​The first epistle (letter) of John in the Christian scriptures is a reminder for the reader to take on the attitude of love. And during Eastertide, when our reflection on the resurrection of Jesus moves us toward our own actions, we should rightfully practice new ways of love and kindness. This can be for faithful Christians, an opportunity for growth in likeness of Jesus, and for the nurturing congregation.


What is required of us when we take a stance of love? What attitudes must we shed in order to more fully and genuinely love one another? What example of this love do we see in the resurrection of Jesus, and how do we encourage that same type of dynamic and powerful change in others?

This is not lightweight rhetorical questioning, for us to only ponder. We are called to examine ourselves, repent and change direction. And the author of First John is encouraging their readers toward that path.

This Sunday we start a new 6 week worship emphasis through the book of First John. As our surroundings warm and signs of new life continue to emerge, and as we continue to reflect on the meaning of Jesus' resurrection, let us be encouraged toward a renewed love of neighbor, stranger and sojourner. 

Be Excellent To Each Other, 


Rev. Andy Beck

These words from Matthew's account of the Sermon on the Mount (6:19-21) reflect Jesus' views on wealth and acquiring possessions. It's surprising to remember that he spoke these words to a mostly peasant-class audience, where wealth and status was only dreamed of. And yet he reminded them not to chase after the things in life that will ultimately go away. 

There's a humble attitude and outlook about Jesus that recalls our need to rely on God. Not just recalling that need, but modeling it for us as followers of Jesus. 

What better way to be humble than to serve others? Giving of ourselves through service, charity and money is an act of humility because we place part of ourselves out there for the benefit of others. That's what the Giving Tuesday campaign is all about. When we make efforts to build up the lives of neighbors and strangers alike, we also live into the way of Jesus, recasting his image in our own lives. 

I am excited about the opportunity that Giving Tuesday provides for non-profits. It enables us to reach out to a generous community on behalf of those on the margins, to advocate and work in support of better lives for all. I invite you to join in the generosity of Giving Tuesday through volunteerism or donation. To help Hillside reach people with Good News, click here. 

- Rev. Andy

Fall is my favorite time of year. The crisp air and the shorter days encourage me to drink more coffee and hot tea, to cook chili and potato soup. The turning colors of tree leaves gently and patiently move me toward the reminder to be thankful for the beauty of the earth, my place in it, and the sacredness of creation. 

It's also a subtle reminder of what is to come: the anticipation of Advent and the promise of God's presence with us through Emmanuel. Such an important reminder during these days of autumn's entry, that God's generous giving is shown in all seasons. From bountiful fall harvests of vine-growing produce and apples by the bushel, to Thanksgiving tables spread with a feast, we are made to share in abundance. 

Over the next few weeks, we will be talking more about abundance and generosity, and how those themes are hardwired into our lives as religious spiritual practices. Next week you will receive a letter detailing our annual Stewardship Campaign, "Journey to Generosity". I ask that you pray with me and our leadership team to bring awareness of God's will to our lives, that we may respond in gracious generosity and love. 
 

Be Excellent To Each Other! <>< Rev. Andy Beck

Lots of talking about churches in Houston & if they opened up for flood evacuees. I read a post that claimed 60% of churches didn't open their doors to the needy.

1) How do they know the % of unopened churches? Was there a poll done in the middle of a hurricane with 100% participation? 
2) I know from friends with 1st hand accounts of flooding, that many church buildings we also flooded, making them unable to safely house displaced folks. 
3) Opening up a building & making space is available takes volunteers, many of whom would be concerned with their own property, or unable to travel to the building because of flooding. 
4) There are real and important liability concerns about opening a building as a shelter which must be considered. 
5) Church buildings are usually not equipped for long-term evacuee housing.

All that said, I think congregations in areas that experience natural disasters like floods, tornadoes, ice storms, wild fires and hurricanes should be as prepared as possible to host people in an emergency situation. And that includes finding out about liabilities before hand and establishing a process for deciding if shelter need to be available.
That's why I'm proud of Hillside Christian Church - Kansas City and our dedication to serving the local homeless population through Family Promise of the Northland. We are pretty prepared to house up to about 15 or 20 folks if needed. And that is because we're regularly in the business of housing folks. We have air mattresses, bedding, sleeping areas, food supplies and showers.
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I would not hesitate to open our building to those in need if we were able to help. But we are prepared for doing that, and many congregations may not be. I would urge all church-going folks to talk with their respective church councils or boards to see if there's a way they can be of good service to others during great times of need, for that is the call of Christ, and faith filled people must be responsible to that with the utmost humility.
As for now, do what you can - and that is pray for endurance and strength, & donate money to effective organizations who are already giving life-saving assistance.

Perhaps you've heard of the "Nashville Statement" this week. It is a series of beliefs laid out by a group of extreme evangelical Christian leaders, on the subject of human sexuality. If you haven't seen it, look it up and read the articles. They include distinct anti-LGBTQ statements that for some, have been received as hateful and hurtful.
I bring it up only to offer this counter narrative: LGBTQIA friends, the church doesn't hate you. The church doesn't wish you harm. When God spun the universe into existence, it was all deemed good - everything in it. in the Gospel of John we hear perhaps the most famous line from scripture, "For God so loved the world..." You've been made good, and God loves you. So do I and many, many other clergy and church leaders.
The Nashville Statement and manifestos like it do not stand in line with the narrative of God's love for humanity found in the scriptures, or the loving compassion exemplified by the Way of Jesus.
Christian friends, if we are to agree that God created and called the creation good, and if we are to hear the evangelist proclaim that God so loved the world, then who are any of us to hate the creation or any of the created? Might I suggest that in doing so, we will have abandoned the very nature of our being and the calling of God that we proclaim?
Pray our hearts will soften in compassion for our neighbors, and that our righteous indignation will be fueled against the source of all suffering: fear.
"For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline." 2 Tim. 1:7 (NRSV)