From the General Presbyter

“Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary, how does your garden grow?”

Old English nursery rhyme

My neighbor and I share a wire fence she erected because she is growing vegetables on her side. On my side are Hosta’s and random other things that pop up occasionally. Sometimes these are wild strawberries, other times, they are weeds. Being the good neighbor I am, I often ask her, “Is this strange, unidentifiable plant growing on my side part of your garden?” Sometimes she’ll say “Yes, this is a Himalayan wild beet.” or, “No, I have no idea what this is.”

Our congregations are made up of Himalayan wild beets and weeds! In other words, “Sometimes you’re the pigeon and sometimes you’re the statue,” or “Sometimes you’re the beet and sometimes you’re the weed!” Both have their place on God’s green earth and in the church!

Of course, we would all like cooperative, well meaning, contributing members in our churches. But sometimes our greatest growth as people can come from the weediness in our midst. Did you know that weeds can fertilize soil, increase moisture, serve a living mulch, deter pests, and even attract insects and bugs that flowers need?

In this season of political conflict and internal congregational conflicts, what is most important is that we continue to work together and be a blessing to one another. Being a controlling big shot is not beneficial to the body of Christ, no matter how much money you put in the plate. Nor is the one who spreads conflict behind the scenes. The negativity spreads like ground cover. More than ever, we need the best of who you can be, for Christ’s sake!

– Jackie