Epworth United Methodist Church

Epworth United Methodist Church
Rev. David Weekley
Friendship Sunday
Mark 8:27-37
John 13: 34, 35: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples; if you have love for one another.”

Thank You for Being a Friend

Years ago there was a popular sit-com on television called, “The Golden Girls”. I loved the opening words of the theme song, ‘Thank You for being a Friend”:

Thank you for being a friend, traveled down the road and back again;
Your heart is true; you’re a pal and a confidant.

In many ways this is how I understand God’s relationship with us through Jesus.

Today is ‘Friendship Sunday’ here at Epworth, so it is a good time to talk, and to think about Jesus as our friend, and what that really means in the true sense of the word.

[Define ‘Friend’- draw on responses from Young Worshiper’s Time]

When we reach out to one another, when we support each other, when we desire only the best for one another- when we describe one another as ‘friend’

Then we are fulfilling both the answer to Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am?”, and the great commandment to love one another as Christ loves us.

I want to thank each and every one of you for being here in worship this morning, and for supporting my trip to Denver, Colorado last week.

I heard the worship service was very good, and I had no doubt The Rev. Chuck Cooper would be both inspiring and empowering for you.

My time away was also blessed and renewing.

Because of you and your loving support Deborah and I were present for the 25th anniversary celebration of the Reconciling Ministries Network of The United Methodist Church.

While we were there, we learned so much about this organization’s early beginnings, and the continual growth, and hope for full inclusivity for all God’s people in the life of the Church that it continues to represent.

While we were there we herd of so many courageous and dedicated people and ministries, from all over the world.

I met Bishop Daniel Arichea, a retired bishop in the Philippines, who is a strong supporter of the church’s embrace of TLGB persons.

As he stated, “Very often human sexuality is an intellectual exercise until someone you love is involved. Then you have to go beyond theory to practice…you either love or hate…you either embrace or turn away. The choice is clear but not easy: choose love!”

On Saturday evening the Silver Anniversary Celebration included three awards.

I listened to many incredible stories of ministry, work for justice and inclusivity.

I heard about Anne and John Makokha, working in Riruta Kenya, to establish a truly inclusive community in both their church, and school of approximately 250 children, by supplying them with food, education and the example of what true inclusivity means in these communities.

Imagine my shock when I heard my name read as a nominee, and then, moments later, read again as the one to receive such an honor as the, “Voice In the Wilderness Award”.

I’d like to read to you how this award is defined: “The voice in the wilderness award is for taking risks, despite isolation in a wilderness, to proclaim the rightness of full inclusion for all people in the church, and for standing against injustice despite that lack of support.”

Receiving the honor of this award is not about me, it is not about you, although your part is instrumental in everything that has unfolded so far…

The award is for Jesus Christ, the One who has loved and continues to loves us, and who calls us to live one another with the same unconditional love.

Jesus Christ is the voice in the wilderness we each and every one of us follows; this is why we are here, because this is what we desire to do.

Through your support of me, both two weeks ago as I shared my story with you, and as the congregation that sent me to Denver, so many, many people are expressing hope, courage, renewed faith, and loving thanks to you for who you are as a Christian community…..

[Read cards…]

People from all over the world, and right around the corner are thanking us for simply stating the obvious in an open way, “God loves everybody.”

I cannot think of a more fitting, hopeful, or personally challenging scripture with which to celebrate “Live Aloha” than these simple-sounding words from John 13: 34, 35:

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you should love one another. By this they will know you are my disciples, if you love one another.

John Wesley, the founder of what we know today as The United Methodist Church said this:

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. We
All approve of this; but do we practice it? Daily experience shows the
Contrary. Where are even the Christians who ‘love one another as he has Given us commandment? How many hindrances lie in the way! The two grand General hindrances are first, that they cannot all think alike and, in Consequence of this, secondly, they cannot all walk alike…
But although a difference in opinions or modes of worship May prevent an entire external union, yet need it prevent our union
In affection? Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike?
May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion?
Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite,
Notwithstanding these smaller differences. These remaining as they are, They may forward one another in love and in good works.”

I want to take a few moments to explain the significance of this award-\there are two pieces, a balancing stick, and a clay pot…

[explain/read about each…]

May these qualities and characteristics of the Spirit lead us forward, individually and as a faith community, into new and fresh experiences of Jesus the Christ as our Friend and the one who calls us to live Aloha together…

Thanks be to God for each one present here today- Amen.