Rev. Valerie's Reveille

“Forgive them, Lord, for they know not what they are doing.”  Even on the cross, Jesus pleaded with God to show mercy and compassion toward the stewards of creation because of our short-sightedness and inability to love our neighbor as ourselves.  I believe Jesus still intercedes for us with these same words from time to time when our broken systems perpetuate unjust structures. On Monday we learned that Darren Wilson, a police officer in Ferguson, MO, will not be indicted in the fatal shooting of Michael Brown.  I will admit I am torn about this conclusion.  I do not know all the evidence that the grand jury was presented with, nor do I know all of the particulars about this case.  But my heart aches for a community torn apart by violence and oppression.  While I want to believe that Office Wilson acted as needed in order to protect himself and the community, I can’t accept that no one will be held accountable for an unarmed young man’s death. Forgive u...

This Sunday is the Last Sunday of the Season after Pentecost, which is also referred to as “Christ the King” Sunday.  It is the Church’s opportunity to celebrate the triumphant Christ enthroned in heaven, reigning over the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven.  All has been accomplished and is even now coming to fruition, if we choose to see it.  And before the Church begins to tell our story all over again starting with the season of Advent, we take a moment to commemorate what has been accomplished, and, perhaps more importantly, find our place in the midst it. For those of us who attended the 10:30 service last Sunday, we were blessed with the opportunity to say “Farewell” to a longtime member of the congregation, Eugenia Turkson, who is headed back home to Ghana.  She wore a beautiful traditional head wrap in brilliant gold, and it reminded me of a crown.  That reminded me of a photographic study I saw called Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Chu...

As I write this, it is November 11 th , the day our country has set aside to remember and honor those who have served our country in the armed forces.  I apologize to our Veteran’s that I forgot to mention this occasion this past Sunday as our collective consciousness was focused on the International Benefit Dinner.  Regardless, we are indebted to you for your service and sacrifice. While some of us may have never been in military service, I am sure most of us are humbled by the commitment that both the soldiers AND their families make in order to keep us safe and protect our way of life.  It is a sacrifice – a giving up of time, presence and security – in order to give the rest of us those things.  Many say it is worth it, even those whose sacrifice included physical and mental scars. What are we willing to sacrifice?  What do we believe in enough to offer ourselves regardless of profit or laurels?  The ideal of the United States of America ignite...

How do you finish the sentence, “Because of St. Barnabas . . .”? The awesome planning team for this year’s International Benefit Dinner used this phrase in their materials to remind us of the important role this church community has in our lives and to those who are touched by our faith and ministries.  In the midst of a social context that relegates faith and religion to the margins, it is important to stand fast in our beliefs and be the body of Christ in the world.  We do that through worship, formation, stewardship, mission and FELLOWSHIP. Because of St. Barnabas, I know a Christian community that likes being together by sharing ourselves with each other through food that reflects our various cultures.  I think of the term “comfort food” when I consider the menu for the IBD.  While many of the dishes seem exotic to me, they are central “comforts” to those who prepare them.  We eat “comfort food” to feel nurtured and cared for, and what is a more natural...