From the Bridge Pastor
The weekend was full of excitement in Siouxland: RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great BicycleRide Across Iowa) began. 18,000 bike riders are registered to travel from Sgt. Bluff to Lansing on their 468-mile trek. Not everyone is cut out for such an event which takes place at the end of July…in the heat of July…and goes on for seven days. Definitely, I do not have what it takes for such an event! I have friends who have ridden in previous RAGBRAI events, and I tip my hat off to all those who complete the journey.
It is not only bicycle riding which attracts a certain segment of humanity. Each one of us has unique gifts and talents. Our bodies are composed of distinct parts which, when working together, help us to function in the best way that we can. The Church is made up of individual people with their own unique gifts and talents. If everyone sang in the choir, who would listen to the beautiful music they made? If everyone preached, who would listen to the words of the sermons?
The Church is a living body comprised of people with a common faith. United Church of Christ Statement of Faith—adopted in 1959 reads: (please ignore the lack of gender-neutral pronouns)
We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Father, and to his deeds we testify: He calls the worlds into being, creates man in his own image and sets before him the ways of life and death. He seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin. He judges men and nations by his righteous will declared through prophets and apostles. In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord, he has come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to himself.
He bestows upon us his Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.
He calls us into his church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be his servants in the service of men, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ’s baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory He promises to all who trust him forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, his presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in his kingdom which has no end. Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto him. Amen.
I am drawn to a particular section, which I will paraphrase: God calls us into God’s church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be God’s servants in the service of humanity, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ's baptism and eat at Christ's table, to join Christ in his passion and victory.
We are not promised that discipleship will be easy; there is cost and joy. We are called to “proclaim the gospel to all the world” and we do, in so many ways! I am so honored to be your Bridge Pastor and collaborating with you as you live out your call as Christians and prepare the way for your new pastor.
Open and Affirming Task Force update: soon you will see new signs on our property letting people know that all are welcome. Also, please check out the message on the electronic sign on Hamilton.
Personal Note: I continue to be blessed by being the Bridge Pastor at First Congregational Church. I am excited about the forward movement of several things, but there is still a lot of work to do, especially regarding our reputation with the LGBTQ community in Siouxland. I am hopeful that there are things we can do to replace the existing tension and distrust with understanding and acceptance.
Pastor Del