Have you ever heard the accusation, “Some people are so heavenly minded they are no earthly good?” How does that resonate with the picture in your head as you think of “church people?” Is it any different when you think of United Methodists in particular? As we enter week two of our four week series on the struggle and potential denominational break (OR potential denominational HEALING) of the United Methodist Church we’ll examine what we mean when we say “church” and the practical aspects of being church together in a time of division. We will also examine the role of piety in the life of the church and the Christian.
In today’s culture the word “piety” has come to take on a vaguely negative connotation, as has the word “religious.” It is common to hear people say things like, “I am spiritual but not religious.” Spirituality is what you believe but religion, or piety, is what you do because of your belief. What is the point of believing in something spiritual if it has no practical application?
Jesus talked about inappropriate piety in Matthew 6:1-18 — it looks ostentatious and self righteous. But right religion, or what I am calling practical piety are the actions of the faithful that fulfill what Jesus said was most important: Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Everything else important falls into one of these two commands.
Returning to the practical piety of our Methodist forefounders may be the saving grace for the fractured church. Anyone wishing to explore this struggle facing the church is welcome to join us for this month long series at Kelseyville United Methodist Church. We meet each Sunday at 9am. All are welcome.
The Pastor of Kelseyville United Methodist Church is Pastor Voris Brumfield. The Guest Preacher for the month of June will be Rev. Shannon Kimbell-Auth. Methodists have been part of the faith community in Lake County since 1857.
