There is a retired minister in our congregation with an amazing passion. His love for God, following Jesus, loving others - is clear. His passion for social justice is played out with housing issues here in the metro area, and elsewhere.
Tonight, he brought to the church council meeting, an opportunity for the church to support an alliance of many organizations statewide - that are in favor of legislation that will raise new funds to do more to help alleviate the housing crisis in Minnesota.
This brought out a wonderful discussion amongst those gathered there tonight - representatives of several of the committees of the church who gather every other month to further the ministry of the church, sharing things that are happening and coordinating the business of the church. Not legal, daily business - but rather, ministry business. Programs and such.
We spent some time sharing viewpoints and facing the issue before us. Clearly a social justice issue and a solution - or at least an aid - to the issue. Discussion was held around should the church support something political without the entire congregation sharing in that decision. It's legal - it's not a partisan issue - and something needs to be done. Pros and cons and other options were presented.
In the end - without any anger, disrespect, or bad feelings - the council decided to speak for the church and support the legislation.
How did I see God? I heard powerful words - that this is an opportunity to take action on something that we are called to do. I saw care for others feelings, both on the council and for the congregation - what if someone in the church doesn't support this surcharge?
But most of all - I saw a group of people see Jesus homeless, and they took a step towards giving him a home.
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