Circle of Love

Who is in and who is out? Who determines the circle of love? Why do people choose willingly to be or not to be in the circle of love? How do people get in the circle? How do we fix the “systemic cracks” in the circle that push people out of the circle? To me these questions, though important, do not address the heart of the matter. I believe that the most important question is: Who is at the center of the circle of love? The answer: Jesus.

As long as our Lord remains at its center, the circle will be always open to all, the circle will always foster experiences of love and compassion, care and comfort. If Jesus is at the center, then our circle of love expands and reaches out exponentially. If Jesus is the core of the circle, then all our eyes (emotional, spiritual and physical) will be fixed on him.

Beloved, our Strategic Plan includes an all-out effort to reach out to our brothers and sisters who have chosen not to participate or attend St. Paul worship services; members who have chosen not to be involved in program activities of the church and have chosen not to provide financial support to their church. While the term “inactive” indicates (in a seemingly negative connotation) absence of action, indisposition to activity, or cessation of activity, our interpretation of people’s inactivity, must be shaped in a framework of love.

Many of us, who have been in church for a long time, understand that there are various reasons why church members detach emotionally and physically from a congregation. Regardless of those reasons our first response to our members in the inactive category is that of no judgment.  The Law of Christ compels us to carry each other’s burden, to act with mercy and compassion and to exercise empathy. Our second response is to increase our prayer on behalf of those who have chosen to become inactive in our congregation. Our third response is to reach out in love as we offer our brothers and sisters invitations to get reconnected with their family of faith.

Although our major emphasis on our inactive members will be in the first quarter of this year, our goal is to develop and strengthen our connection beyond the parameters of our goals, so as to have this practice become a second nature to us. I want you all to have an active part in this all-out effort.