Sermon

Congregation Overview

Trinity United Methodist Church, located in Savannah, Georgia, is celebrated for its dedication to inclusivity and diversity. Established in 1812, it has grown from a modest congregation to a vibrant community that warmly embraces members from all walks of life. As of 1993, Trinity became an LGBTQ-affirming church, a significant step in its approach to inclusivity. Under the leadership of Pastor Ben Godsen, the church has maintained its commitment to inclusivity, even amidst challenges such as COVID-19, ensuring a welcoming online and in-person environment for worship and fellowship.

Sermon Rationale

This sermon, "Finding Beauty in the Pause," is tailored to address the congregation's diverse makeup and its commitment to inclusivity. It aims to provide comfort and inspiration by highlighting God's presence and guidance during times of uncertainty and challenge, using personal testimony and biblical references to emphasize the importance of faith, resilience, and community support. It specifically addresses the congregation's inclusive ethos by reinforcing the message that God's love and grace extend to all, regardless of their journeys or identities.

Sermon Text: "Finding Beauty in the Pause"

In the heart of winter 2010, life pressed a pause button on me, a pause neither sought nor welcomed. It came disguised as a mysterious illness that drained my very essence, leaving me confined to a hospital bed amidst the haunting silence of uncertainty. This was no mere interlude; it was a profound cessation where the melodies of my life seemed to fade into silence. The joy of music and dance, which had been so important to mea source of happiness for many yearseven the vibrancy of everyday momentsit all suddenly felt distant as I faced an unexpected adversary: a diagnosis of HIV progressing to AIDS, a battle not only against a physical ailment but against the very despair so often associated with that disease.[footnoteRef:1] [1: The theological strategy behind this sermon is to demonstrate how personal experiences of pause and uncertainty can lead to profound spiritual growth and transformation, mirroring biblical narratives where moments of stillness and challenge precede divine revelation and mission]

Yet, in this pressing silence, something happened: a transformation began. It was in the gentle presence of a physician, whose compassionate inquiry broke the silence, that the weight of my situation truly dawned on me. This encounter was my burning bush moment, a divine nudge toward a path less traveled by courage and faith.[footnoteRef:2] As I grappled with this revelation, the solitude of my hospital room became a sanctuary for reflection. The visit from a chaplain, though sparse in conversation, was rich in unspoken understanding, guiding me toward the sacred scriptures that spoke directly to my heart: Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God," and Exodus 14:14, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." [2: Just as Moses, in his solitude in the wilderness, received a divine mission that would forever change his path (Exodus 3:10), my encounter with a compassionate physician who revealed my diagnosis became my burning bush moment. It was a call to face my vulnerabilities and to lean not on my understanding but on God's unwavering support. It was a time when, like Abraham who heard God's call to embark on an unknown path, I found myself at a crossroads, forced to choose between despair and faith in God's plan (Genesis 12:1-3)??.]

These words were not mere text; they were lifelines pulling me towards an epiphany. The divine invitation to embrace stillness transformed my understanding of my plight. No longer was I alone in this fight; I was accompanied by a might far greater than any adversary I faced. This stillness wasn't...

Analysis and Next Steps

The sermon was generally received positively, with congregants finding its message relevant and thought-provoking. The feedback highlights an appetite for further exploration of how to practically live out the sermon's themes in everyday life. To address the young adult's suggestion, I could organize a series of digital forums or social media engagements that allow for broader participation in discussing how to find beauty in life's pauses. This could attract a younger demographic and those who are more digitally inclined. In response to the request for more practical guidance, I plan to initiate a series of workshops or small group studies that offer concrete strategies for incorporating stillness and mindfulness into daily routines. This would cater to those seeking tangible ways to apply the sermon's messages. To make the sermon's message more accessible to those without a strong faith background or who are from different faith traditions, I will work on developing a series of talks or discussions that explore universal themes of stillness, purpose, and transformation in a more inclusive manner. This could help bridge the gap for those who felt alienated oruninterested in the initial presentation.

Given the diversity of responses, a good approach is needed to both deepen the congregation's engagement with the sermon's themes and address any divisions or lack of interest. Future sermons and discussions will aim to be more inclusive in language and content, acknowledging the diversity of spiritual and life experiences within the congregation.

Bibliography

Barth, Karl.The word of God and the word of man. Pilgrim Press, 1928.

Graves. Michael. The Inspiration and Interpretation of Scripture: What the Early Church Can Teach Us - The Gospel Coalition

Sugirtharajah, Rasiah S. "Postcolonial reconfigurations: An alternative way of reading the Bible and doing theology."…