Today we gather to celebrate a new beginning—a homecoming. Rally Day! Our Fall Kickoff! Today is the start of a new season; the start of school and faith formation; the start of another year to live out God’s love!
Today we embark on another journey together. Today we pause, remember, and give thanks to why we call First Presbyterian Church of Allentown our home. We reflect on who we are and the mission God has entrusted to us; the members and friends of First Presbyterian. Here, our mission is this: “We are imperfect people striving to live God’s love in the way of Jesus Christ.”
Trish read to us two scripture passages from the Gospel of Matthew. Our scripture readings from Matthew 10 and Matthew 28 remind us of the calling God commissions to his apostles and the promise that accompanies it. In the spirit of this homecoming, I invite you to open your hearts to the words of Jesus, who calls us not just to gather, but to go forth into the world with purpose.
In the first text, we witness Jesus appointing his twelve disciples to carry forth his mission. This moment is powerful, as it marks a transition from Jesus being the sole bearer of the good news to empowering his followers to continue the work he began. Jesus’ compassion for the crowds, described earlier in Matthew 9, sets the stage for this commissioning. He sees the people in the world as “harassed and helpless,” like sheep without a shepherd. In our own context, how often do we see people struggling, feeling lost, or in need of community? It’s impossible to not to! Go out into the streets; log on to social media; turn on the tv… and we see a hurting world.
And while it might be easier to go back into our own homes, get rid of social media, and vow to never turn on the tv again; it does little to heal the hurt and share the love that has been so freely and powerfully given to us. Go back to our mission statement: “We are imperfect people striving to live God’s love in the way of Jesus Christ.” This is our call and our mission; given to us by God through our own discernment and prayer, conversation and community. This mission entrusted to us is not just a reflection of our ideals; it is our responsibility given to us by the Spirit to live out God’s love, to bring hope and healing to a world in need. Disciples follow Christ but we have been called to be more; to be the apostles; to be the sent ones, to be the bearers of the Good News.
As we launch into the start of a new year, we are reminded that this moment is about more than just starting programs; it is about returning to our roots, embracing the community that we have built together, and recommitting ourselves to the mission God has entrusted to us. We gather as a family, each of us bringing our unique stories, struggles, and triumphs, united in our goal to reflect God’s love in our lives and share it with others. So first, let me say: Whether you are a longtime member or a first-time visitor, welcome home! We are so very glad and grateful God has called you here!
Now let me ask you: Why you call First Presbyterian Church of Allentown home? Is it the warmth of our community? The shared laughter and tears? Is it the joyful music? The commitment to justice and service? Children saying the Lord’s Prayer during worship? Write down your thoughts on the notecard. “Why do you call First Presbyterian Church of Allentown home?” You have some time to think about this. Ponder it during the rest of the sermon or our affirmation of faith. We will collect the notecards during the offering; please place it in the offering plate along with other gifts. “Why do you call First Presbyterian Church of Allentown home?” Try not to think so much about what brought you here in the first place or why you were active in the past; think about the here and now. In this season of your life, “Why do you call First Presbyterian Church of Allentown home?” And if you are a first-time visitor or still relatively new to this community, put a star on your notecard and write “What do you look for in a church community?”
We must share that Good News with others!
In Matthew 28, we encounter the Great Commission, where Jesus, after his resurrection, sends his disciples out into the world with a clear mandate: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” This command echoes through the ages, reminding us that our mission is not limited to our church walls but extends to all corners of the earth.
This moment is crucial for the disciples, many of whom are still grappling with doubt and uncertainty. Jesus does not dismiss their concerns; instead, he reassures them that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. This is not an authority that comes from dominance or oppression but one that empowers and liberates.
This authority is important because Jesus knows full well who is calling: imperfect people. Imperfect people just like us.
As we think about our own mission statement, “We are imperfect people striving to live God’s love in the way of Jesus Christ,” we recognize that our journey is filled with imperfections. We are not called to be perfect; but we are called to strive, to learn, and to grow. The beauty of our community lies in our shared experiences and our willingness to support one another through it all. We are reminded that love – love for God and love for neighbor – love(!) is the foundation of our mission.
In the early church, the call to make disciples of all nations challenged the disciples to think beyond their cultural and ethnic boundaries. Jesus’ mission was inclusive, reflecting the diversity of God’s creation. As we strive to live out our mission, we too must be mindful of inclusivity, welcoming all people regardless of their background.
This is a critical moment for the church today. We live in a world that often divides us along lines of race, gender, socioeconomic status, orientation, and more! Our mission invites us to break down those barriers, to extend God’s love to all, and to ensure that everyone feels they belong here. The early church grew as it embraced diversity, and we too can experience growth when we embody the love of Christ in our interactions with one another.
And our church has experienced this growth! Our church has become a home for those who have been marginalized and a place of healing for those who have been wounded. It is a community that celebrates diversity and honors each person for who they are and who God created them to be!
But we are not done. We can’t be done. Our mission isn’t just when we are here, confined by these four walls.
As articulated by our new co-moderator of the General Assembly, Rev. CeCe Armstrong said in a recent sermon: “We should leave [worship] ready to do everything in love.”
Everything!
“Love always!” she preached! “Love always!”
As we strive to welcome, affirm, and love people from all backgrounds, ethnicities, identities, and orientations, we embody the love that Jesus exemplified. Striving to live God’s love into our daily lives means treating others with kindness, standing up for justice, and being present for those in need. It means creating spaces where people feel safe, valued, and heard.
You are safe, valued, and heard!
Each of us plays a vital role in this community. Your presence, your voice, and your actions matter. And together, we are strong and grace-filled! We can do so much good in the world. Recognize this! Recognize the power of community. As imperfect people striving to live God’s love, we support and uplift one another in our journey of faith. In our shared experiences—our joys and sorrows—we find a deep sense of belonging; we find our home.
Continue to ponder the question from earlier: “Why do you call First Presbyterian Church of Allentown home?”
First Presbyterian Church of Allentown is not just a building or a Sunday morning activity; it is a community—a home where we gather to be transformed and be sent out as apostles of God’s love.
As we reflect on our mission statement and soon our core values as we affirm our faith together in just a moment, we get to celebrate today knowing our calling is transforming lives and communities. God’s love is transforming lives and communities!
Our Fall Kickoff marks a new chapter in our journey together. Let us approach this year with renewed enthusiasm and commitment. We are imperfect people, but together we can strive to live God’s love and transform the world for the better. We can bring healing and hope to a world that is hurting.
And we remember the promise Jesus gave to his disciples; gave to us; before he ascended into the heavenly kingdom. Jesus said, “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Always.
Welcome home, dear friends. Welcome home to a place of love, grace, and purpose. Amen.
