Good News - November 2018

OUT AND ABOUT 28 NOVEMBER 2018 Good News • South Florida Edition Beloved Community is a reflection of the kingdom of God, and four United Methodist congregations in the Fort Laud- erdale area created a glimpse of what it might look like. The congregations of St. John, Harris Chapel and Merrell came together with Christ Church to practice Beloved Community in an interactive worship service on Saturday evening, October 6. The pairing of the congre- gations was intentional: St. John, Harris Chapel and Merrell are predominantly African American; Christ Church, pre- dominantly white. “It reminds us in a powerful way that all people are beloved children of God and created to be in relationship with one an- other regardless of race, politics, nationality, sexual orientation or anything else that separates us,” said Pastor Brett Opalinski of Christ Church. His teaching for the evening was based on Luke 7:36-50, when Jesus was anointed by the so-called sinful woman at a dinner hosted by Simon, a Pharisee. Worshipers, seated at tables of eight, dis- cussed the assumptions made in the Gospel story and shared their life experiences. The service concluded with holy communion, followed by an ice cream social. “It was a meaningful time of fellowship, discernment and embodying the gospel,” said Opalinski. Churches Worship Together in “Beloved Community” Pastor Brett preaching