All That Matters

So this Sunday marks two years in the UCC, which also means that I have been trying to figure out what it means to be a Christian and how I can be a Christian for three and a half years. Well, I guess I have been trying to figure out the Christian thing for a while but it was more so I could so what I was not. Now I am trying to figure it out so I can say what I am.

I have learned a lot about Church and what it means to the Body of Christ in today’s world.  I have had really positive church experiences and some really not so fantastic experiences. But there have been some constants in all of it and for those few people I am eternally grateful.

I think that the best way to share what I have learned is just to make a list. Some of things are a little silly but, they are all true.

 1.     Church + Beer = Good

2.     Youth lock-ins are fun but don’t fall asleep with your computer open.

3.     You cannot always trust church leaders. They can make mistakes too.

4.     Challenge the status quo. Regardless of what you think will happen. Jesus calls us to speak out against oppression.

5.     If you see something you don’t like…say something! Don’t sit there and just accept everything.

6.     Not everyone is going to like you.  Get over it.

7.     People +Church Basement= Revolution (I stole this one from the pastor of FPC Allentown)

8.     Don’t give up hope. After all, “Jesus calls the not good enoughs.”

9.     It is ok to say “No” when asked to do something. If you always say “Yes” people will take advantage of you.

10.   Ecumenical events are the best places to meet people.

11.  “Love Wins.”

12.  Don’t give up on people.

13.  Don’t end a friendship just because someone is no longer at the church (this is the most important thing I have learned).

14.  Sing in the choir at least once.

15.  Serve communion as often as possible.

16.  Communion by intinction is the best.

17.  The offering does not need to be a part of the service. Personally I don’t like it as part of the service.

18.  Dogs should be allowed to go to church.

19.  Beanbag chairs make everything better.

20.  The church is not confined to the four walls of the sanctuary.

This isn’t everything I have learned and I know that I will learn a lot more, but for now this is where I am.

I believe that Jesus calls us to challenge the status quo because if we instinctively have a problem with something there is probably something wrong. I believe that as part of the God movement we are called to bring hope to the world. I believe that as part of the God movement we are called to speak for the voiceless.

I believe in Harry Potter quotes.

1.     “We’ve all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That’s who we really are.” Sirius Black

2.     “It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.” Dumbledore

3.     “Dark and difficult times lie ahead. Soon we must all face the choice between what is what and what is east.” Dumbledore

4.     “It’s our choices, Harry, that show is who we truly are, far more than our abilities.” Dumbledore

I believe in what Rev. Martin Luther King said:

1.     “Nonviolence means avoiding not only external physical violence, but also internal violence of spirit. You not only refuse to shot a man, but you refuse to hate him.”

2.     “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in times of comfort, but where he stands at time of challenge and controversy.”

That is what I believe. You might not agree with me and that is great. In fact I would be concerned if you agreed with me 100%. What matters, all that ever has mattered, and all that will ever matter, is this; “Perfect love casts out fear.”

go in PEACE. live PEACE. be PEACE.

*please pardon the format. i don't get it either.*