There is a cartoon I have seen that unfortunately portrays how many people today view Jesus and the Church.
In the cartoon, Jesus says: “If you guys want to keep hanging out after I’m gone that’s totally up to you. And sure you can call it church if you want. All I ask is that you love everyone, let people be free, and provide equal rights for all. Oh … and be generous, gracious and kind.”
Then the disciples say back to Jesus: “Okay! Awesome. So what we hear you saying is that you want us to love people just like us, make everyone do what we want, not concern ourselves with justice or equal rights for all, and be greedy, exclusive and mean! Have we got that right?”
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When I first read this cartoon, my heart sank. But I understand why this cartoon speaks an honest truth born from many people’s experience of the church.
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I have people tell me that they like Jesus. They believe in the message he preached and the life he lived. They know Jesus was about love, forgiveness and helping one’s neighbor. Their problem is not with Jesus, but with the church. And even more specifically, it is “organized religion” that bothers them. Somewhere along the way, they noticed the church stepped off the path of following Jesus and created its own path. Church rules and laws overshadow the words of Jesus. Then the church acts in ways that are judgmental and exclusive, rather than loving and inclusive. And in the media, reports emerge of scandals and corruption in the church.
Now I am a Christian pastor. I am an ordained minister in The United Methodist Church. Like other denominations, we have our church laws; however, there is a movement growing in the church towards reminding ourselves that it is Jesus who calls us and it is Jesus we follow. So, as a Christian and as a pastor, I am committed first and foremost to following Jesus and I invite others to do the same.
See, I had a dream!
Just the other day, I found myself watching the 1962 film, Gypsy with Rosalind Russell and Natalie Wood. Love that movie. Throughout the film, Russell’s character would often burst out singing, “I had a dream!” This overbearing stage mother always had a dream about how she was going to make her daughters become stars. Though reality did not quite fit the dream she originally had, it did not stop her from dreaming even more. She never gave up on dreaming!
In the Bible, it says “Where there is no vision (or no dream), the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18)
Having a dream or a vision is so critically important. In dreaming or visioning, we do not look back, but rather look to the destination ahead. This is important in our individual lives, in our relationships, in our work and it is important in the life of the church. In the church, it is easy and tempting to fall back on the old line, “We’ve always done it that way.” But that is not dreaming. Is it? The way we have always done it may not be the way Jesus would have us go. We need to face forward and find our vision. Hopefully, we all can shout “I had a dream!”
Well, I had a dream about what this church at 455 Palm Avenue can be like. I had a dream we listen closely to Jesus and become what Jesus intended.
A church where all are welcome and diversity is valued.
A church where people are not told what they must believe, but rather a place where individuals can explore their honest questions.
A church where people serve others in need like those with food crisis and those who are homeless.
A church where people love others, even one’s enemies.
A church where children, youth, adults and seniors feel at home.
A church where people grow in their personal faith.
A church where people follow Jesus.
That dream is being realized at 455 Palm Avenue.
This church welcomes all people!
This church serves those in need!
This church strives to follow Jesus!
But the dream is not complete.
It still has a way to go.
You see, what is missing is you!
Now, you may not be a religious person.
You may have had a bad experience with the church.
Maybe you fear you will not be accepted by the “religious” folk.
You may see Jesus and the Church like the cartoon I mentioned.
Still the dream is there.
So, if you think of yourself as “spiritual” and not “religious,” Come dream with us.
If you want to make this a better city and you a better person, Come dream with us.
If you have been put down and pushed aside, Come dream with us.
If you think the walls will cave in if you step inside, Come dream with us.
If you want to take seriously what it means to follow Jesus, Come dream with us.
Think of John Lennon’s song:
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Come dream of a different kind of faith community at the Imperial Beach United Methodist Church at 455 Palm Avenue.
While listening to Jesus, dream how we can put those words into actions.
In this dream, you are invited to bring your gifts and your talents to help make this city and this world a better place. And consequently, you will become a better and renewed person.
I had a dream!
A dream of an open minded, open hearted, thinking, loving, & serving Church. And that dream includes you!
If you would like to be part of this dream, email me at JonEdwin@aol.com.
I would really enjoy talking with you.
Blessings,
Rev. John E. Griffin
Pastor
Imperial Beach United Methodist Church
455 Palm Avenue
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Sunday Morning Worship
9am – 30-minute worship with Holy Communion
10:30am—60-minute worship with Holy Communion on 1st Sunday of Month
(Child Care provided during 10:30am)
Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.
The People of The United Methodist Church
