I’m very grateful to be a part of a visionary team convened by Floyd Rueger for the planning of “Strangers No More,” an ecumenical celebration of unity (affirmed by Christian tradition as the miracle of Christ at work in us!).  The event will be held on January 28 at 3pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, 5106 N. Lacrosse, with a simple reception to follow.

The title “Strangers No More” (inspired by Ephesians and one of the songs we’ll use) was selected as the title of event,  which is not designed to be a second church service of the day but more like a “Gathering for Songs, Readings and More”. Free will offerings for mission will be received.

Thanks to Jeff Lorenty and Carla Riggs (so far) for representing Eden in the ecumenical choir.  It’s not too late to join them!  The  community choir will perform a number of pieces. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings at 7pm at Trinity beginning tonight. (Floyd Rueger is directing and will answer your questions at 773-736-1457; he’s indicated that attendees may be able to participate in choir if they cannot make ALL THREE rehearsals.)

Note for convenient circulation that the pieces we selected for music at the first meeting can be accessed in this folder link below. Take a peek, whether you can join them or not, for the sake of some really inspiring lyrics!
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1mIYuELaLZ1PoIDqjba3VP3wEScLMV645?usp=drive_link

Why are there “??” in title above?

Because the unity hoped for by Jesus Christ, to be revealed in and through his Body (us) is so incredibly lacking.  Indeed, we see “strangers” everywhere.  Just consider what the world might be like if we who bear Jesus’ name sought to express reconciling unity across difficult differences?  

This call to unity is gravely misunderstood. It’s not conformity, it’s not coercion, it’s not “top down” managing bureaucracy.  It’s a reality of connection we experience when we see and feel the beloved worth of every single person, no matter their plight or burden or perceived or real error.  This reality is not something for which we lobby  or labor; it is the Reality we claim in Christ because of his revealing work in life, death and resurrection. 

Working out from there, it is not easy to discern what makes a thriving just, orderly,  and diverse social order.  That does take work.  But, oh, how it can be more wisely created when we remember as our starting point that “we are strangers no more.”

We’ll reflect on this more on January 21, which is the opening of the international “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity,” an observance which first was inaugurated in the 1940s.  Obviously, the Holy Spirit is still working on us…

In Christ’s Peace,
Pastor Jacki