Greetings Holy, Healthy and Happy People of God,

As I write this eNote to our faithful and devoted community of radical followers of Jesus Christ, I am returning from the recently opened National African American Museum in Washington DC.  Words are totally inadequate to describe my experience and even the impact African American history has had and is having on American history.  Approximately 17% of the exhibit reflects the influence of people from our beloved state of Tennessee.  African American history is our American history and we can never divorce ourselves from our history.

Our understanding of humanity is imperative to our coming together in community.  Humanity is related at a variety of levels and the awareness of that connection is critical to our ability and willing to build community.  Genesis 1:27 “God created humanity in God’s own image, in the divine image God created them, male and female God created them.”  Although there were a myriad of quotes from people, this one is from Mary McLeod Bethune, “Let us gear ourselves to the great task of mapping out a pathway that will truly lead to a better world for us all.”  She used those words in 1944.

At some point, as followers of Jesus, we need to think beyond our “self-interest” and more about “communal equity” where accessibility is open and experienced with all people regardless of age, race and class.  In other words privilege must be shared and we are led by God’s LOVE!

So I invite 10 people to join me in an initiative we have talked about called One Table.  It is a movement where “cultural differences” intentionally come together around a table to relate to one another and start to share our lives together so that Jesus Christ is apparent in our ministry and missional work together.  It will be over a 10-month time frame where we gather monthly.  It is simply a time to love God and love neighbor.  Can we begin an alternative way, a middle way to honor God and celebrate God’s diversity in us?

Hear the W.O.W., the Words of Wisdom,

“Reconciliation is Possible!”

As always, remember, God’s will for us is good, we must do the rest!

Pastor Stephen