“God Loves Everyone: No Exceptions"
REFLECTIONS FROM THE REVEREND
by the Rev. B.J. Beu
On Sunday, June 7, Neighborhood Congregational Church will celebrate its third anniversary of becoming an Open and Affirming (ONA) congregation within the United Church of Christ. What does this mean and why is it important? As an ONA congregation, Neighborhood Congregational Church not only welcomes those who are lesbian, gay, bi-sexual or transgendered, but affirms that God cherishes them just as they are. Who we love, welcome and affirm as a congregation define who we are and the type of God we worship. Do we worship a God whose love and acceptance is unconditional, or do we worship a God whose love and acceptance is withheld from those who love the “wrong” way?
I was not here three years ago when the congregation underwent the process of becoming ONA. But I know that it was undertaken thoughtfully, prayerfully, and with great care. It is a serious decision for any congregation to make because passions surrounding homosexuality run so deep. Even those who support “gay rights” often harbor fears that becoming ONA will turn the congregation into a “gay church.” Make no mistake, the decision we made three years ago to become ONA was courageous—and that courage deserves to be honored and celebrated.
Why? Contrary to popular belief, Jesus was not deeply concerned (if at all) about getting us to heaven. Jesus’ teachings and manner of living were all about building the kingdom/realm of God—which is right here, right now. Jesus was always reaching out to those who society called “other,” be they tax collectors and sinners (e.g. the woman caught in adultery), lepers, even women and children. Jesus offered radical hospitality to all who found themselves excluded or denigrated by the social mores of the time. Jesus does the same today through congregations like ours who know how to truly be the body of Christ.
We are not a gay church; we are a church that celebrates the full participation of all God’s children, including gays and lesbians. The beautiful thing about Neighborhood Congregational Church is that being ONA is just one small piece of the puzzle, it is just one way in which we build the kingdom/realm of God, it is just one way in which we realize Isaiah’s vision of the Peaceable Kingdom, where they shall neither hurt nor destroy on all my holy mountain.
Being ONA is no more or less important than our commitment to social justice or caring for God’s creation or deepening our relationship with God. The beautiful thing about NCC is this: whether we are gay or straight, we are just people who have joined together in Christian fellowship to worship God and build God’s kingdom—right here, right now. And that, my friends, is something rare and beautiful—something to truly celebrate!
So join us for worship on June 7 and bring a dish to share at a potluck lunch in Bridge Hall following the service. Finally, stick around for a discussion in the sanctuary following the potluck to discuss how we may best support our LGBT friends and family as the body of Christ in Laguna Beach.
Yours on the journey,
Pastor B. J.