From Our Pastors: October 27, 2023

Posted onAuthorAidan Cuningham

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 Pastors: November 10, 2023
    Pastor Megan
    November 10, 2023
    One of our beloved saints, Janet Holly, who died just over a year ago, is continuing to take care of this church, even after she has gone to be with God. Learn More
  • From Our Pastors: October 27, 2023
    Pastor Megan
    October 29, 2023
    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. Learn More
  • From Our Pastors – October 20
    Pastor Megan
    October 20, 2023
    Many of you are familiar with this prayer, though perhaps not its source in the Psalms. I and many other pastors offer it at the start of each sermon, praying that what we share might not be for our own glory but pleasing to our God whom we serve, and useful for those gathered. Learn More
  • From Our Pastors – October 13
    Pastor Amy
    October 13, 2023
    Beloved, I had another reflection planned for today, but it has been hard for me, as I’m sure it has been for you, to turn my heart and mind away from the heartbreak of the war in Israel and Palestine. My prayers have been especially with my Jewish family, Learn More
  • From Our Pastors – October 6
    Pastor Megan
    October 6, 2023
    When Leila and I first decided to adopt a rabbit, my first-ever pet, I had visions of what it would be like. Most rabbits don’t like to be handled, but Rosey was only 5 weeks old when we met. Surely he’d warm up to it! Learn More
  • From Our Pastors – September 29
    Pastor Megan
    September 29, 2023
    The first Sunday in October is celebrated as World Communion Sunday all throughout the world. We celebrate the ties that bind us to one another, as Christians, even in the face of our many differences. When we do so, we live into the prayer Jesus offered for his disciples and for those of us who would learn from them, throughout the many generations: “that they may all be one.” Learn More
  • From Our Pastors – September 22
    Pastor Megan
    September 22, 2023
    As this hits your inboxes, I am flying back from nearly a week in Memphis at the United Church of Christ’s Next Generation Leadership Initiative, or NGLI. I have been blessed to learn alongside a cohort of 13 other ministers in their 20s and 30s this week. Learn More
  • From Our Pastors – September 15
    Pastor Amy
    September 15, 2023
    Today we wish our Jewish siblings L’Shana Tova, a sweet and good New Year, holding them in prayer and love as they enter this season of High Holy Days. Learn More