Fall Message:​​​​​​​

Are you a Fan or Follower of Jesus?

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This is certainly a question to ponder. It also serves well as a launching pad in which to engage lapsed Christians or non-believers in talking about Jesus. Being a fan about someone (or something) evokes a strong passionate interest, respect and admiration. To follow a person or a movement, one makes a decision to actively participate in the way they invite us to follow. For example, one can be a fan of the work of Greenpeace. They can support the organization financially and/or talk about the work they do, but they do not participate (follow) in the peaceful protests that work to confront and challenge the systems that threaten our ecology. 

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Following Jesus is simultaneously life giving and challenging.  Our baptismal covenant calls us to: continue with the apostle's teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers; persevere in resisting evil and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord; proclaim by word and example the good news of God in Christ; seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbour as yourself; strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being; and to safeguard God's creation.  Joy is found in helping those who are in need and certainly in prayer. The challenge is two fold as well The first is found in community. The church is a family, and with it comes all the dynamics of our earthly ones. We look back on our Church family over the millennia and it isn't always a pretty history. Perhaps even our experiences within our own community has jaded us to the point where we don't gather in community.  The second is about sacrifice. I'm not talking about slaughtering pigeons on the altar. Following Jesus requires sacrifice. That's why is says, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." What does this look like? Do we sacrifice time (ie - Sunday mornings) and commit ourself to gather in the apostle's teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers? When we opt out of brunch with friends to exercise our faith, that is a sacrifice and witness that you are more than just a fan of God. Another example of sacrifice is when we sacrifice our ego to reconcile with someone whom we may have hurt. Humble pie doesn't have the best taste, but at least there is no indigestion afterward. 

Following Jesus takes courage, to be sure. Fans tend to sit on the sidelines. Followers walk the walk.

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May God continue to bless you on your journey, and you are always welcome to join our community at St. Michael's.

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Faithfully in Christ's Service,

Rev. Elizabeth Sipos​​​​​​​​​​