St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) visualized the church as a great vineyard where individuals are incorporated into life in the vine—with no walls, fences, or dividing lines. 

 

 

This imagery of the church is reflective of Jesus, who calls himself the true vine.  “I am the vine, you are the branches.  Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 NRSV) 

 

 

In the woods beside Pleasant Green Church there are, in the trees, wild grapes.  Growing up, we called them muscadines.  Ordinarily, you wouldn’t notice these vines.  But if you were to take a walk around the church in late-summer you couldn’t miss them.  You still might not be able to actually see the vines (at least not without close examination) but their heavy, sweet grapey, mouthwatering scent is ever present.  It’s the scent that draws you closer and closer to its’ source.

 

 

I believe Pleasant Green to be a place very similar to Catherine’s vision, a great vineyard where individuals are incorporated into life in the vine.  A life of faith lived out without walls, fences or dividing lines.  Pleasant Green is a place where her members and constituents are free to examine what it means to be a part of the vine, to abide in the vine. In other words, we are free to practice the faith in a supportive community, so that we may have the courage to “live out” our faith when we enter the world.

 

 

This “living out” our faith is revealed as we perform acts of compassion, acts of justice, acts of devotion and acts of worship.  Sharing a meal with a homeless person or sitting with someone who has suffered a loss are compassionate acts.  Working toward achieving inclusivity (regardless of race, orientation or social stature) within the body of Christ is an act of justice.  Daily reading the Holy Scriptures while maintaining a personal prayer time is an act of devotion.  Attending corporate worship and receiving communion are acts of worship.  With each beautiful act, we are like the grape hidden among the leaves, fragrant and sweet, as we are drawn closer and closer to the source…incorporated into life in the vine.

 

 

As you leaf through these pages, I invite you to journey with me to a place where no walls divide or fences separate, where the gifts we have been given are celebrated and embraced…the kingdom of God at Pleasant Green United Methodist Church.