Dear Friends,
We hope that you are safe and well.
Today's Meditation features Vince Amlin reflecting on "More Important Things." The gift of listening to each other, our feelings, our concerns says "you matter" "you are important" "I care about you" and empowers the other to be themselves.
We invite you to join us as we commit ourselves to working tirelessly to end systemic and structural racism in our society, in the church, in healthcare, in the workplace--wherever it shows up so that everyone may come to have more abundant life. May this meditation nourish our contemplative-active hearts and sustain all of us in action.
In the spirit of our philosophy of co-creating community and our awareness that the Spirit speaks through each of us, we invite you to share your meditations with us as well. We truly believe that it is God's economy of abundance: when we share our blessings, our thoughts, our feelings, we are all made richer.
We hope and pray that you find peace, healing, hope and the infusion of joy in your life!
With our love and care,
Ron and Jean
MEDITATION 826: Vince Amlin: "More Important Things"
November 10, 2022
More Important Things
Vince Amlin
A woman named Martha welcomed Jesus into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks… The Lord answered her, “There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part.” - Luke 10:38-42 (NRSV, abridged)
“Well, Mimi,” he says, and launches us into another round of conversation. We had been trying to leave. Had already said goodbye. In his apartment. On his porch. Here on the sidewalk.
Now we’re talking again.
I am supposed to be working. I’m on a mission trip at Back Bay* in Biloxi, spending the week rehabbing a house, staffing the day center, volunteering in the food pantry.
We came to this man’s apartment to deliver a sofa and love seat. And we delivered them. Forty-five minutes ago! I’m feeling anxious, thinking there are more important things I should be doing.
But Mimi is not. She turns to listen to the man as if she has all the time in the world. As if she won’t see him tomorrow. As if she hadn’t seen him yesterday.
And she did.
Mimi is his caseworker. And yesterday she took pictures as, after ten years of being unhoused, this man turned the key to open his new apartment.
He has questions. He has plans. He has feelings. And she is here for all of it.
I take the cue, turn back, and listen. And I am reminded for the hundredth time this week that I am not here to move a sofa, or put down flooring, or stack cans. I am here for more important things.
Prayer
God, stop me in my tracks and turn me toward my neighbor.
*Back Bay Mission is a United Church of Christ mission doing incredible work on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. Since Covid-19, they have only a third of their usual church groups coming down to volunteer. Learn more about how you can support their work.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vince Amlin is co-pastor of Bethany UCC, Chicago, and co-planter of Gilead Church Chicago, forming now.
Upcoming Events
The Congregational Church of Weston, United Church of Christ is presenting "Rebuilding a Life: The Refugee Experience" featuring Dr. Omar Bah on Saturday Nov. 12 at 9:30am. flyer below.
CCW invites you to take part in a Coat Drive described in detail below
We are so grateful that you join us in rebuilding the world's peace and justice
Loving Blessings,
Jean and Ron
Led by the Outreach team, CCW is holding a coat drive for City Mission, whose Coat Boston project ensures that all children, from toddlers to teens, have the warm winter coats they need. New, unused coats that are donated to Coat Boston will be given directly to schools and organizations that serve Boston youth. Coat Boston is in need of new coats in all children and teen sizes (including adult men’s and women’s).
You can bring a coat to CCW in person this Sunday (11/6) or next Sunday (11/13). You can also order a coat online throughout the month of November and send it to City Mission directly, at:
City Mission
c/o Peniey McClary
185 Columbia Rd., Suite 317
Boston, MA 02121
Need ideas? City Mission has wish lists at Amazon and Macy's
REGISTER NOW!
Let's Talk is next Saturday! CCW will host Dr. Omar Bah of the Refugee Dream Center for Let's Talk at 9:30 AM on Saturday, November 12th. Register online to attend in person or online - registration is required for attendance.