January, 2012 Message

On January 8, St. John Church became the 981st congregation in the United Church of Christ to declare itself Open and Affirming (“ONA”). It was a big day for our congregation. Thanks to the nine members of the ONA Task Force and to members of the Church Council for their leadership in this process. Thanks also to each member of the congregation who participated in the educational forums and the congregational meeting.

Most of all we thank God who led us in this direction. This is the God revealed in the Bible, the God of freedom, liberation, and extravagant welcome who wants all people to live without prejudice. This is the God of Jesus Christ who ministered to outcasts. This is the God of St. Paul, who battled fellow Christians to ensure that even Gentiles could enter God’s new covenant through Jesus Christ. And this is the God of the United Church of Christ, which has frequently been “out in front” in movements to right the wrongs in God’s world. All I can say is, “Thanks be to God!”

ONA sets direction for our congregation in the coming years. What that involves and where that leads is up to how God guides us, and on how open we are to the voice of the Holy Spirit. It also depends on how much “evangelical courage” we can muster to put ONA into practice. As they say, “I don’t know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.” Come what may, God will be with us. God will lead us. And it will be exciting!

I am aware that there was some apprehension about ONA. About 30% of those in attendance that day voted against ONA. Fear of the unknown and fear of the future are understandable. However, I’m going to venture a guess that, as the reality of ONA unfolds for our congregation, and it becomes clearer to everyone why it was

important and right for our church to take this step, the skeptics will be won over, and, as time goes by, we will all (OK, almost all) be bursting with pride and joy about this action.

I say that because I trust you. This congregation has great people! But I also say this because I trust the God who is always on the side of those whose welcome in the church has been doubtful. I trust the God who’s always on the side of justice, accessibility, social progress, and human rights. I have no doubt that this is the

God revealed in Jesus of Nazareth, and who is being revealed to us through ONA.

Peace,

Jeffrey

The Rev. Jeffrey Phillips, Pastor