This month, we begin a new conference year! We welcome the following persons to our district: Libba McCluskey (Lea’s Chapel), Darcy Knight (Leasburg and Bethel), Laure Kalau Kavul (adding Massey’s Chapel), Becky Bradley (McMannen), Trevor Warren (Mt. Hermon/Concord), and Mandy Sayers (Saxapahaw). We look forward to having you in ministry in the Corridor District.
The lectionary texts for July are a treasure trove of well-known stories (the Good Samaritan among them), balanced in the Hebrew Scripture readings of hard words for the nation of Israel that assumes a blessing without walking in God’s ways. Among them is one of my favorite texts, 2 Kings 5, the healing of Naaman by the prophet Elijah. It’s a great text to explore the tendency we all have to think “our” side of the fence is better. Since summer is a time when many people travel and encounter other ways of being, that could be a fun lens through which to read this story. What assumptions do we bring with us when encountering the other? It could be something like discovering that driving on the left side of the road is different but not necessarily wrong (unless you insist upon it here!), or encountering butter coffee in an Ethiopian restaurant when you are used to milk and sugar. It could be assuming your state’s way of seasoning barbecue is the only way (ok, I might have to draw the line there). Naaman cannot believe that the rivers of Israel have something his own land does not. Where might your preaching help your people to wonder about their own assumptions of superiority? My favorite part of this story is that Elijah doesn’t even come out of his tent to meet the esteemed Naaman. He just sends word by a messenger. He’s not impressed, but he’s willing to help. I wonder what kind of inner strength you need to be unimpressed in our culture of celebrity worship?
Finally, I encourage you to take some time off this summer to rest, relax, and be refreshed in your spirit. While it does take some planning to be away, it’s worth it. I encourage you to develop the habit of practicing Sabbath in a weekly rhythm. Model honoring the Sabbath for the sake of your long-term flourishing in ministry.
Rev. Claire Clyburn