Being a Christian can be a complicated endeavor. It’s tempting to oversimplify our commitment to “being a good person” and going to church regularly. These are a good start, yet they are incomplete. Regular participation in worship is really a celebration of the deeper work of community. It is through the relationships formed in a church that we are able to discern what and how we are called to serve God. Often these same relationships help guide us toward meaningful prayer and study as well.

I have enjoyed immersing myself in the community of Good Sam these past few months. Our time together in meetings and meals has helped me get to know you and the gifts you have, and to share with the church and explore our shared values. It is a true joy to be here and a great honor to be able to lead our community in worship and ministry.

One recent example of shared discernment and ministry is our response to the immigration changes in our country. America is a nation of persons from different places and cultures – it is part of who we are. This is not dismissive of regulations and the need to monitor or control the process. There are certainly bad actors within this process and a need for enforcement. That said, I have been proud when our nation welcomed those in need of refuge from natural disasters or oppressive regimes.

This week I attended an orientation session about immigrant accompaniment in the courts. I am happy to share that several members of Good Sam were there too! We learned that a kind and prayerful presence can make an extraordinary difference in some cases. Next week we will include an article that shares some first-hand experience of this.

While we might not all be able to participate in this way, other options are available. On Sunday, September 7, our Diocesan Migration Missioner Robert Vivar will be at church to lead a forum on the topic of immigration. In the coming weeks, I hope to highlight some additional ways we might each engage with God and our community at Good Sam.

Blessings,
Paul