Rev. George Miller
Dec 12, 2021
Isaiah 55:1-5
We are blessed. From the north to
the south, to the east and the west.
When I say “we” I mean Emmanuel, because here we are 21 months into an
international pandemic, and…
We are here.
Unlike other churches that have forever shut their doors, unlike other congregations
that have moved to part time ministry, unlike other sanctuaries that have yet
to reopen.
We are blessed because not only are we here, but we are finding a way to
thrive and grow.
Just this week our Garden of Hope team began building our handicap
accessible flower beds.
A few months ago we sent 50 students to school in Haiti, while at the same
time seven of us were in Biloxi working alongside an Iowa church to care for
folks in Mississippi.
We are blessed because while so many churches are struggling with how to
be church in the middle of a pandemic, we have been CHURCH-
hosting community conversations, feeding the hungry, celebrating Women’s
Equality, Men’s Health, Cuba’s Independence, and Haiti’s flag.
Next year we’re preparing to honor Filipino Independence Day with a menu
that Fe and My-My are planning.
Today we have set aside time for parents who have lost a child.
And on November 21, we had an Annual Meeting in which we not only voted
in leadership and adjusted our bylaws, we made the decision to become Open and
Affirming.
Open and Affirming, empowering us to be an oasis of love to people who
have historically been told “you are not welcome here.”
Not to mention the grants we have received from the FL Conference and No
Kid Hungry.
Sisters and Brothers, never for a second fail to realize that in the
midst of a globe-stopping pandemic we have continued to be Emmanuel.
Never for a second forget that we are here.
And never forget that we are here because we worship a mighty God.
We are empowered by the Lord’s mighty, overflowing Agape Love.
How exciting that we have done the hard, demanding work and as a result have
these gifts to offer to the community and to one another.
To people who are hungry, Emmanuel is a place where they can be fed.
To people who are lonely, Emmanuel is a place where they can be fed.
To people who feel like chaos has become consuming, Emmanuel is a place
where they can be fed.
To those whose soul have hungered for something more, Emmanuel is a place
where they can be fed.
To those who have thirsted for something to quench their spirits, Emmanel
is where the Living Water of Christ is found in abundance.
We are here.
Amid COVID, valleys of dry bones, and national discord, we are here, and
we have Good News to share.
A few weeks ago we voted to become Open and Affirming. A momentous event that happened so naturally.
The nest step of the process is to create and accept an ONA Covenant that
can be posted on our website.
With the faithful work of Council and the input of the congregation, we
have produced a statement. It reads-
“Emmanuel
UCC is a church that has a passion for God, and compassion for all, embracing
Micah’s call to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our Lord.
We
are Emmanuel- loving, giving, sharing, and ready to face challenges for the
sake of God’s Kingdom.
We
are an inclusive and diverse church, a worship and ministry center of Agape Love
that is willing to actively participate in the community, and welcome
God’s children, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ability,
culture, and socio-economic status.
As
we live out the teaching of the commandments, the preaching of the prophets,
and love of God made known through Jesus Christ, we continue to extend our
welcoming arms, discarding oppressive systems and hurtful ideologies that harm God’s
Creation and prevents our Sisters and Brothers from experiencing a complete
life.
Following
the actions of Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we proudly declare
ourselves to be an Open and Affirming Church.”
This is a powerful proclamation for anyone who has felt lost and
lonely.
This is a powerful testimony to anyone who thought they could never belong.
This is the meaning of Christmas wrapped up in words of love, words of
light, and words of welcome.
In today’s reading, Isaiah spoke to a group of people going through their
own national tragedy who wondered if they would ever feel complete again.
To those misplaced, misunderstood, lost and lonely people, Isaiah said –
“Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters, and you that have no money,
come buy and eat!”
Isn’t that what we have been doing for the past 21 months?
To a people feeling lost, lonely, scared, and unsure, Isaiah says
“Listen carefully, eat what’s good, incline your ear so that you may
live.”
Live- not just a daily grind, but live in a way that brings joy and
purpose.
To a nation that has been torn apart, Isaiah says “You shall call nations
that you do not know because the Holy One has glorified you.”
People of Emmanuel UCC- without even knowing it, we have been existing in
the words of Isaiah 55.
Offering food and drink. Celebrating
places like Haiti and Cuba. Creating a Garden
of Hope. Providing safe spaces for necessary
conversations.
Voting to be a church that officially, publicly says “Ho, everyone that thirst
come to the waters, eat what is good, incline you ear so that you may live.”
What a journey we have been on. What
a difference we get to make.
In a nation full of discord, in a world full of doubt, we are here, and
we are Emmanuel.
Amen and amen.
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