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SOUNDINGS FROM YOUR HARBOR PILOT . . .
Grace and peace in this spring of new beginnings……
Jesus gave us two great commandments: Love God and love your neighbors. Who are our neighbors? I’m just getting to know my neighbors within Christ Church by seeing who attends worship services, by visiting the shut-ins, by talking to folks on the phone, by attending meetings, and by reading the church histories and the membership directory. But it’s important for me to know who my neighbors are in the neighborhood as well, and the best way for me to do that is to get outside into the neighborhood. The most natural way for me to connect with strangers is through my love of dogs. Dog lovers can always find something to talk about.
So when Emeric and I are outside changing the signboards and a man goes by walking his dog, I’ll stop him and talk about his dog and my dogs. If a woman is walking her little dog across the street, I’ll cross the street to talk to her about her dog and about the church, and she’ll hold her Jack Russell up so he can kiss me, and that’s neighborly. I’ll pause my car at the stop sign, and a man will come over to the window with his Chihuahua pup, and I’ll tell him about the Blessing of the Animals service I hope to have in October, and we’ll have a moment of evangelism right there in on Buttonwood Street. I’ll stop when I see another fellow walking two small dogs up the street, and our conversation will lead from rambunctious pups to when our Sunday morning service is.
Jesus taught us about unconditional love. My dogs (and we have had many dogs, all of whom lived long and wonderful lives) showed us what unconditional love looks like. If we can talk with one another, if we can talk with strangers about unconditional love, perhaps we can learn to know and love our neighbors. How are you reaching out in love to your neighbor?
Shalom,
Pastor Meier
(The Rev. Judith A. Meier, OCC, Transition Minister)
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