Our Bishop would like a word

Dear Minooka UMC Found Family,

Remember a few weeks ago when we played with the meanings of the common biblical themes salt and light? Our Bishop Dan Schwerin (pictured left) recently offered some thoughts on those themes as well. I encourage you to read the whole letter, but here’s a piece of it:

“I have been reflecting on some New Testament images for Christian living and leadership: salt, leaven, and light. I have been thinking about how salt, leaven, and light are nonviolent and collaborative. They are change agents… They allow themselves to be vulnerable to share their presence for good. They suggest God’s nearness is a catalyst, that God’s presence is among us as a change agent.

“When Jesus spoke of authority, he consistently connected it to service, love, and the advancement of God’s reign. Biblical authority is always exercised for the benefit of others, particularly the most vulnerable. Biblical authority heals, liberates, feeds the hungry, and includes the marginalized. God’s authority is always tempered by love and is therefore fundamentally different from the authoritarianism we see in political movements today. 


“True authority, rooted in God’s character, can be recognized by its fruits. It:

—serves the common good rather than personal gain 
—empowers others rather than concentrating power  
—promotes justice and mercy  
—protects the vulnerable rather than exploiting them  
—seeks accountability rather than avoiding it   
—points people toward God rather than toward the leader 



“God’s authority flows from love and seeks to build up beloved community. Authoritarianism flows from fear and the desire to control… I pray you have a holy Lent, one tempered by love and authority given to building beloved community.”

Again, read Bishop’s whole letter; you’ll be glad you did.

Whether in person or online, all are invited to our welcoming and affirming congregation.

Plotting Goodness, 

Pastor Dave