Unity…the name of our church and also one of the world’s greatest needs. When you look around the world, what words best describe what you see and experience?
Agreement or Disagreement?
Solidarity or Division?
Harmony or Discord?
Cohesion or Conflict?
I believe Jesus sees our world right now and is saddened by the amount of disagreement and conflict he sees. The good news is that Jesus prayed for us. In the Gospel of John, Jesus prays for the church (that’s us!). Do you know what he prays for? I pray “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.” -John 17:21 Jesus prayed for the church to be one, united in its efforts to share God’s Good News with the world. Yes, the church must lead the world toward unity.
The primary way Pastor Dana and I are seeking to lead the world into unity is through stories and conversations. We want to learn from one another. Right now, in our politics, the news media, and even on Facebook, it appears that our world has stopped listening to one another. Instead, we simply try to shout louder than the opposing group.
Let’s change that, shall we?
Pastor Dana and myself are creating a series of interviews this summer and fall where we seek to hear stories from or about people who are different than us. The stories are available on the front page of our website—www.unitypres.org—by clicking Workshops. Please watch them and share them with others. These workshops are incredibly important for the church to lead the rest of the world toward Unity.
Workshops One and Two are now available:
Workshop 1- “Starting Points” – A 30 minute exploration of challenging terms in hopes of creating a shared vocabulary.
Workshop 2– An hour-long interview with five African Americans about their experience growing up in Denver, as well as practical steps for the church to take moving forward.
Paul tells the early church to do the following: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” -Ephesians 4:3
The next workshops are currently in the process of being filmed.
Workshop 3: Asian in America
Workshop 4: People of Other Faiths
Workshop 5: Immigrants and Refugees
Workshop 6: Veterans
Workshop 7: Systemic Issues
Workshop 8: Our History
They will be posted on our website on the first Sunday of each month, available for viewing 24-7. Small conversation groups will be formed in the weeks following each workshop to allow for the exchange of thoughts as part of our learning from each other. The first discussions will take place on June 17 at 4 pm in the Meeting Room OR June 23 at noon over Zoom. These discussion opportunities are open to all. They will be a time to discuss the workshop and overall topic.
For our goals to be achieved, it is necessary that all of us set a short amount of time aside each month to watch the videoed workshops and engage in conversations about these themes.
Together, let’s keep the world moving towards unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
-Pastor David -Pastor Dana
