Rev. Megan
Berkowitz
Rev. Amy
Clark Feldman
Pastor Megan
October 27, 2023
“The righteous will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the Sovereign One will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these siblings of mine, you did it to me.’”
Matthew 25:37-40
I am away this weekend officiating a dear friend’s wedding. I have found myself officiating at a lot of friends’ weddings in the last few years (as many young clergy do), and somehow, they are all interfaith, intercultural, or otherwise marriages between two people with differing backgrounds, beliefs, and practices. This week’s is a Sikh and Mennonite/Quaker wedding, and has been an absolute joy to plan.
There is something about taking away expectations – how a wedding SHOULD be – that allows for creativity and freedom. This scripture is part of the Christian reading this couple selected, and it’s certainly the first time I’ve ever been asked to give a wedding homily on Matthew’s “The Sheep and the Goats.” But the couple, though they don’t share the same cultural or religious upbringing, are building their marriage around a strong, shared sense of justice and the dignity and worth of all people that emerges from both of their traditions.
It has been a particular joy, in a time of widening divisions across cultural and religious lines, to be reminded of how finding common ground with those different from us enriches the whole world. Jesus didn’t tell us to ask others about their beliefs or qualifications before reaching out in mercy and care; he told us to love one another.
Peace,
Megan
Past Posts
- From Our PastorsPastor Megan
April 26, 2024 This week, I am on a professional development trip to Chicago, studying congregation vitality and spending time with other pastors from throughout the country. We are learning from non-traditional church settings, but the lessons these settings teach are ones that all communities can benefit from: how vital congregations remain focused on their “why,” rooted deeply in their shared faith. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 19, 2024Pastor Amy
April 19, 2024 This past week, I traveled to Valley Forge, PA for a 3-day conference entitled “Space for Grace: Engaging Intergenerational Faith.” The conference was hosted by the same organization that is organizing our mission trip to Puerto Rico, the American Baptist Home Mission Society. ABHMS is strongly aligned with the mission and legacy of ABC pastor, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The keynote preachers and speakers brought a wide diversity of experiences and perspectives, which I look forward to sharing with all of you. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 12Pastor Megan
April 12, 2024 Exodus tells us that when it came time to build the Tent of Meeting according to the instructions Moses received at Sinai, God didn’t demand a tribute from the people. The Tent of Meeting and the Tabernacle inside of it were constructed of gifts from people with willing hearts and spirits. Learn More - From Our Pastors – April 7Pastor Megan
April 7, 2024 Christ is risen indeed! At Union Church, we welcomed resurrection day with great joy: from sunrise worship to the last egg of the egg hunt (re-hidden by some of the Junior Youth Group members who gave up their own goodies to help a very young latecomer still have an exciting Easter), it was a day of great celebration. Learn More - From Our PastorsPastor Megan
March 29, 2024 We’ve been following the Gospel of Mark throughout this year, hearing the stories of Jesus’ ministry, miracles, and, this week, trials in Jerusalem. At the end of Mark’s version of the Passion narrative, at about the time you will receive this email on Good Friday, the Gospel recounts Jesus’ final words from the cross: Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani? My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Learn More - From Our PastorsPastor Amy
March 22, 2024 In this holiest of weeks, we invite you to dwell even more fully in the story that is at the very sacred heart of our faith. Dwell with your community of faith, your church, as we enter Jerusalem with Jesus this Sunday (Palm Sunday), and remember how Jesus overturned tables of injustice and oppression and imparted final words of teaching and healing to his followers. Learn More - From Our Pastors – March 15 2024Pastor Megan
March 15, 2024 This Saturday evening (March 16), I am delighted to join with faith communities across Newton for this year’s Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) Interfaith Service, to be held at St. Ignatius in Chestnut Hill at 6:00 p.m. Learn More - From Our Pastors – March 8Pastor Megan
March 8, 2024 It was indeed good and pleasant to dwell together in unity with our siblings from the Boston Taiwanese Christian Church this past Sunday! We feasted together around the table twice – once during communion, and again during the reception they very lovingly prepared for us all to share. Learn More