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
Pastor Amy
July 19, 2024 On Thursday, July 18, travelers and members of UCW gathered to share learnings, photos, and stories from our recent service trip to Puerto Rico. The trip at the end of June was transformative for the 20 members (mostly high school and college youth) who travelled. Learn More - From Our Pastors – July 19, 2024Pastor Megan
July 5, 2024 Beloved, have you gotten and decorated a Flat Jesus yet? Be sure to take part in this fun and creative way of staying in touch with one another throughout the summer, and of sharing with one another as the new church year begins in September. Learn More - From Our Pastors – June 28 2024Pastor Megan
June 28, 2024 I was away from church last Sunday for a triathlon – my first race in about 12 years – and I felt as though I’d been transported to the Kingdom of God for the morning. I had forgotten how energizing the warmth and collegiality that surrounds a race can be. Learn More - From Our Pastors: Pastor Amy – May 17Pastor Amy
May 17, 2024 What a joy to arrive at the day of Pentecost in this month of Pastor Megan’s installation! Beloved, this Sunday we celebrate the arrival of the Holy Spirit. We remember the life-giving, energy-giving, boundary-breaking power available to us all as members and friends of the church. Learn More - From Our PastorsPastor Megan
May 10, 2024 From the first silver dollar communion pancake hitting the griddle to the last conversations over evening clean-up, it was a good and pleasant day, made all the more so by how many beloved people of God came together for it. Learn More - From Our Search Committee!May 3, 2024 We are delighted to celebrate the pastoral installation of Reverend Megan Berkowitz this Sunday, May 5, at 3:oo p.m. in the UCW Sanctuary. We have been on a wonderful journey which began in February 2022 with the Transition Team and their work to identify who UCW is now, who is our neighbor, and who is God calling us to be. Learn More
- From Our Pastors – April 26, 24Pastor 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
