On Friday at 2:00 p.m., I am scheduled to receive my first shot of the Covid vaccine. I am grateful for Augustana Regents in Burnsville, where I am a volunteer. They are looking to get all volunteers vaccinated so that we will be able to resume programming at some point in the near future. This vaccine comes as a gift that will benefit not only the residents of Augustana Regents but also the entire St. James community. Thank you!
This life-saving opportunity reminds me of the value that partnerships play in ministry. No church is an island, no matter how big or small. We are unable to ‘go it alone’ because we simply don’t have unlimited resources. Not only that but, entering partnerships, sharing resources, and collaboration is the theologically correct things to do.
God created us to be in ever-expanding communities. Connected to all life on the planet through the Creator, we are not to hunker down as families, tribes, denominations, or even nations. When we look at drawing lines of membership, insider/outsider, resident/alien, or citizen/foreigner we move away from God’s dream for life. Inward is the direction of sin, not of God.
The trouble is, of course, that we have a natural inclination to focus on ourselves. Our sinfulness is an inescapable tendency that builds walls and separates us from others. We all make this move. Sin infects us as individuals and as part of groups - such as families, communities, churches, and nations.
When Jesus came to Galilee, he announced the presence of God’s kingdom. God entered the brokenness and fractured relationships of human existence bringing forgiveness and love. The grace of God connects us anew with God’s life and dream for all life. Jesus invited his listeners to turn their hearts and minds in the direction of God. This repentance is an outward movement towards inclusion, partnerships, and collaboration.
As vaccines are distributed in our neighborhood, the virus continues to claim and distort lives. We need to work together to help slow the spread of this disease - this is not something that we can do on our own. Each of our deepened resolves is needed. Also, when the vaccine becomes available to us, we need to receive it for the gift that it is - not only for ourselves but for others.
Blessings to you and to our whole community. I look forward to worshiping with you this weekend, whether during our drive-in, online, hybrid, or zoom communion forms. May God’s forgiveness and presence keep us strong and outwardly focused.
In Christ’s Light,
Pastor Walt