Facebook has really filled the news this past week as founder and CEO Mark Zukerberg testified before Congress regarding the use and sale of consumer’s personal data. I utilize Facebook- I know many of you do. Millions of people in this country, and billions around the world access Facebook every day. Only a few years ago at an Annual Conference I purchased a book on the Bishop’s recommended reading list, “Facebook Church.”

Preached at Auburndale United Parish

What could be worse than saying, “I don’t believe in you?”

Introduction: Thank you for inviting me back to Auburndale to share this important day with you, celebrating 18 years of your decision to becoming a welcoming and reconciling congregation. The last time I preached here and shared worship with you was soon after Deborah and I moved to Massachusetts from Oregon. I think it was 2014, and you were celebrating an important day for this congregation then as well. Then, like today, you were re-affirming your commitment as a Welcoming and Reconciling congregation. You were also celebrating the Confirmation of several young people that Sunday. The energy and joy in the sanctuary was palpable. I remember talking with you then about your hopes for those young Confirmands, and how these related to our hopes and prayers for the wholeness and well-being of all God’s children. On that day we especially included transgender, lesbian, gay, bisexual and intersex people in those hopes and prayers. My theme that morning was the parable of the Good Samaritan and what it means to be authentic good neighbors. We ended the message by singing the well-known refrain from Mr. Roger’s song, “Won’t You be My Neighbor.”