SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, June 27, 2021

Dear Friends in Christ –

I bet you’re like most of us who at some moment heard the phrase, “Do what I say, not what I do!” I’ve been aware of the phrase it seems most of my life. But, I’m not sure of the moment when I understood that it was absurd, crazy to think that anyone of an age of discernment would take seriously any directive to obey someone or something that came via lip service but wasn’t worth heeding themselves.

In Nine Essential Things I’ve Learned About Life, Rabbi Kushner brings forward something that practitioners of religion are fed once we’re known or outed – “I’m spiritual - just not religious.” Hmm. He says, “the implication is that being spiritual, following a religion solely of the heart and mind, is a purer more authentic way of communing with God than the physical act of attending church, giving charity or performing good deeds.” Kushner’s colleague Rabbi David Wolpe answered this way. “No, spirituality is what you feel, theology is what you believe, religion is what you do.”

The Book of James speaks to the importance, no the necessity of putting your hands and feet and skills and money where your heart is, where your mind dwells. I believe Jesus says, “Do what I say and as I do.”

A big Sunday comin’ – Everly Belle Bird will be baptized. Men and women called by God and the church will be ordained and installed, and Jesus will reign. You don’t want to miss it!