Pastor’s eNote: Weekly Update

This Sunday we conclude our worship series on Critical Issues of Our Time as we address the important topic of Nationalism. Perhaps no other topic has captured current religious conversation among believers and non-believers alike more than this topic. The political extremes at both poles have created an either/or scenario about this topic. Social media has only served to pour gasoline on this fire.

In truth, modern American political life has had religious figures in elected office and as public leaders for many years. Just a few weeks ago, the pastor of the largest United Methodist Church in the nation announced a campaign for U.S. Senate in the state of Kansas. He would not be the first clergyperson to serve in Congress. From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to Rev. Billy Graham, we see a long list of dedicated and convicted people who have tried to express their call to Christ in public service.

The question we want to address Sunday is about how Christians navigate the intersection of church and state. We can certainly look at our history to see some positive influences in this space. Some of those examples come from Jesus himself in his conversation with Pilate during his trial. This is where we will focus our attention.

Christians do have a role and voice in public and political space. How do we do that in a way which cuts through the very loud noise of social media and media in general? I hope we will come to worship Sunday with more questions than answers, more wondering than certainty, and more curiosity about how the disciples of Jesus engage in the world and even the state.

Grace to You All,

Pastor Craig Brown

(May 12th, 2026)