Throughout the month of January and into February, we at the Kelseyville and Middletown United Methodist Churches have been talking about the ways that we are called to Rise Up in our journey’s of faith. W have talked about the call that has been placed on each of our hearts, the spaces where we are asked to listen to answer and to focus on transformative ministry. This journey has allowed us think deeply on the ways that we can shape our 2018; in our final Sunday before Lent we will revisit the theme of our first Sunday of 2018, God is Speaking.
We live in a world that is constantly bombarded with all of the hard things that are happening. With a society that is plugged in twenty-five hours a day, eight days a week (that is a little humor for you) it can be hard to see the spaces where good exists.
In the midst of so much turmoil, is God really still speaking?
Yes.
In the moments when we see a stranger in need of a hand and we offer ours, God is speaking. When we see those terrible things on the news and call up a loved one just to check in, God is speaking. When we devote our time and energy to helping our homeless neighbors find shelter and a safe space to exist, God is speaking. When we choose justice over ignorance, God is speaking. When we choose love over hate, you can bet God is speaking. When we stand with those who cannot stand alone God is speaking.
When we find light in the darkness, you guessed it. God is speaking.
This Sunday we will talk about the Transfiguration, when Jesus brought his most trusted disciples to the top of a mountain and was transformed before them. Just as our first week, talking about the baptism of Jesus during this Holy moment a voice comes from heaven, “this is my son the Beloved, listen to him.”
In that moment God spoke, and reminded up of the call to Rise Up. To rise up out of the water, to rise to the mountaintop, to transform the world with open hearts, open minds, and open doors.
Melissa Hurley is Pastor at Kelseyville United Methodist Church and Middletown Community United Methodist Church. Please join us in Kelseyville at 9 a.m. or Middletown at 11 a.m. as we prepare our hearts and minds to Rise Up to the call of the New Year. All are welcome.
