Dearly Beloved,
It is good to be church together.
Especially in this particular moment. In the liturgical calendar (at the beginning of Lent). Given the uncertainty, chaos, grief, and loss happening across our country. And given the state of our world.
I don't know about you, but I need the week-in, week-out message of God's love. Of God's love that calls us away from the dichotomies of either-or to the paradox and mystery of both-and. Of God's love that tells me that we are all beloved children, that we belong to each other, that we are called to love especially when it is hard, when it is costly. Of God's love that moves me to envision communities of cherished belonging, that moves me to live into that kind of community, that compels me to work and strive to be that kind of community.
I want to highlight today a story coming out of the ministry of our Thrifts and Gifts team that, I believe, is cultivated the very kinds of community and belonging that are God's dream for all of us:
From a Thrifts & Gifts volunteer:
As I walked from my car to my volunteer time at Thrifts and Gifts, I noticed a very disheveled, presumably homeless, young man walking toward me. My first thought was, “I hope he’s not coming to the shop.” Then, he followed me into the building and down the stairs. He wandered around the shop for perhaps a half hour, carefully inspecting and selecting several pieces of merchandise. When it was time for checkout, he chose certain pieces to match his budget of $20.00. Among these were a suit coat, trousers, a necktie, and some sort of portfolio. Our cashier cheerfully asked him if he was going to a party. “No,” he said, “I have to go to court.” We were all so very impressed with this mannerly young man who, in spite of whatever troubles he experienced, chose to present himself in the best possible light as he goes before a judge. We were thrilled to know that, again, as so many times before, we were able to offer exactly what was needed to one in need.
I am inspired by this story -- inspired by the hospitality of our Thrifts and Gifts volunteers. By the honesty of the story-teller, acknowledging their initial bias. By the warmth of the cashier, not just checking the gentleman out, but showing care, noticing, and paying attention. The message is so clear: "You are cherished. You belong here!"
This was the message that I heard over and over again on Saturday afternoon, in the LGBTQ+ Workshop put on by Castor (they/elle) from Rocky Mountain Equality. Castro invited each of us to think about how we are extending the message of: "You are cherished. You belong here!" to all of our LGBTQ+ siblings who walk through our congregation's doors. AND Castro extended that message to each of us, sharing their own expertise and knowledge, showing up as their authentic self, and also making space for each of us with our particular concerns, questions, worries, and hopes. I'm grateful for each of you who showed up to this training. I hope we can continue to engage with and learn more about many of our marginalized neighbors and siblings, so that we may continue to love ever more deeply and extravagantly.
I will miss you all this coming Sunday -- yes! I do miss you when I'm away even when it's time away on a much needed vacation.
And I am grateful for the spirit of love, of cherished belonging, that we are cultivating together.
In hope and gratitude,
Thandiwe
