Sermon Series ~ July/August 2008
“The Content Of Our Character:
Living Into The Way Of Christ."
Today’s focus: Covenantal Community
Luke 14:7-14

Pastor Allen V. Harris

→ Sermon Series:
Began with: Lifelong Learning
Moved to: Value Vulnerability
Then to: Sustainable Stewardship
Last Week: Sacrificial Solidarity
Today we’ll explore: Covenantal Community

Final Sermon In Series: August 31: Acclimated to Ambiguity


→ First, let’s define our terms:
> “community” – any time and any place where two or more people come together and interact with each other.

> “covenantal” – to be intentional about committing to someone else to do something with specific and named stipulations and consequences. Oath, pledge, obligation, vow, word of honor…

> you can “accidentally” or unintentionally find yourself in community, but you have to choose to be in covenantal community. An unintentionally community can become a covenantal community (family after the kids grow up; neighborhood that organizes into a block club, etc.)
→ What we are up against:
> injustice and it’s reactionary effect, entitlement
> apathy and cynicism
> isolationism and “rugged individualism

→ Metaphor: Cell phone “calling circles.” No, more like “Family Plans!” where you have to make a commitment (in writing) to a group of people, and there are consequences if you break the agreement!

→ Scripture Luke 14:7-14
> humility vs. entitlement
> intentionality vs. taking for granted
> expanding the circle of who sits at God’s table!

→ Scripture: Isaiah 56:1-8
> being a part of the community is about “maintaining justice,” “doing what is right,” “keeping the Sabbath,” “choosing things that please God,” and “holding fast the covenant,” and NOT about who you/we are!

→ New Mission Statement proposed by Elders reflects an intentionality about Covenantal Community
> We promise what we will do and who we will be as Covenantal Community, with God’s guidance and help, to those who come to us seeking God and spiritual nurture.
> We put it in writing so that the promise may be secure, proclaimed, and continue beyond those who first made it.

→ Covenantal Community holds together two vital facets of human life: diversity and commitment
>DIVERSITY: To be Open & Affirming means to be inclusive, diverse, empowering, justice-seeking, welcoming, affirming, to ALL people…
That is, with one exception: Those who would exclude others. In the words of Michael Kinnamon, of the National Council of Churches, “We can be tolerant of anything except intolerance.”

> COMMITMENT: In the Olympics you may have seen 9 year old Lin Hao, not only survived the May earthquake in the Sichuan province of China, but went back into the rubble to save two of his classmates. He did it… because that was his job as a school hall monitor! Then, he encouraged his classmates to sing songs to help calm them as the recovery effort continued.

→ Baptism is the Community Covenant for the Church that holds together DIVERSITY and COMMITMENT!
>This year a more intentional approach to Baptism. A class, rather than a conversation, will be expected, a special “Been Baptized” class for those already baptized as well as a Baptismal Renewal Ceremony!
>Galatians 3.28: “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”

→ Conclusion: A Faithful Christian Lives In Covenantal Community.

There, I’ve said it. Amen


Proposed New Mission Statement (from the Board of Elders)
[new section in bold print]

Our Mission Is:
We wish to care for the spiritual needs of a culturally diverse community, encourage creativity, and awaken people to the joys of life with Jesus Christ.

We pledge ourselves to be open to and affirming of all people regardless of gender, race, age, culture, ethnic background, sexual orientation, economic circumstance, or difference in ability as we continue to embody our vision of God’s peace and justice.

Empowered disciples will serve and glorify God.


[This proposal will need to be voted on by the Official Board and then, if passed, by the congregation.]



 

Rev. Allen V. Harris
Franklin Circle Christian Church
www.FranklinCircleChurch.org


 

Copyright 2008 -- The Rev. Allen V. Harris

Franklin Circle Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

1688 Fulton Rd., Cleveland, OH 44113-3096