From the Pastor’s Heart

Recently I’ve noticed a new ice blue Chevy Cruze parked in front of the parsonage. I have commented to Nancy and a few others how ‘sharp’ I think the car looks. This morning as I was returning from walking Louie, the Chevy Cruze pulled up and took its usual parking space. The owner was about to walk across the street when I said to him: “I like your car. It is very nice looking.” He glanced at me and then turned his head without saying a word and started across the street. And then I heard the sound of the car’s horn. Suddenly I was insulted as I realized the sound of the horn meant he pressed the automatic lock on his key chain ensuring the car was locked. All I was doing was offering a sincere compliment. Did I some how give the impression I was up to no good? Did he think I was going to steal his car? Did I look like a thief?

This made me wonder, how many times have I jumped to conclusions not giving time or opportunity to get to know someone? The verdict was mine to make and my judgment was harsh and final without gathering any of the facts. This judgment thrust others to the class of “Outsiders.”

Over and over again we read in the Bible how people quickly and harshly judged others. Judgment was rendered without getting to know one’s heart and soul. They were judged as worthless and an outsider to be ignored and feared. This snap judgment meant many were excluded from the “inner circle.” However, this was not Jesus’ way. Jesus often got himself into trouble over his “open arms” approach to all people. In Jesus’ eyes, there were and are no misfits or outsiders.

This experience reinforced my thankfulness to God for God’s grace and mercy. I am so thankful that God does not judge me as worthless, someone to be excluded and feared. I am so thankful God does not exclude anyone from his gifts of love, mercy and salvation.

We as United Methodist celebrate Open hearts, Open Minds and Open Doors. This does not mean, “open” for a chosen few, it means all are welcome here that seek to be in relationship with God and with one another. I invite you to check out the welcome letter on our Web Site that the Administrative Council endorsed, which enthusiastically and adamantly welcomes all of God’s children to worship, fellowship, and ministry at the Sewickley United Methodist Church.

God claims each of us as His own. May we claim and embrace one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.

May it be so…. may it always be so!