Jesus gathered up his disciples. They were anything but alike. Even the fishermen had differences that come out in the Gospels. But these are the people Jesus chose to be his family. Different, even antagonistic toward one another. Yet they were a functioning dysfunctional family, held together by their love for Jesus and the movement of God’s Spirit among them.

Jesus met and engaged them in their everyday lives. From this motley crew, Jesus created a family that was based on faith and would grow into a worldwide church. In Mark 3:31-35, we read of a unique story revealing what Jesus considered the importance of church family.

“Then his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you.” And he replied, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

What comes to my mind when I think of church family? I think of casseroles, phone calls, letters, and hugs. I think of Christmas dishes so rich and good I wear them around my waist all year long. I think of the saints I have met and listened to as they fed my spirit. It is the history of sharing the Holy Spirit together that makes us one in Christ Jesus.

The United Methodist Church is certainly dysfunctional. As I believe are all of God’s churches. After all, the perfect and good Lord has chosen to make a home within the likes of humanity. Sometimes a painful break develops within groups of sincere people who disagree over the will of God. We are in just such a time. We are having conversations with our Conference about leaving or staying within the UMC. For myself, to the best of my ability to do so, I choose you, the Methodist people of Bridgeport. Many things can be replaced. Relationships are not one of them. No matter what happens in the next few months, my prayer for you, FUMC Bridgeport, is that you will remain who you are, together.

May the Grace and Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Pastor Rick