is the little white church that mostly goes unnoticed. When I share that it is my ministry, where I pastor, people ask me where it is. It is not exactly new. We have been in this location for over 20 years. I have been here over two years. Initially, everyone extolled the virtues of the quaint, little town with the triangle center. Recently, we, Unity of Lehigh Valley’s congregation and staff, have been required to remove our rose-colored glasses.
It began really with the bank robberies. The one at KNBT blocked us from entering the church until late that day. Then in November the letters from our sign were stolen, leaving the message, “Hail Satan.” Scrambling to find letters left, we created a new message, “Love God, Give Thanks.” Organizing our remaining letters, we were able to post the holiday message, “Celebrate A Season Of Love.” Last night I discovered black spray paint on the alley side of the building saying “God Is Dead.” Another police report and a trip to the paint store.
I believe before we can truly forgive, we must grieve what we have lost. We have to let go of our belief that any one place is more perfect or protected than another. However hidden it may be, there is poverty and crime and hate and dishonesty in Emmaus, just like every other community. Our unwillingness to see it and acknowledge it does not heal it. And the healing is why spiritual communities exist. It is why we are here.
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It was ironic that the message on the sign when the letters were stolen was announcing a sermon about “Forgiveness.” That Sunday we had a very practical lesson. I am saddened by people who have no peace within and no positive activity to occupy their evenings. If they are youth, I am saddened that they believe no one cares where they are or guides them in how to deal with feelings of frustration or anger. I am saddened that they hold the belief that what is done in the darkness will not come to light. “Reaping what we sow” is not an idle verse, it is a law of the Universe. I am saddened that anyone lives in darkness, without connection to the powerful Light that draws us together. Call it God or Spirit or Yahweh, it is the Love out of which we are created and sustained. It is not dead, it is a vital energy that continues to enliven us and give us the courage and wisdom to see beyond appearances. My prayer is that each one sees themselves as worthy and whole and is able to act from the truth of their being. We must dishonor ourselves to act in destructive and hurtful ways. I forgive and pray the actors are lifted up to see a new vision.