SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, June 22, 2025

Stop. Do Not Enter. Detour. No Right Turns. No Left Turns. It seems like there are always barriers to us, especially on the highways. More seriously, every day something, or someone, tells us to do that, don’t do the other; love this one, but not that one. It may seem a bit overwhelming since we sincerely hoped the peace of the resurrected Jesus being enthusiastically shared would bring unity.

The Apostle Paul writes to the early followers of Jesus in Galatia that there are many barriers to the good news. God’s promise to Abraham had been blurred by rules, regulations, and burdensome expectations. Paul reminds the Galatians that the baptismal waters they entered leads to a path of Christian unity – no longer free nor slave, Jew nor Greek, male nor female. We are one in Jesus the Christ!

Come this Sunday to hear how in times of great national and international turmoil, we truly can be road signs proclaiming, “All May Enter!”

In grateful service,

Steven

Rev. Steven Baines is a Charleston native who currently serves as our church administer after 25 years in our nation’s capital. He served as executive minister at National City Christian Church, the “national cathedral” of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He has also held senior leadership positions at national civil rights organizations including Americans United for Separation of Church and State and People for the American Way.