Finally…whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
–Philippians 4:8
Dear APUMC Family,
I am glad to report on something true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable today.
This verse from Paul’s letter to the Philippians was the subject of the devotional shared by Rev. Jennifer at the First Light Community service at All Saints Episcopal Church. It could not have been more appropriate for the occasion.
First Light Community (formerly known as L'Arche Mobile) is an organization that passionately lives the mission of creating homes in which adults with and without intellectual disabilities share life together. As part of its stated vision, the First Light Community actively celebrates diversity and believes that everyone has a gift to share. In faith and practice, they recognize each person's unique value.
Every Wednesday at 10:00, the community gathers for its weekly chapel service. For those who recall the former Jubilee services held at Ashland Place some years ago, this is the same Spirit of that previous effort. If you ever attended one of those services, then you know what a joy the experience can be.
Yesterday morning, Jennifer, Julie, Tiffany Norton, and I went to help lead the worship service. Having attended once before with Kristen Wright, I was grateful for the invitation to reengage this ministry. It was wonderful! The activity coordinator had declared it “spooky week,” so several participants came dressed in an array of costumes. There was singing, sharing, and laughter, all as means of grace. Honestly, it was pure joy. At the end of the service, they asked their new Ashland Place friends to stand in the middle of the circle so they could extend their hands and offer a blessing to each of us. Did they ever! It was incredibly humbling (and much appreciated).
If you would like to share in this experience in the future, you are welcome. Tiffany, Jennifer, Julie, and I have gladly offered ourselves as regular partners in rotation for this connection. We would love to have you join us. Our next service is scheduled for November 19 at 10:00 at All Saints Episcopal Church on the corner of Government and Ann St.
Speaking of which, we will gather for All Saints Day this Sunday at Ashland Place UMC. This is a day of remembrance for the saints, with the New Testament meaning of all Christian people of every time and place. Through baptism, we become part of a family much larger than our biological family. It is a family of people “set apart” by God, not for the sake of privilege or status, but to be a light in the darkness. This is what the world needs. That is what I witnessed with the First Light Community. They shine, without pretense or apology.
Although we tend to think about saints as holy and pious, and picture them with halos above their heads and ecstatic gazes, true saints are much more accessible. Sometimes they wear a full-sized Ninja Turtle costume, or are quick to show off their SpongeBob SquarePants socks. Others ask you your birthday, just so they can tell you what day of the week you were born (with 100% accuracy!).
As Henri Nouwen described them, saints are ordinary women and men like us, who live ordinary lives and struggle with ordinary problems. What makes them saints is their clear and unwavering focus on God and God’s people. Some of their lives may look quite different, but most of their lives are remarkably similar to our own. The saints are our brothers and sisters, calling us to become like them.
True, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable.
This week, especially, let us think about these things.
Yours,
Darren
P.S. Don’t forget to vote!