Following Jesus

May 14, 2022

​Dear PJ's Community,

Jesus was a fully formed human, a complicated person. Many popular images and hymns portray him as gentle and mild, a serene peacemaker, and thoughtful teacher. He did say that the meek would inherit the earth. The Gospels also describe how Jesus could be intense, and a person of action. Yes, he healed the sick, and ministered to the broken and marginalized. But he challenged the wealthy, the powerful, and the self righteous. He spoke with authority when arguing with religious leaders, even when threatened with death.  

Our churches often reflect the cultural view of Jesus as solemn and comforting, contemplative, and even contented. Sitting in church during a service is a good way to connect with Jesus in these ways. But Christ called his first disciples as he was walking beside the Sea of Galilee and he said to a few fishermen, " Come, follow me!" Most of us are not in a position to put down our nets and follow Jesus. So how are we to be "people of action"? What can our 'following Jesus' look like? Well, this Sunday you can lay down your "net", and pick up a watering can! The St. PJ's Garden Ministry needs volunteers to help water our planters and gardens after Church on Sundays if we have not had rain. Or consider being a greeter at the front doors of the Church, before and after services, to engage with other worshippers, especially new-comers. We have a need for liturgical assistants to serve at the altar. The Capital Campaign will need volunteers to do research and development. We are forming a Columbarium Committee to clarify and reorganize our approach to the internment of ashes there. So if you feel called, or if you receive a call from someone in the parish inviting you to step up, you might just be hearing Jesus saying "Come, follow me". Frequently, during Dismissal at the end of the service we are called to "Go forth into the world in peace, to love and serve the Lord". Now is the time. 

Peace, 
Brian Fillmore, co-warden