This past Sunday, we looked at the story in Acts 11 of Peter explaining to followers of Christ why he was able to accept the hospitality of a Roman Centurion, of all people, and sit down and eat non-kosher food with him and his family. Doing so should have filled a good Jew, like Peter, with disgust and guilt. But the Holy Spirit persuades him not to make a distinction between himself and those ready to accept Christ's way, no matter who they are: Peter asks himself "who am I to hinder God?" In God's eyes, we are all privileged and we are all needed to build a new heaven and a new earth right here, right now.
This story is a template for us, given the many current-day arduments, within our churches and in our political world, about "us and them." This account of Peter and those with whom he worshipped is not simply to be put to one side as a Bible story. Today also we have serious differences about whom to accept, whom to welcome into our community: e.g., who gets to recieve Holy Communion in any given church? Can women and those identifying as LGBTQIA2S+ be trusted? Scripture clearly says yes. Aliens too, "the strangers within our gates," as Hebrew Scripture phrases it again and again.
Now as then, there will be resistance to things that seem new. In every age, a change of heart comes only when one sees the Spirit at work in the stories of strangers, recognizing in them, as did Peter--encouraged by the Holy Spirit--the same Spirit that works in one's own life. It takes deep prayer to see God at God's own surprising work within oneself and others. Then we can make a reasoned break with earlier thinking. I ended my sermon by inviting people to remember times when, through God's grace, we have been surprised by a stranger, someone quite different from ourselves. The point is that Jesus' primary concern was not a series of correct beliefs. He pleaded with us to live more fully into loving and to build community in ways we had not expected.
Grace all ways, Pastor Dora
All are welcome to worship every Sunday morning at 11:30 am. Support us with your presence and your ideas about how we can be community together. You are welcome to leave messages for me at the office. You will find someone in the church office every Wednesday from 2:30 to 4:30 and on Fridays from 10 to noon.
About Our Church
Our church has been part of the South Side community since 1833. The building was begun before the civil War with the main section completed in 1869. Our gym was the first gym for public use in the neighborhood. We have space for all kinds of community projects. A vital current ministry is our Open Mic, held the third Thursday of every month for poets and musicians, experienced and just starting out. There is a $5 cover, but we provide refreshments as well as a safe and nurturing space with terrific acoustics.
We worship every Sunday morning at 11:30. You can also join us via telephone conference call by calling (412)-307-7952 ten minutes before services start & hold on until we greet you. You can contact the church at 412 431-0118 or on our email, [email protected].
At South Side Presbyterian Church, we take Christ’s Social Justice seriously. We serve this community and the poets and actors who are drawn to it. We invite your presence and your contributions. Join us!