Thoughts Along the Way. . .

On Wednesday morning I sat in a Federal Courtroom in downtown Portland with two dozen people from our congregation. We were there to offer moral support for Ellis McCoy during his sentencing hearing. For four years Ellis has been dealing with the stresses and challenges related to charges of public corruption. This week all of that reached a conclusion when the judge sentenced him to 24 months in prison. And while I am saddened and disappointed by this sentence, we as a congregation now have an opportunity to be the church is a very specific and tangible way. In Matthew 25 Jesus tells the parable of the sheep and the goats. He lifts up concrete actions and behaviors which are the marks of those who faithfully seek to follow Jesus’ Way. “I was sick and imprisoned, and you visited me.” I was heartened by the number of folks who showed up for the hearing. And I am confident that we will rise to the occasion in the coming months as we reach out in support for Ellis and Kay. Thank you for being the Church – not just with your words, but also with your actions and the living of your lives. It is an honor to be your pastor.

- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in the flow)