Church Visit, "The Power of Story," Dixon UMC

Nothing beats celebrating African-American History month in an African-American Church. Unfortunately, some still in our culture do not acknowledge it, and others really do not do it that well. More than commemorating the accomplishments of the past we must step into the story of past, present, and future. Pictured on the bulletin are key leaders from times past and present with the slogan to the effect, "Parks sat, King walked, Obama ran, so that our Children may fly." It all means so much more there. More than just commemorating the accomplishments they remembered, rehearsed, and thereby relived the story. They stepped into the story to carry on the story. What story do we need to step into? Everyone has a story. To reach anyone for Christ, we must first step into that person's individual story in order to know how best to connect their story with a new chapter in God's ultimate narrative of redemption. In the retelling, however, we must leave ample room for God to write something new because we are not meant to relive everything. One day all tribes and tongues will be represented at the throne. Therefore, we must learn the stories of God's people today, because in the weaving of our togetherness we will find our salvation.