For those who are curious, here’s a little snapshot of a Preacher’s Life.
On Saturday around noon I received the following email:
“I am [in] the area, and have heard of much discrepancy within the UMC. I am thinking of visiting, but don't necessarily want to worship in a church that believes and teaches against my own values. Can you please tell me where your particular church is on the wide spectrum of what United Methodists stand for?
“Thank you in advance for your honest reply.”
Was this a sincere request?
Or was it an attempt by someone to engage me so she could lecture me about my faith?
...or lack there of, as some see it.
I get that a lot.
Since it was Labor Day weekend, it was possible the writer was being sincere. We are located in a tourism area and people sometimes do visit our churches just because they are “in the area”.
And what else was in the area this weekend?
A “Trumpf for President” boat parade.
The writer did not indicate what her personal beliefs and values are, but she seemed concerned about the “discrepancy” of beliefs within the UM denomination, which led me to believe she was not a Methodist.
In those few simple sentences the Captain smelled a rat.
But as the great Satchel Paige once said,
As requested, the Captain replied honestly.
Why would you expect less from a preacher?
[Don't answer that...]
“Dear [name], thank you for reaching out. I hope you are enjoying your time in the lakes area.
“As you have expressed, there is and always has been a wide difference of beliefs within The United Methodist Church. Growing up in the church, I always understood the UMC to be a ‘big tent’ denomination, celebrating our diversity. In recent years, as our nation has grown more polarized, regrettably so has the church.
“As an ordained elder in the denomination, I proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ (‘He is Lord!’) that all are children of God, and that our mutual goal is to help create God’s kingdom ‘on earth as it is in heaven’.
“You would be welcomed at [my church]. We resumed in-person worship two weeks ago and take all appropriate precautions. Tomorrow at [time] we will celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Join us!
“Peace.”
Either I was too late responding (it was a Saturday afternoon on a holiday weekend after all – even preachers have a life) or what I said didn’t line up with the writer’s beliefs and values.
She didn't show up for church.
The Captain was sorely tempted to send her another email on Sunday afternoon asking what part of what I said she might have disagreed with.
But I didn’t.
And I won’t.
