One of the best aspects of the Wesleyan Rooted series we have been moving through this month has been the opportunity it has provided for us all to reflect, as Methodists, on what our tradition is, why it matters, and how it can make a difference in the world today. This Sunday morning, we will be thinking about how, as followers of Jesus in the Wesleyan way, we are called to Embrace Widely.
What does that mean? Great question! When we speak of embracing widely, we are first remembering the wide embrace that God has made for us – an embrace that has welcomed us just as we are, saved us by grace through faith, and has also called and equipped us to join in with God’s work in the world. This was the core message of John and Charles Wesley from the get-go of the Methodist movement – that all were welcome, that all could be saved, and that all could minister in the strength and power of the spirit. They understood that the work of God wasn’t something that could only happen through the ordained priesthood, and so they encouraged lay people to step up and drive forward the momentum of their movement.
The work and voice of the laity has always been central in the Wesleyan way of Christian faith, and it still is. That’s why I am so excited about this coming Sunday morning at Memorial, when 13 lay voices from our congregation will bear witness across our four services, sharing how God’s grace has been at work in their lives, and how it is transforming them today.
It is going to be a wonderful morning together – please do not miss it! I’ll see you there!
Blessings,
Pastor Charlie
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