From Our Pastors

Posted onAuthorAidan Cuningham

Rev. Megan
Berkowitz

Rev. Amy
Clark Feldman

Pastor Megan
January 25, 2024

“Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up..”

 1 Corinthians 8:1b 

This verse comes from a section of scripture in which Paul is arbitrating a discussion among the faithful in Corinth about how to interact with the culture around them. They want a clear edict from him, want him to come down on their side (one side or the other), and instead Paul offers this bit of wisdom. Being right is one thing, he seems to be saying, but being loving is another entirely.

I think this is another piece in the puzzle of getting to the heart of things in our faith. We could make a lot of noise about scriptural interpretation, theological doctrine, denominational polity, and lots else – all important, but maybe not the heart of things.

There are a lot of right and wrong answers, depending on whose side you ask (on one side or the other!). I learned in school about “norming norms,” or the standard by which we judge all other standards, and Paul is offering one here.

Are we building one another up in love? This question, beloved, will help us to get to the heart of things.

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, 2024
    Pastor 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 2024
    Pastor 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 17
    Pastor 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 Pastors
    Pastor 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, 24
    Pastor 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, 2024
    Pastor 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