I once went on a fascinating, brief interfaith trip to another country. In a few short days, we met religious and political leaders, visited houses of worship and schools, and spoke to as many people as we could. The hospitality was wonderful, the people were warm, the culture was fascinating, and the music and dance were exciting and haunting. At the end of the trip, though, I realized that we had spent little time out-of-doors. I thought, "Can I love a country if I haven't met any of its flowers?" We foreign visitors were welcomed into the hearts of the people. But I longed to know the land, too. God is made real among particular people in particular places. Our faith stories begin in Genesis. God promises Isaac both a people and a place:
"I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky." God says, "Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands." And God promises "through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because Abraham obeyed me and kept my requirements." (Genesis 26:3-5)
But as the people lost focus on God, they became divided one from another. Moreover, as they became "like the nations," they were overcome and dragged into exile. So God renews promises of dwelling with them. God revives hope.
My dwelling-place shall be with them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (Ezekiel 37:27)
In Jesus, God was made flesh and dwelt among us. Again, God is made real among us particular people in a particular place.
I feel like saying with Paul, "Dear friends, I love you and long to see you. Please keep on being faithful to the Lord. You are my pride and joy." (Philippians 4:1) I am so looking forward to being among you in your place. I’m looking forward to small groups, home visits and calling on you in times of need. Soon we’ll get to know one another as people.
My focus for our first year together will be building relationships with you. May I ask your help? I'd like to ask if you could help me get to know your place.
That is, what has inspired you about your neighborhood, your town, your region, and your state? Do you have a favorite tree or park or birdsong? What challenges you about the area? Is there a poem, an article, a movie, a book, a photograph that has helped you to know your place? I would be delighted if you would introduce me to what it means to live in your town, in metro-DC, in Maryland.
I already have a mailbox at church. I also have a church e-mail address pastorgreiner@takomaparkpc.org (Come January, after we move in, I'll be able to reply to mail. Thanks for your patience as I move!) I'd be thankful for anything you’d like to share with me so I can get to know your place. Because ministry means caring about people and their places.
Thank you for the warm reception you’ve given me already. I embrace you in my prayers daily. I welcome your prayers, too!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Mark Greiner
Webmaster : Brian C. Monsell