Much Work to Do
This past Sunday was very special for our congregation. It was a day to recognize the call we have all been issued by God to be disciples of God’s Son. It was a day when women and men answered their call to be deacons and elders at Western Boulevard for the coming years, caring for those in need, providing for our worship, nurture, and service, and serving Jesus Christ who alone is Head of the Church. And in the afternoon, I had the honor of answering those same questions as I was installed as your permanent pastor by a commission of New Hope Presbytery. It was a day to celebrate the call we all have received, a call to follow our Lord wherever he might lead us for a lifetime of service.
This Sunday, we will hear Jesus issue that call to Simon Peter, James and John along the lakeshore of Gennesaret. It is Luke’s description of the calling of the first disciples, and it reminds me of what Jesus expects of us. He expects us to trust him when at first it seems unlikely what he asks of us would make a difference. He understands that we will be afraid at first to follow him, especially when it leads us to new places. But he reassures us to not be afraid, for when we follow him, he will take us to places that transform our lives and the lives of others.
No one said this call would be easy, and there is much work that needs to be done as agents of God’s love, peace, and justice in this world. On the first day of Black History Month, several Historically Black Colleges and Universities received bomb threats for the second time in a month; how will we stand up to the forces of hatred that seek to divide? Gun violence continues to cause death and grief in our communities; how will we respond to this growing trend in our society? Sometimes it can feel overwhelming with all the challenges that we face. What is the one thing you can do, or the two or three things we can do as the church that fulfills our calling “to follow in our own life the Lord Jesus Christ, love our neighbors, and work for the reconciliation of the world?” (Book of Order, W-40404f)
There is much work to do – but it is not work we must do on our own. As we follow our calling as Jesus’ disciples, may we always lean on the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who inspires, teaches, and empowers us to follow our Lord wherever he leads us.
With a full and grateful heart,
Frank
| 
