a shout when we have members in need. Let us all continue to support one another in a very challenging time.

*I'm excited to be preaching from Mark 1:14-20 this coming Sunday. Give it a read and pray over the passage and see what comes to you. We will hear the story of Jesus when He called the first disciples to follow and join Him in ministry. Thinking about this passage, there are many times we really do not know about something unless we go and "see" what is really happening. Case in point, I did not really know the full impact of poverty until missions trips I participated. So "come and see" what Jesus has to say to you this Sunday. There is always something Christ can teach us when we take time to follow.

Stay Safe,

Rev. Baxter