Pastor Amy's Thursday Thoughts

It is nearly time for PMBC’s 125th anniversary celebrations! The invitations went out this spring, the RSVPs have come in, and in a week and a half we will gather for our homecoming service and luncheon. I think we are all looking forward to seeing new and old friends gathered together to remember the work God has done in this congregation and to look forward to the work God will yet do.

I have frequent conversations with folx about PMBC, the time of our service, and whether they might be welcome to join us. My usual response is two-fold: 1) I don’t ever pressure people to go to church; and, 2) they are welcome to join us! Usually the conversation goes a bit further and I tell them that we are a welcoming and affirming congregation, a safe space for our LGBTQIA+ siblings. Just yesterday I received what has been a common response: “Oh good, all churches should be that way!”

Hospitality is a biblical virtue that goes back to the days of Genesis. The stories of the patriarchs and matriarchs remind us that welcoming others is essential to our faith. The story of Sodom and Gomorrah that gets retold to condemn people is actually a story about failing to be hospitable.

Hospitality is no less of a virtue in Jesus’ teachings. In Matthew 11:28 - 30 Jesus declares to his listeners, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” A few chapters later he rebukes his disciples for trying to keep the children away from him while he taught, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them” (Matt. 19:14). Jesus cared deeply that people weren’t hindered from accessing him and being part of the community of God’s people.

The beloved community, of which PMBC is but a small part, is called to be a radically welcoming space for all who seek shelter within it. As we celebrate our 125th anniversary, let us be encouraged to open wide the doors of the church so that those seeking rest in Christ might find it without hindrance.

Blessings,

Pastor Amy

PS - if you need a soundtrack to go with this week’s Thursday’s Thoughts, give Damien Rice’s “Trusty and True” a listen!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------E