Oneness Not Sameness

Mar 07, 2019

Galatians 3:23–29


 “For you are all one in Christ Jesus,” Paul declares, “And if you are in Christ, you are a descendent of Abraham, heirs according to the promise.” Paul says that we are inheritors of a promise. And what is that promise? It is that God will not abandon the world, least of all humankind. The Galatian Christians have been liberated by their incorporation into the Christ event. It is for them and for all a new, free, and mature reality. Any prior location or identifier — i.e., Jewish or Greek — is an immature confinement of one’s identity. We have been pulled into the risen Christ; all previous categories no longer matter.

 

Paul’s argument in Galatians is that the faithfulness of Jesus in his death and resurrection has opened up a new way of being, such that everyone who is in Christ has entered into a new relationship with God and the world. This age brings the fullness of Christ, when classism, racism, sexism, all –isms and violent tendencies that divide humankind over and against the unifying work of the Spirit, are destroyed. Yet, the world as we know it insists again and again on propping up divisions that Christ’s death has undone through violence, coercion, and implicit discrimination. These are reminders of the divisiveness that lies in every human heart unaware of the deep love that claims us as beloved children of God in Christ. 

 

Paul writes that now being “in Christ” (which, by the way, is the most used phrase in the New Testament. Paul uses it 164 times!), it is no longer possible for them to be Jewish or pagan, slave or free, male and female. Whatever identifiers have reduced their personhood to less than a child of God have been rooted down in the soil of the crucified and risen Jesus.  In Christ, the world has been moved beyond whatever categories by which we classify each other’s worth. Whatever was grounds for status no longer matters because in Christ the nature of the universe is love; everything is in relationship to everything else, from the smallest atoms cycling around, the planets moving around stars, galaxies colliding with one another, people being intimately drawn together in love. 

 

Later, Paul will ask the Galatian Christians, “But now, after knowing God (or rather, being known by God), how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless world system? Do you want to be slaves to it again?” (Gal. 4:9). In other words, “Why would you go back under the guard of lies that incite fear of others? Why would you enslave yourself to the guardianship of rules and religion that set you apart from other people for whom Christ has died?”

 

We are called to oneness, not sameness. The work of the Holy Spirit draws all cultures together as one people as the body of Christ in and for the world. The Spirit of Christ makes unity possible in all forms of relationship, however strange and difficult. The goal of the church, then, isn’t to create a culture where everyone thinks and acts and believes the same. It’s not a community where we stifle diversity and giftedness. Instead it is a common-unity in Christ, a shared identity that draws together our diversities so that God’s image may be seen and God’s call received by others. As we enter Lent, let us do so striving for unity and openness to God’s Holy Spirit! 


Pastor Patrick 


27 Mar, 2024
In the United Methodist Church, ordination is understood as one “set aside by the Church for the specialized ministry of Word, Sacrament, and Order.” A person who believes they are “called” by God to enter full-time Christian ministry embarks upon years of discernment, guidance, and accountability. Generally a person speaks with their pastor, and their local church must affirm that they too believe an individual is called to Christian ministry. Likewise, the District and Conference must also affirm an individual’s call to ordained ministry. Ordinands must complete a four-year college degree and a Master of Divinity degree. After completing all educational requirements, a candidate for ordination who wishes to become an Elder must serve as a “provisional member” for at least two (2) years. Provisional membership is a “residency program” designed by the Annual Conference (generally the State in which one resides). The provisional member status is for the continued process of discernment for the individual and the denomination to affirm one’s calling to ministry. This discernment process includes writing and defending one’s theology, calling, and sermons before the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. Additionally, ordinands must successfully complete lengthy psychology exams. It takes a minimum of nine years from the time one embarks upon the process of ordination to completion. It is a massive undertaking to be an ordained clergy in the United Methodist Church and when one completes this process it deservedly should be celebrated. Thus, it is with enthusiasm and excitement that we celebrate our own Stephan Margeson as he has successfully completed all ordination requirements, and has been approved for ordination as an Elder in the United Methodist Church! Stephan’s Ordination service will take place this summer at the North Carolina Annual Conference in June. The date we at Front Street will celebrate Stephan’s ordination will be announced soon. In the meantime, please join me and congratulate Stephan for this huge lifetime achievement! In Christ’s Grip, Pastor Ray
20 Mar, 2024
Imagine this, you’re living in ancient Israel. Your town is small but it’s located along a busy pathway to Jerusalem. All around you are rolling, green hills scattered with rocks of varying sizes which, though annoying, have been useful in building most of the town’s houses and stables and a small house of worship. Just outside of town on the hillside is a flock of sheep being watched over by a shepherd with a long staff standing at the crest of the hill. Because of the town’s location there are always new people visiting. There’s a group of people who take turns at the town’s entrance welcoming strangers to stop for a rest and a cool drink of water. Hospitality is common place in here, but these people are odd. You’ve never understood why, but this group welcome strangers into town by washing the feet of every person—an act normally reserved for entering a home. Time passes and you’re invited to journey with a group to Jerusalem. As you enter into the city, the group you are traveling with outright ignores the clangs of bells and drapes of color in the market. They find their way to a large bath located in a small corner of the city. Once there, the priest of your town begins to talk about baptism, which you’ve heard him talk about many times over. This time though, it’s not an invitation to learn but instead to know. One after one the members of the group step into the pool on one side and emerge from the other where a new white robe is waiting for them. Finally, you step into those same waters… When you return to your small town there’s only one thing you want to do. You walk to the entrance of the town, kneel beside one of the people you once thought odd, and you welcome the next stranger into town as the dirt falls from their feet onto your new white robes. You think, “everyone should experience what it means to be loved like this.” -Pastor Stephan 
29 Feb, 2024
I frequently meet with congregation members about making funeral or memorial service arrangements, most often when a loved one has died, but sometimes in planning their own service. We talk about their preferences for songs, scripture, visitation or reception, and other elements of the service. We discuss facets of their lives which they have lived, as well as their walk with Christ. Often I ask, "What is the most important thing you have done in your life?" or "At the end of your life celebration, what are the most important things you want people to hear and remember about you?" These two questions are asked in an attempt for them to think about the kind of legacy they hope to leave behind. These two questions most individuals appeared to find difficult to answer. The simplest responses to these questions are usually my favorites: "I helped people," "I was a good parent," or "I was kind." All of these responses represent loving lifestyles. And isn't it the reason we're here? To use loving others to help bring earth closer to the kingdom of heaven? I wonder how much more purposefully we could leave a better legacy if we lived our lives with those two questions in mind. A friend a few years ago said, “When you die, would you rather have people talk about the great things you have done, or have them stand around your resting place telling great stories about you—who you were to them?” I know my answer. Let’s pray: Almighty God, We are grateful for the legacies left behind for us. Those legacies from our church, our families and friends, who have influenced and molded us into the people we are today. Help us live our lives in such a way, that we too can make a difference in others’ lives. Amen. -Pastor Ray
13 Feb, 2024
This is indeed a question many in our post-Christian world ask. Many don’t see the need for church, they perceive they have all they desire. However, studies show that people have a deep desire to connect to others, want loving, caring, close relationships with others and to whom they can turn in difficult times. Yet, they find it difficult to find places where those type relationships can develop and grow. Church is where we worship, celebrating what God is doing among us, going out to share what God is doing, and growing in deep relationships with one another. David and Anna are a wonderful, young couple who give of their time and worship here at Front Street and find themselves in a tremendously difficult situation. How will we respond as a people of God? Many of you may know the Merrill Family, David, Anna, and Caid. David grew up at Front Street with his parents Ellen and Keith. David attended youth group and went through confirmation at Front Street. David and Anna married at Front Street in 2014 and their family grew in 2017 with the birth of their son Kincaid (Caid) who was baptized at Front Street. Caid attends Front Street’s Afterschool program and is making lots of friends in the church. In February of 2019, David became ill and sought testing at the Mayo Clinic and then Duke to seek answers. He was initially diagnosed with neurogenetic pots and ataxia. When his health continued to decline more tests were run, and Anna and David received the shattering news that David had a progressive form of early-onset Alzheimer’s. To say they were devastated is an understatement. David’s disease continued to progress, and he began to have seizures and hallucinations. In January of 2023, he was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. In their most recent doctor’s appointment, they learned that David has gone from stage 4 to stage 5 in six months. There are 6 stages of this dreadful disease. Anna, a teacher at the hospital school at Duke Hospital, is David’s primary caregiver. During the day, she cares for students who have complex care and multiple handicaps. She is as passionate for her students as she is for her family. David cannot be at home alone because of the seizures and passing out. Anna is in a constant state of worry, but you can’t tell it by the beautiful smile that is always on her face. Her church family, friends, family, and faith are getting her through this tough time. With everything that the Merrill's are dealing with, they continue to trust in God and greatly appreciate the help from their church family. There are several ways that you can show love to Anna and David. They covet your prayers first and foremost. If you want to do more, you can take them a meal or purchase something from their Amazon wish list . If you want to donate money to help cover their medical expenses or help pay for Caid to attend summer day camp/ afterschool at Front Street, contact Tammy Page or Melissa Miller . You can find the Merrill’s most Sunday mornings sitting in the back of the sanctuary at the 11 o’clock worship service, and then in the Heritage Center enjoying the fellowship of their church family. Go say hi to them. You won’t regret it! Grace and Peace, Ms. Melissa
31 Jan, 2024
Front Street’s Fresh Mobile Market ministry is making a difference in the community. The following is feedback from one of the clients of the ministry. What attending the Fresh Mobile Market meant to her: " Yesterday was our first visit. We got a notice from the social worker at school (Newlin) and were very excited about the “fresh from the garden” aspect. I was also glad to see it listed on the weekly United Way food pantries calendar so I can look for it again in the future. I am the grandmother of 3 boys and I was picking up the food to drop off at their house. Their mom (our daughter, “B”) is at boot camp and our other daughter (“O”) is living with them and parenting them for now. Daughter O has been stressed about spending too much of B’s money on groceries while B is gone. She has already gone through their food stamps for the month. O has been cooking a lot and introducing the boys to new meals and fresh ingredients. They love it and are thriving! So, I was absolutely delighted to drop off the huge boxes of REAL food for them! I photographed the squash and the fruit to send them pics, I was so excited for them! What I really liked about the food from you and the way I described it to the family is, “this looks like stuff you would steal from your mom’s kitchen! And so much gorgeous fresh bread, I feel like Jean Val Jean!” Real fresh food and bread bagged up in zip locks like it was made just for us! I also really appreciated the traffic direction, both when I first pulled in the parking lot and then as the cars merged at the actual pickup spot. Thank you to everyone involved! It was cold out there yesterday (January 17, 2024) and we appreciate you!! " The children, military moms, grandparents, and many others in the community is why we do Fresh Mobile Market. This ministry is touching lives and giving hope to many families. Fresh Mobile Market is held on the third Wednesday of each month at Northside Presbyterian Church across from Eastlawn Elementary School. Volunteers are needed to pack food, load cars, and direct traffic. If you would like to be a part of this ministry, you may sign up to participate at www.frontstreetumc.org/C4C. For additional information on this ministry, contact Melissa at melissa@frontstreetumc.org. And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’ -Matthew 25:40
18 Jan, 2024
Do you still have your gift from Epiphany Sunday? That simple little metal string that’s used to pull lights on and off is a reminder of something not so simple. It’s a testament to the powerful truth that you and I have the opportunity to let the light of revelation work within us and around us. It reminds us that we are looking for AHA! moments where we understand more fully the truth of this word and God. But HOW we accomplish that is still unfolding. WHAT we do next is still being defined. WHEN and WHERE? Those are great questions too! I have a strong suspicion that those things will come to us easily as we wrestle with this question of WHY. While we ask honestly “why?” and if we listen well, I believe we will discover our purpose (maybe new or maybe for the first time) and our relation (we’re more connected than we might realize). We’ve just started this journey, but at the same time we’ve already come so far! Just by asking the question we’re engaging God in a brand new way, and if I know anything about God I know God is all about creating new things of heaven and of earth! -Pastor Stephan
03 Jan, 2024
Can you believe that Christmas 2023 has come and gone? How did things go for your holidays? I must tell you about a friend of mine who had some folks over for Christmas Eve lunch. This friend of mine is a great cook. One of the things that is so unbelievable about her cooking is that she often cooks for many people and her food is always so very, very good. One of the dishes that she is known for, her specialty, is her homemade chicken pot pie. She decided that she would make this scrumptious dish for her family and friends for their Christmas Eve meal. Because she knew that she would be very, very busy on Christmas Eve, she mixed up her famous pie on the night before (December 23). When she left for church on Christmas Eve morning, she put her chicken pot pies in the oven to cook. After church she arrived home to the wonderful aroma of her chicken pot pies her family loved so much. She promptly went to the oven to pull out her dishes. As she began to pull her chicken pot pies out of the oven, they looked odd. “What happened to my crust” was her puzzled thought. Dishing out a sampling of her dish to taste, she discovered her crust was a gooey dough, because it had sponged up juices from the chicken. She was frantic! Her family would be arriving any moment and what could she do? She told her husband that they would have to take everybody out to lunch that day, that she couldn't serve that awful dish. Then her children and husband tasted the tragic dish, only to find that it tasted - great! Still not convinced of the goodness of the dish, she persisted that the family and friends be taken to lunch. However, when her extended family arrived and heard of her cooking catastrophe, they insisted on tasting this new dish. They loved the new variation of chicken pie. No it didn't taste like “normal” chicken pot pie, but it certainly tasted delicious. So they all sat down at a wonderful family lunch, with a new dish and great fellowship! They shared Christmas Eve eating, sharing, and exchanging gifts. What more could you ask for family and loved ones being together? So... sometimes what you might think a tragedy, could actually be something good. Think about a baby born in a feeding trough. Some would say "how awful." But looking back as we can now, what a grand plan for all of human kind. Turning tragedies into triumphs is Jesus Christ’s specialty! -Pastor Ray
13 Dec, 2023
Friends, I know 2023 is not over and you are still excitedly waiting for Lessons and Carols and Christmas Eve! What a wonderful time that will be. However, there are some exciting things being planned for 2024, and I just can’t wait to tell you about them! Instead of just individual sermons… and rather than spending time with a simple series of sermons on the same topic… in 2024 we will be spending the ENTIRE YEAR with a single focus! During the entirety of 2024 we will be asking the question “WHY?” There isn’t a better question in life than why. Why questions reveal two things: (1) they point us to purpose, and lead us to understand why something is the way that it is; and (2) they teach us about relation, and how we are connected to something. It’s these types of questions and revelations we want to discover in 2024. The first season of our year-of-WHY will be learning from the question, “Why Church?” Join us on January 7th as that question “WHY?” begins to unfold. Pastor Stephan
30 Nov, 2023
I am a big supporter of the unwritten rule against double dipping! Do you know the one that says, “Thou shalt not dip thy chip twice into ye holy guacamole!” At the same time, I live in a household with young children that will use a chip like a spoon; dipping said chip into any sauce, eating the sauce from the chip without biting it, and then dipping that same chip now wet with sauce and spit right back into the container that everyone is supposed to share. So while I like rules, I live with the chaos life provides. All of that to say: I hope you plan to follow along with the advent devotionals written by so many wonderful people of this church! They are a gift and a blessing that I know you will be inspired by in this season. At the same time, here’s a little more advent devotional thought for you… Advent is a season of waiting. Waiting for Christmas and all the joys of celebrations in different houses. Waiting, as the people of old did, for the birth of a Savior. Advent is also a season of preparation for both of those things mentioned. However, advent has one more important meaning. The Latin Adventus translates to “arrival.” Advent for Christians around the world is the start of a new Christian year! Our Christian calendar runs from Advent through the end of ordinary time in November at Christ the King Sunday. While we anticipate the reminder and realization of new life at Christmas, we celebrate the arrival of newness already in the start of a new year specifically for us. With this fresh start in mind for you, Christian, take some time to reflect in this season. How have you arrived to where you are now? How has Jesus arrived in your life? How will you arrive at God’s calling for you in this new year? ~Pastor Stephan
15 Nov, 2023
There had just been too many bad breaks for Ken; he had lost his job, a marriage ended, mounting medical bills, and auto repairs had taken the last of all he had. When I met him, a good break had come for him in the form of a new job opportunity. But, according to Ken, there was no money for gas to get him back and forth to work while he awaited his first paycheck. This is where I met Ken. He caught me after worship, I had never seen him before. “Pastor Ray, may I speak with you in private?” Not knowing him, I knew this was going to be an “ask”. He told me his situation, and I was not really listening, I was hungry and was thinking about what everyone does after church, “What are we gonna eat for lunch?” Then the “ask”. “Can you help me with some gas money?” After hearing Ken’s story, I agreed to meet him at a gas station down the street where I paid for a tank of gas. His departing words were “When I get my first paycheck, I'll repay you. Thank you so much! See ya Sunday! ” My cynicism kicked in, “I’ve heard that before” I thought. And honestly, would it matter whether he returned and paid me back? The fuel was a gift, offered without strings. As Luke describes in chapter 17, there were ten people stricken with a horrific condition which had alienated them from everyone, even their family and friends. As they cried out to Jesus for mercy, I’m sure they wondered, “Could he help”? Jesus instructed them to go to the High Priest who had authority to decide if they were healthy enough to return to home and society. As they made their way there, each and every part of their bodies was healed. Life was changed! Yet, one (and only one), returned to Jesus to offer their gratitude. One came back. For whatever reasons, nine did not. Did it count? After all, Jesus didn't set forth any prerequisites. The mending was a gift of grace. Grace doesn't set rules for how the receiver is to respond to a gift. Yet one senses there's a bigger question than “Where are the others? Why didn’t they return with thanks?” If you read the story, the one who returned received more than the ones who didn’t return. You see, the one who returned expressing gratefulness, fell at Jesus feet most likely TOUCHING Jesus, being close to someone who was not sick for the first time for who knows how long. So by his heart of gratitude, this man was not only healed but touched. Then he heard the words, “Go, your faith has made you whole.” That word “whole” means “complete”. This formerly sick human, is now whole, mentally, physically, and spiritually and we can only surmise it is because of his heart of gratitude. Gratitude has great power in life. It moves us to complaining less and celebrating more. It enables us to see more easily the good in all that's around us. With hearts full of gratitude we focus less on what we don't have and more on the cornucopia of life’s blessing. OH! In case you ’re wondering Ken did come back! He paid for the tank of gas in full. In fact, last I checked, he was still in church at Harbor United Methodist in Wilmington. He provides gas gift cards to be given out to those who ask with no questions. He says he could never express his heartfelt gratitude for that one tank of gas. Who would have thought? Let’s pray. Lord, continue to develop in me a heart of gratitude. Let every fiber of my being pour out gratitude for you and everyone I encounter every day. May I inspire gratitude in others as I live among your people. May my life be a testimony of gratitude and healing. In the name of The Healer, Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. -Pastor Ray
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