The bumper sticker on the car in the Chick-Fil-A parking lot read: “Heaven has walls, hell has open borders.” Google tells me that sometimes the slogan is more specific, noting a gate and a strict immigration policy. Often a sentence at the end admonishes the reader: “Let that sink in.” Indeed, let all of this theology sink in. I am wary of any and all theology proffered on hats, mugs, memes and the like. In my experience, God’s will, character and plans do not lend themselves to being summed up in a sentence or two, especially ones we pen. If select and beloved biblical quotes don’t move us to ways of peace and goodwill, how could anything we come up with guide us to life abundant? As brief as the Greatest Commandment and that like unto it are, they take a lifetime of practice and daily attentiveness to God, self and others in order to occasionally – and through the grace of God and the gift of the Spirit sometimes, at least partially – follow. So why would we think we could wrap up … [Read more...]
What’s right about St. Andrew Presbyterian Church?
St. Andrew Presbyterian Church — Albuquerque, New Mexico Every Sunday after worship we serve a hot lunch to 25-45 people who are living on the margins — hungry and/or homeless. In addition, we offer our guests sack lunches to take with them, along with clothing and personal hygiene kits. This Neighborhood Friends Ministry began in 2007 as the congregation sought to address the needs of people who came to the church’s door from the city park across the street. Since then it has evolved into a ministry that engages a third of our church membership as volunteers. Over the years, we have seen at least 18 formerly homeless participants move into stable housing. As St. Andrew celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, we are partnering ecumenically with several other congregations to hire a social worker to help people who come to our churches better connect with the services they need. — Roger Scott Powers, pastor Share your 150-word story of “what’s right” with the Outlook by … [Read more...]
An announcement in a California church newsletter …
An announcement in a California church newsletter read: “The low esteem support group will meet Wednesday at 7 p.m. Please use the back door.” … [Read more...]
Presbyterian Church of Venezuela
Zulema Garcia, a pastor and moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Venezuela, has begun to use three-minute devotions distributed by social media to ask for prayer for her church and the nation. She shares Scripture followed by prayers for peace and prayers for those suffering from hunger, thirst and lack of medical services. Dennis and Maribel Smith, mission workers in South America, urge support of the Presbyterians in Venezuela. … [Read more...]
UPCUSA considers special meeting of General Assembly to act on church property issue (40 years ago)
40 years ago — August 20, 1979 The Presbyterian Church in the United States and the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America held to the understanding that all property is held in trust to the denomination — but it did not clearly state so in its documents. The U.S. Supreme Court shocked the churches with its July 2 ruling. The case involved a Presbyterian church in Georgia. The presbytery determined the minority within the congregation represented the church. The Georgia courts applied the “neutral rule.” In the absence of clearly stated local or denominational documents, the courts could determine possession based on secular criteria. Hence the majority of the congregation were awarded the property. The Supreme Court’s decision overturned the long-standing 1872 decision that “recognized the unity of the Presbyterian polity with its hierarchy of judicatories — sessions, presbyteries, synods and the General Assembly.” The federal court returned the case to the … [Read more...]
Call me by name: A lifetime of race and relationships
The charge is armed robbery. The defendant’s lawyer declares at the outset that this is a case of mistaken identification. I had done everything I could to avoid being selected as a juror: my best Italian-wool suit, my French-cuffed shirt and my natty bowtie. Attire I had worn as a law professor to meetings with Wall Street lawyers before I retired. My outfit screams to the prosecutor, prompting him to ask the entire panel, “Have any of you ever been involved in a criminal case before?” I rehearse a response in my head so as not to appear too eager to avoid my civic duty. During my early career as a law professor, I served as the court-appointed lawyer for three different defendants’ appeals of their convictions. I plan to leave out the part about teaching criminal law for over a decade, unless the prosecutor asks. I remain silent during the jury selection process until the prosecutor asks if any of us knows other prospective jurors. My neighbor Lynn glances at me and volunteers … [Read more...]
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