CALL TO WORSHIP
Part of the worship service that I enjoy is the call to
worship. I attended the Wesley United
Methodist Church in Harlingen TX on March 19, 2017.
Pastor Jeana Leann Martin provided this call
to worship based on John 4. La Posada
Providencia is part of this congregation’s ministry.
Leader: Jesus
Christ encountered an outsider at a well and did not turn away!
People: He met her where she was!
Leader: God,
encased in human flesh, saw a need and offered living water!
People: Jesus met her where she was!
Leader: He
offered her living water, freedom from al that bound her!
People: Jesus met her where she was!
Leader: Jesus,
God poured out, sees us, hears us…Jesus does not turn away!
People: Jesus meets us where we are!
All: Thanks be to God! Amen!
The Valley
I have met Jesus here!
As a “Winter Texan”, I did many things.
I enjoyed the warm weather.
However, serving immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers was the reason
for my coming and remains my focus. I am
discerning next winter’s mission ministry
A Lenten Reflection speaks to these issues.
Leaving La Posada Providencia
Bittersweet
“Parting is such sweet sorrow” is
a line from the play Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare; Juliet is saying
good night to Romeo. Their sorrowful parting is also “sweet” because it
makes them think about the next time they will see each other.
Leaving La Posada is also a sweet sorrow. My soul is filled with pleasant memories of
everyone here.
The “sweet” part of the reality here is that although we may
never see each other again we go in the loving providence of God. Everyone experiences God’s love in tangible
ways as La Posada “welcomes the strangers: in accordance with Matthew 25.
God Loves each of us and is on
our side
Layers
I first posted this poem to my blog in 2013 as I departed
from my service with World Council of Churches in Jerusalem. Now, another layer is added
United Methodists in the Valley
During my time in “The Valley,” it was my joy to visit fourteen
different United Methodist Churches. This
was a connection with a purpose, bringing information about La Posada to the
congregation members. Much work is being
done on behalf of refugees.
How fun it was to see congregation members come to La Posada
for tours and to hear of their plans to volunteer. Congregations took up special offerings for
La Posada. It is inspiring to see these United
Methodist congregations answering God’s Matthew 25 call to welcome the
stranger.
Women United Methodist Women Deaconess, Cindy Johnson,
attended churches with me as her schedule allowed. She also volunteers at La Posada each
week. Her language skills are an
advantage. I had the joy of speaking at
one of the UMW unit meetings. Seeing
good being done for La Posada through women’s groups was an added blessing.
Going Home
I have the option of going
home. This option is not the reality of
the asylum seekers at La Posada.
When I served in
Harrisonburg, VA last winter, this poem was recited at one of the events. In my
opinion, it should be required reading. It
was written by Warsan Shire she is a Kenyan-born Somali poet,
writer and educator based in London.
Returning Is a Process
I am thankful for my daughter-in law’s help. She is my go to GPS guide. On the way, I stopped in at the offices of
the Rio Texas Conference Mission Vitality Center in San Antonio. I learned a lot. Perhaps you can join me in considering some
possible future mission ministry as a “winter Texan.”
I am finishing this paragraph in Oklahoma City, OK. My GPS did not find the hotel. Gale, from home used street view and led me
here via a long phone conversation.
I am here to take a course offered by UM Path 1. The course is training to understand ethnic
diversity and reach multiethnic populations.
Developing cultural competence will help me as I serve people for around
the world.
Trusting God and the prayers of many people, I will drive in
from somewhere in Indiana to attend the 2017 Keep Making Peace event in Lansing,
MI on April 1. Lansing is only an hour
from my son and daughter-in-law, Ed and Gale’s home. They have invited me to spend time with them
after the event.
Finally back in Traverse City April 2. Then
I really get busy!
Thoughts to ponder:-
"Even in the moments when our very being is shouting
out that we must rest, hide, or quit, we are called to be like Mary….to rise
up, to commit to the long work of justice and healing, even in the face of our
own insecurities, fears, and fatigue.”
From An Ignatian
Solidarity Network Series: I Come To Do Your Will
From the Valley
“Now, to him who is able to do immeasurably
more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within
us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all
generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:21-22
