Love Is Our Superpower
Last Sunday, my sermon spoke to a simple truth: in the face of anger, fear, pettiness, toxic ideologies, polarization, discrimination, and narrow-mindedness, only radical love will prevail. At St. John’s, we witness this love in action every day, from warm winter jackets hung on tree branches, to our unwavering support for vital local ministries—One22/Jackson Cupboard, Habitat for Humanity, Wyoming Immigrant Advocacy Project, the Recovery Community, CLIMB Wyoming, the Period Project, Laundry Love in Idaho—tangible expressions of our commitment to spread love across this valley. We extend this love beyond the borders of our campus by establishing meaningful partnerships with St. David’s Mission in Ft. Washakie, Our Father’s House in Ethete, our sister parish in Favorito, Cuba, and AMOS Health and Hope in Nicaragua. St. John’s embodies love every single day.
Our love for one another is equally profound, but sometimes unsung. There is no shortage of loving people at St. John’s Church, ready to step in when any of us need a little extra. In fact, we have a dedicated team ready to help feed and nurture us, body and soul, in countless ways. Whether it’s a comforting meal, a hospital visit, a compassionate ear over coffee or a walk, or the gift of Communion for those unable to attend services, we are here. We call this “Feeding and Nurturing God’s People”—a reflection of our deep commitment to one another as a wonderful expression of our faith.
“Feeding and Nurturing God’s People” isn’t my program, it is yours to live into in whatever ways you are able. And we all have a role to play because feeding and nurturing are reciprocal gifts. We are not only here to serve, but to be served as well. “Feeding and Nurturing God’s People” thrives on this mutual exchange. It requires both the generosity to offer help and the courage to ask for it. Through the many seasons of life, we each find ourselves on one side of this exchange or the other – a time to give and time to receive.
As Ecclesiastes reminds us: “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to hurt, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”
Whatever season you are in right now, you have something important to offer.
This Pastoral Care Ministry will only grow if we feed and nurture it. We are expanding our circle of people ready to extend this love. Will you join us? We will be meeting on Palm Sunday – April 13 – after the 10:00 a.m. service downstairs in the basement meeting room. We would love to see you there.
And always remember, at St. John’s, love is our superpower.
With Love,
Mary
