Sanctuary 6-4-2020

Sanctuary is a place of retreat. At one time it was even a place where criminals might hide out
to avoid being caught by those who would pursue them. This goes all the way back to the
Israelites when they entered the Promised Land. They were to set up Places of Refuge to
which people could escape.
 
This week some of us were able to get back into the sanctuary for worship. It wasn’t what we
were used to back in March but the energy in the room was great. So many people worked
really hard to bring that to pass and I’m so thankful to each one. It was a great retreat in
worship together!
 
This week also presented us with a disruption to sanctuary in the wake of the murder of
George Floyd. One police officer—sworn to provide sanctuary—broke that oath. This, along
with other incidents in the recent past have brought about protests, riots and destruction. It
seems there are no safe places to hide which is also how people of color feel regarding
potential interactions with certain white individuals.
 
Church, there is no greater time to realize that our mission is not in a building. Our mission is
to go into all the world proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. Our mission is not to retreat
to the sanctuary for our own safety but to reach out to others and provide sanctuary for those
who need it wherever they might happen to be. Our mission is to be disciple makers whose
effectiveness is not based on the place of worship but on the awareness of what God’s Holy
Spirit is doing all around us. Church, let us rise to the occasion, speak with compassion, listen
with humility, and love our neighbor as we love ourselves.
 
In Him,
Pastor Tim.