Washington Grove United Methodist Church

May/June  2010

A wall -- or a door?

During our Sunday morning New Testament study we discussed Matthew 5:22, where Jesus demands more than the requirements of the law.   It's not just "thou shalt not murder," but we aren't even to say "You fool!"  This amazing and difficult requirement to love even our enemies was the subject of much discussion one Sunday morning, and it was on my mind as I drove to the Eastern shore the following day.  As always during the last part of my weekly drive to visit my mother, I was on a two-lane road.  Suddenly a car going the other direction swerved into my lane, as it was passing another car.  I was able to escape the head-on collision, by moving onto the shoulder.  I began to build up a full head of self-righteous anger following that experience.  "You fool" would have been a mild form of what I wanted to say to that driver!  But suddenly, remembering our conversation the previous day, on this occasion I decided to try loving my enemy--or at least thinking of that person as human.  I was shocked to realize that my previous anger had the effect of casting the other driver into outer darkness, inyou fool," was radically different.  To my amazement, a wave of concern washed over me--concern for that driver, and for myself.  Realizing that the driver's actions could have injured both of us, I gave a short my own mind.  The effect of thinking of that person as human, without saying " prayer for him or her.   Someone who passes in a dangerous way on a two-lane road is living on the edge, is suffering in some way.  And their suffering is connected to me, because their driving could also make me and my family suffer--so prayer felt truly called for, as I thought about the experience.   I found there was a great difference between setting up a wall of judgment and anger, and this experience, which became a door to God, and a door to compassion for another person.

 In the same way, we have a tendency to hit a wall about ourselves and say "you fool," when we are unhappy with some aspect of our own characters, or our own lives.  But why not also just treat ourselves as human instead?  We do that when we recognize the difficulties that put us on the edge in some way, and when we lift up a spontaneous prayer of compassion for our own healing, and for God's mercy, so we won't hurt ourselves or others when under stress.  Such times, too, can become a door to God, instead of a wall of anger against ourselves or our situations.

 Christ is the door, because of his teaching of mercy and grace towards all.  As we read Chapters 5, 6, and 7, of Matthew in our Sunday class, we agreed with our study guide--which pointed out that Christ offers a radical lifestyle.  His vision is both challenging and bold--which is why we need weekly worship to support us in living in this radical and life-affirming way.  It isn't always easy, but it is the lifestyle that works, that makes us whole people.  With the help of the Holy Spirit, the burden is light.  Blessings during these 50 days of Easter, and in the season of Pentecost!   

 Pastor Judy

Pastor's Welcome and Bio 

    It us a joy to serve Washington Grove, and to welcome your participation in all areas of our fellowship, worship, and ministry in the town within a forest.  Todos son bienvenidos al inglesia de Washington Grove, en el pueblicito adentro de una selva! 

   I am a commissioned probationary elder in the Baltimore Washington Conference, and a pastor who believes that we are all called into ministry in the body of Christ.  We love, because God first loved us.  My husband, David, shares in my commitment to serve the church and the community in every way we can.  We have two college-aged sons, Scott and Mark.  Scott is attending UMBC, Mark is a student at Elon University and currently studying in Costa Rica. 

   I speak Spanish because David and I had the chance to live in Mexico and in Costa Rica during David’s time as a Foreign Service officer.  Now I enjoy the chance to include Spanish in our music and ministry whenever possible.  Con el trabajo de David, tenia la suerte de vivir in Latino America, entonces hablo espanol.  Disfruto oportunidades para incluir espanol en nuestra musica y ministerio lo mas que possible.      

Grace and Peace!         Judy Young

About Our Church

Washington Grove is a friendly small church.  Both new members and long-time members call each other by name, and care about each other, as well as about others who suffer in our community.  We live the truth that we are all members of the family of Christ.  Our mission is to equip people of all ages for ministry and service in the community and around the world.  Our life together involves worship, fun, study, and service.