Dear friends and members of University UMC:
The new school year is underway! As I shared in my recent sermon, God is calling us to be like the most eager, open-hearted kindergartener: Learn the names of some new friends in your community. Build into your routine something that sparks joy. And work together on projects because we can do far more together than we could ever do on our own.
Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate last Sunday. During the Sunday School hour, we enjoyed food and fellowship and met new visitors. Our youth director Natasha and children’s director Jillian led a time of information sharing for parents as we look to an exciting and busy Fall season. During worship, we welcomed dozens of children and youth to the front as we blessed backpacks, children, teachers, and school workers. The ministry fair following worship saw new people signing up to volunteer in ministry areas. And, of course, there was pie!
Each school year naturally turns my mind to memories from my own days in the classroom. Earlier this week I recalled a moment in college that seems particularly relevant to the living of these days. I was taking a class called “Anthropology of Religion.” I loved the class and the professor. But one day she said something that unsettled me: “When you go to vote, you need to hang your religion outside the ballot box.” I had questions. What if my views on any number of politically charged issues such as immigration and gun control are influenced in large part by what I was hearing and learning in church? What if my faith is not calling me to separate it from what I do in the voting booth, but instead, to be thoughtful about why and how it lives alongside my voting decisions? I was also curious. While I believe my professor’s comment was well intended, I wondered about the source from which it came. I assume it came from her own observations of when the mixing of politics and faith became dangerous, but I wish I had been brave enough and curious enough to ask her my questions.
With the rise of Christian Nationalism, it has become more and more important for me to sort out why my professor’s words all those years ago didn’t sit well with me. A recent article in Sojourners magazine states, “Since it claims to be rooted in our faith, Christians have a particular responsibility to confront and resist this heresy.” Questions invite me to deeper discernment. For example, Rev. Augustine of St. Joseph AME in North Carolina encourages followers of Jesus to ask themselves these good questions: “Which Jesus do you serve? Which Jesus do you believe in?” I experience, know, love, and seek to follow a Jesus who is all about love and freedom, not fear and control. My understanding of Jesus is central to my own approach. I know many of you have been engaged in learning and dialogue about these matters, too, and I look forward to learning more with and from you. Later this Fall, Pastor Earl will lead a Tuesday Night Lights study on faith and politics. Stay posted for more details!
Last Sunday, the message on the backpack tags we gave our children (thanks to Illustrated Ministries!) said, “Be Curious. Ask Questions.” What a wonderful way to live. Many thanks to all who teach in our public and private schools, our seminaries and universities, and, here, at UUMC. My appreciation and respect for teachers grew from seeing family members give their lives to service in the profession. My father is a retired band director. As one of my friends has said, “Anyone who can teach teenagers to march while also playing a musical instrument is impressive in my book!” Beyond the classroom assignments, I saw high schoolers going through hard times turn to my father as one who had a listening ear and offered a safe space. My older sister lives by the motto “Those who can - teach!” She is a special education teacher and recently reminded me of good words by Bryan Skavnak. Find that quote below, along with a few good words to ground us in these days.
Blessings to all students, learners, teachers, and parents for a great school year. Some of you heard that Kealing Middle School suffered some fire damage on their campus that caused a delay in the start of school. Prayers for all in our UUMC family who are part of the Kealing community.
I look forward to seeing you Sunday as we welcome guest preacher Rev. Dr. David White. Dr. White is an ordained elder in The UMC, taught at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary near our own UUMC campus, and is himself a lifelong learner. We are so grateful that he is a part of our church and look forward to his message. He has been researching and writing on the place of beauty and creativity in the Christian life and I know his message will be inspiring for us all.
What a joy to be your pastor!
Teresa
