Mission to Amplify Compassion by amplifying marginalized voices in our community, including those marginalized by their race, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, or any others searching for equity. We will help challenge our congregation to amplify justice, mercy, and humility to create a more compassionate church.
Visit The Levine Museum of the New South. Join Dilworth’s Amplify team and friends as we tour the Levine Museum (200 E. 7th St.) on Sunday, September 12 at 3 pm. Following our tour, we will meet back at the church for a discussion of our trip over a catered fellowship meal. Please RSVP to Pastor Cade (cade.barefoot@dilworthchurch.org) to express your interest in this trip.
Reflection – Rev. Taylor Pryde Barefoot
The other day, I led a small group at church with 20 folks of all different ages and backgrounds. About 30 minutes into our time together, one person started discussing the weight of the current political landscape. He proceeded to name himself as a democrat and shared his frustration with republicans and the way that Covid-19 vaccination has become politicized.
As the leader, my hands were sweating. I did some quick math and figured that the statistical likelihood of there being republicans around the table was high.
I found myself frustrated that politics were even brought up. I was concerned that someone would feel uncomfortable, wouldn’t want to come back, and that this conversation would ruin the chances of people being in church together.
I let the conversation continue.
20 minutes later, a young woman speaks up and says that she is a republican. Now, I expected her to be hurt, to be angry, to want to leave. Instead, she said, “it’s nice to be in a place where we can be so honest, but still be together.”
I had failed to see that this is the vision of Church that Jesus has cast from the beginning. The early church was nothing if not polarized. There were major hot-button issues dividing those who worshiped Jesus. The church has never and will never be built on the premise of sameness. Even Jesus’ disciples had nothing in common. A tax collector and a fisherman?! They would have hated each other if it wasn’t for their shared love of Jesus.
Even though it’s painful to talk politics, (and is it ever!), we have to keep talking. The church is the place where we confess together, we wonder together, we learn together, and we worship God.
Heaven will be filled with republicans and democrats who love Jesus. There’s no denying that. If we believe that the church is our best attempt at heaven on earth, why should we expect the church to be any different?
This is hard work, but it’s essential work. Keep talking, keep confessing, and keep worshipping God.
Share Are you interested in sharing a reflection in the Amplify newsletter? If you feel called to share a story, testimony, or devotion related to diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation, please reach out to Pastor Cade (
cade.barefoot@dilworthchurch.org). The Amplify Team is open to all members who feel passionate about shaping our conversation and working for justice in and through Dilworth UMC. Please contact Pastor Cade to become a part of this important ministry.
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