Teresa’s Note: October 20, 2023

Teresa's Note

Oct 20

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Dear friends and members of University UMC:

I recently enjoyed a quick trip to North Carolina to see a friend. We had some incredible views as we hiked around the Blue Ridge Parkway(pictures below!). A local weather report said I had arrived right as the best of the Fall colors were showing off. As I carry in my head and heart the concerns of the world, standing in the beauty of creation and being in the company of a good friend are among the practices that renew my spirit and, thus, my hope.

Seeing our church in worship and mission is also life-giving. As our Finance Chair, John Bridges shared in a recent Stewardship letter: “Our wonderful stewardship speakers the past couple of Sundays have reminded me of the outsized role that UUMC has played in my life. I hope they’ve also reminded you of your own UUMC journey.” Amen! I’ve had the joy of living among you for just over 2 years, and I already feel the “outsized role” of UUMC in my life.

Thanks to UUMC Centering Prayer leaders Jan Reed and Emily Roe, I am also receiving the gift of this practice as I participate in the Tuesday evening Centering Prayer class. Just this morning, the Psalm to begin my practice spoke to me as I lament the violence in Gaza and Israel. Those words from Psalm 106 read: “Awaken us to the Oneness of all things, to the beauty and truth of Unity. May we become aware of the interdependence of all living things, and come to know You in everything, and all things in You. For as we attune to your Presence within us, we know not separation, and joy becomes our dwelling place.” (translated by Nan Merrill in Psalms for Praying) Political views and religious perspectives are wide-ranging and heated, but the reality of death and suffering is deplorable and pains the Divine heart. “Awaken us to the Oneness of all things, to the beauty and truth of Unity.” May this be our prayer! I have also found the translation of The Beatitudes in the First Nations Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament a fitting prayer these days and share it below.

I’ve had numerous reports of the vibrant worship service last Sunday. During that service, Diane Ireson shared about our governor’s voucher plan, and I’m grateful for her powerful words. The governor and supporters say the voucher program is a step that will empower more parents to have more choices when it comes to their child’s education. What is missing in this position is the reality that depending on income and location, many parents do not have a choice. The United Methodist Church has long been a supporter of public schools. This does not mean we don’t support parents who can make the decision to send their children to private school or charter school. I have good friends who are both graduates of private schools and employed by them. But it does mean we desire public schools to be adequately funded because public schools are a place all children can attend. Find a link to our denomination’s Book of Resolutions statement on public schools below.

I look forward to seeing you in worship on Sunday and look with joy to our Fall Festival and Commitment to Giving Sunday next weekend.

What a joy to be your pastor!

Teresa

Blessings of the Good Road

Creator’s blessing rests on the poor, the ones with broken spirits. The good road from above is theirs to walk.

Creator’s blessing rests on the ones who walk a trail of tears, for he will wipe the tears from their eyes and comfort them.

Creator’s blessing rests on the ones who walk softly and in a humble manner. The earth, land, and sky will welcome them and always be their home.

Creator’s blessing rests on the ones who hunger and thirst for wrongs to be made right again. They will eat and drink until they are full.

Creator’s blessing rests on the ones who are merciful and kind to others. Their kindness will find its way back to them - full circle.

Creator’s blessing rests on the pure of heart. They are thrones who will see the Great Spirit.

Creator’s blessing rests on the ones who make peace. It will be said of them, ‘They are the children of the Great Spirit!’

Creator’s blessing rests on the ones who are hunted down and mistreated for doing what is right, for they are walking the good road from above.

Others will lie about you, speak against you, and look down on you with scorn and contempt, all because you walk the road with me. This is a sin that Creator’s blessing is resting on you. So let you hearts be glad and jump for joy, for you will be honored in the spirt-world above. You are like the prophets of old, who were treated in the same way by your ancestors.

– Matthew 5:3-12

From The UMC Book of Resolutions

The United Methodist Church has issued statements supportive of public education. At a time when public education has become a political battleground, the church is called to remember, first and foremost, the well-being of all God’s children. Education is a right of all children and is affirmed by Scripture which calls us to “train children in the way they should go” (Proverbs 22:6). Furthermore, the Social Principles affirm that education “can best be fulfilled through public policies that ensure access for all persons to free public elementary and secondary schools and to post-secondary schools of their choice.”

Stewardship Season is Here!

Make sure to check out this year’s Stewardship Cartoon. Thanks to Finance Chair John Bridges for his work. A clever sense of humor and a prophetic word about what Jesus means about “the abundant life.”

“The abundance of our lives is not determined by how long we live but how well we live. Christ makes abundant life possible if we choose to live it now.”

– Barbara Brown Taylor