Pastor Heath Wilson
Toms Creek United Methodist Church
(7/1) The preamble to the Declaration of Independence of our nation states:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That
whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established
should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute
Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."
This was written because our nations founders wanted to state that they were not taking this action lightly or basing it on small infractions but that there was a pattern of abuse where people in the colonies were being treated as second-class citizens and stripped them of basic human rights.
From that our nation was formed on basic principles that we still hold in high regard. We are a nation that has tried to stand up for freedoms and rights of people around the world. We celebrate on the 4th of July when we as a nation have done things right and stuck to the principles laid out in the Declaration of Independence.
Yet, our nation at times has strayed from the principles laid out in the Declaration of Independence and have put our lives, and freedom, and our happiness above others and have infringed on other peoples. It has happened and we have learned and have grown from our mistakes and tried to be a more perfect union.
Along those lines, Christ created the church to be a place where all people could be welcomed. Christ realized we all are in need of forgiveness, we are all in need of healing, we are all in need of grace. The church was founded on the principle that it would be a community where many different types of people would be able to gather to build one
another up in love and encourage one another to rise above our brokenness. It should be a place where anyone can feel they are safe to share who they are, what they need, and to ask for help. The church should look different than the rest of the world and people should be treated with dignity and respect when they enter the church doors.
Striving to become Christ’s church
Like our nation the church has done many great things. The church has lived out these ideals many times in the last 2,000 years. From going into the streets and caring for those that everyone else left to die during the Black Plague, to creating the first hospitals that were available to all here in the United States. The church was the front lines of
providing food and clothing for those in need before there were any government programs to help. The church while living out the principles Christ gave them has done mighty works of love and brought hope and healing to the nations.
Yet, know that the church has at times failed to live up to ideals that Jesus Christ founded the church upon. It is to be expected because Christians are human and still fall prey to evil and temptation. And when that happens people lose hope and trust in the church and in turn they lose faith in the power of Christ. It is sad, but understandable, that
so many have a distrust or disdain for the Christian Church because of our failures.
At Tom’s Creek UMC we try to create a community that more closely resembles the church Jesus Christ wanted us to be. We also sometimes fail but we try to create a space where we journey together even though we are different at places in our journey with God and in our life. We try to welcome all who come through our door and realize we all are in need
of love and grace.
Our church is trying to be more like the church Jesus wanted us to be and are trying to reach out more in love and kindness. This summer we are hosting a free meal and concert at our property on Rt. 140 about 3 miles outside of Emmitsburg in the pavilion on the Hill. On Friday August 9th from 5:30 to 7 p.m. we are going to be serving up grilled
chicken, corn on the cob, potato salad, and country tomatoes and cucumbers.
We will then have an outside concert following that and of course we have lots of fields where the kids can run and play. It will be free to all who come as a way to show love and care for people based on the founding principles that Jesus had for the church. You are invited and welcome. Churches have made mistakes and fallen short of the call of
Christ but just like our nation the foundational principles of why we were created are life giving and up lifting. Ultimately, we believe that that people need a community like Jesus wanted the church to be to make it in this world and to be ready for the eternity that follows.
So I implore you to not give up on our nation because of those times we failed to live up to our founding principles. Our nation at times may lose its way but our ideals are good and worthy. Please if you have given up on the church know that it is the vehicle Christ gave to humanity to be able to live out our faith and to assure our salvation. Please
don’t let those times when the church has failed to live up to its call stop you from finding a church home where you can grow in love and grace and follow in the way of Christ. So Tom’s Creek UMC asks you to come as you are and journey with us! Come to our worship any Sunday at 8am or 10:30 a.m.. Come to our dinner and concert on the Hill on August 9th. Come to any of our
event that someone might invite you to. We want to journey with you.
Our nation and the church are built on timeless principles that affirm that which is life giving and life affirming. Let us celebrate our nation and come be part of a church that affirms you and welcomes you on this journey we call life.
Read other thoughtful writings by Rev. Heath Wilson
