Let it Shine, Two

Well, there's a certain road, I'm told, that's paved with good intentions. In my case I'm certain it is a multi-lane highway. That is, I've meant to write every day about General Synod, but it is now the fourth day and this is just my second posting. Oh well. God is gracious and kind.

In my last posting I wrote about the New York Conference annual meeting and the first day of General Synod. Saturday, our second day of Synod was an exceptional day. Billed as the "Synod in the City" great speakers, plays, concerts, workshops and seminars filled several venues throughout the center of Hartford.

It was a beautiful day, number one, so it was easy to get around to the different events. There was an ongoing festival in nearby Bushnell Park with food and various musical presentations. The Italian sausauge and Philly cheese steak sandwiches were especially nice.

The big draws of the day were Bill Moyers and Senator Barak Obama. Not only were we able to welcome both as fellow UCC members, but they challenged and inspired us with the gospel as it applies to daily life. Bill Moyers spoke forcefully about the need to address the societal sins of poverty and racism. Shedding his journalist's balanced demeanor, he simply preached to us. (He is an ordained minister as well as an internationally known journalist.)

Barak Obama spoke of his faith journey from an unchurched family background to his decision to join Trinity UCC, Chicago some 20 years ago. He also spoke about his identity as an African American Christian concerned about the dignity and civil rights of his race. While he seemed to wish he had been old enough to have been a part of the civil rights movement in the 60's, he embraced the notion of being a part of the Joshua generation...those who were allowed to enter into the Promised Land and try to carry on the faith understandings of the first covenant generation.

It occurred to me that as he was applying this concept to the African American community, it also applies to the United Church of Christ. The Moses generations of those who led us into the birth, childhood, youth and adolescence of the UCC have turned it over to us and those who will follow. What will we do with this gift? How can we be faithful to the vision that they caught--the vision that God had for them and for us?

A pleasant surprise for us was Peter Gomes, professor at Harvard Divinity School and well known author. With wry humor combined with his Harvard erudition and Baptist faith, he applauded and challenged the UCC to be who and what it already is.

He noted that we and our spiritual forebears have been on the right side (and often initiated) of the most important issues in our nation's history: the rebellion against England, the formation of the nation, abolition of slavery, temperance, women's suffrage, civil rights for blacks, women and gays. We should be proud of this fact and honor this heritage by living it out today.

In observing that we have had a long and storied past, our history is greater than our past. Not only that but in God's eyes and with God's help, our past is only preliminary to our present. It has prepared us to proclaim the gospel now. As such he challenged us to live beyond society's expectations of us. Society, he said, expects us to be decent and quiet people who keep to ourselves, not confronting the wrongs on our doorsteps or commenting on the policies of our villages, towns and cities. He urged us to become decent Christians who act badly.

He pleaded with us to break the stereotype of our Puritan heritage by being joyful, to actually become enthusiastic about our faith, to smile, to sing out loud.

And, he pleaded with us to capture the courage of our convictions. Protestant Christianity has been highjacked by those who preach a gospel of fear and division. He declared that true faith has nothing to do with fear, but with grace and joy.

This was an exciting day. These speakers were wonderful. Synod has been wonderful. It is also the Church in action. It is not the only place where the Church is to be found. Your local congregation is the Church. Our associations are the Church. And, General Synod is also the Church--proclaiming Jesus as Lord, praising God, and seeking to faithfully love, serve and advocate for those whom God loves.

More later...

Blessings,

Rick Cowles