By Betty Hertz
A few weeks ago, I attended the city-wide BBQ put on by the Reconciliation Pastors. I used the mixer questions to meet people other than the white people I knew. What fun!! I sang “Amazing Grace” with one of my new friends. Then I sat at a table for lunch with a group from Lighthouse Church. I didn't even know they existed! As we talked, I learned we shared a common concern … caring for the underserved in our community … the homeless, and the hungry.
John Wesley's words came to mind, "Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike?" Another God "wow" moment and a "Thank you, Jesus" moment. As I left, I saw Pastor Parker and told him I would accept the invitation he gave St. John and would be at Shiloh Baptist Church on Sunday.
I went. For the third time that day, I heard the hymn "Great is thy faithfulness" … message heard!! What a great experience at Shiloh. For 20 minutes, music and "praise God" and "Yes, Jesus" rang through the sanctuary. Then three baptisms happened. Above the sanctuary, a door opened, and a tub of water appeared. One at a time, three people confessed their love of God and were baptized by immersion. WOW! Then Pastor Parker started delivering the message by acknowledging he now knew how to preach under 20 minutes as he had given a sermon at St. John the previous Sunday! He talked about "be who God has called you to be." Sound familiar? I know I have heard Andy say those words more than once. Pastor Parker's message from Proverbs 3-5-6: Full throttle until you see the Lord, then brake and hear his word. Then use the green light to spread his word. His question: Are you sitting at the green light but not stepping out?
I plan to visit Shiloh about once a month to feel the congregation's energy, and who knows, maybe I will stand and shout AMEN during a St John sermon!
Loving God,
Thank you for opening my eyes and my ears to other Christians who share a common love of you and share a common love of neighbor. Help me to keep my heart open to ways that I may love and serve you.
Amen.
Betty Hertz is a longtime member of St John UMC, a Stephen Minister and a member of SPRC. When not doing volunteer work, she is playing with her three goofy dogs.