The African-American woman walked slowly out of the worship gathering, using her cane judiciously. She greeted me in the lobby and explained that sometimes she couldn’t attend because her adult children had other commitments and couldn’t give her a ride.  Then she said something I’ve never heard before.

She said, “I tell my friends I’m going to the U.N. church!”  Then she headed to the door with an infectious smile on her face.  What a powerful description of the church.  Every nation, tongue and tribe.  Worshiping, learning, and serving together.

I am so glad I don’t have to miss out on that experience.  But can you imagine if you did?  Consider the following short video based on the question, “What would the world look like without black people.”

February is Black History Month.  This white pastor still has so much to learn.  But thanks to courageous friends in and around Seneca Creek, I’m learning.  Together we’re becoming a community of Christ followers who are experiencing genuine reconciliation.  And that is at the core of the message of the gospel.  Check out this short video by Brenda Salter-McNeil as she challenges all of us to the mission of reconciliation.  (I haven’t read the book yet, but her comments are spot on.)

Thank you to each of you for helping build a U.N. church.  It ain’t easy, but it’s the only way to go.  We’ll make mistakes.  We’ll offend one another.  But we’ll keep learning and growing and forgiving and honoring one another and honoring Christ, in whom we are all being made into one body.

– Pastor Mark