By Rev Roberto Ochoa
“On the road again – Just can’t wait to get on the road again
The life I love is making music with my friends – And I can’t wait to get on the road again
On the road again – Goin’ places that I’ve never been
Seein’ things that I may never see again – I can’t wait to get on the road again” Willie Nelson
My dear friends of the Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Conferences of the United Church of Christ and beyond,
Happy Summer! It is my prayer that all the Dads and Dad figures had a great Father’s Day this past Sunday. I praise God for all the fathers that give of themselves for their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and who coach and mentor those without a father figure. And for the mothers and women that serve as father figures, I praise God for you as well.
It was also the celebration of Juneteenth, which marked the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. However, slavery wasn’t completely abolished in the U.S. until Dec 6, 1865, with the passage of the 13th Amendment.
Even so, Juneteenth celebrates the spirit of freedom for all citizens of the United States as much as the Fourth of July marks the celebration of the declaration of independence from England. The freedom for liberty and justice for all of God’s people.
I know it’s summer, because my travels on the road are more frequent, and distances are longer as the weather permits me to drive more often. For instance, in one week I went from celebrating with our churches (Spirit of Peace and First Congregational) in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to camp counseling (Kamp Kaleo) in Burwell, Nebraska to preaching and visiting our UCC churches (Zion and First Congregational) in Burlington, Iowa. Truly I feel the spirit of Willie Nelson’s lyrics “On the road again, going places that I’ve never been; Seein’ things that I may never see again” and I feel so blessed for the privilege of being with our UCC folks wherever I go.
What I have valued the most from my travels is the opportunity to be present with our congregations and Association and I have found that most are just grateful for my showing up for worship and fellowship. Heck, I’m grateful for the UCC’ers that show up to meet with me. The gift of presence.
Of the three forms of stewardship that we are encouraged to do, which is often known as tithe, talents, and time, for me the giving of one’s time to be present with and for each other is what resonates most.
Churches thrive on the presence of its members to worship, fellowship, and to be a beloved community. This is what makes our churches, Associations, and Conferences strong in the United Church of Christ. Our making time for one another and inviting others to join us.
I’ve heard many say there are other interests happening on Sundays that have affected worship attendance, including the increase of streamed services, giving the perception that people aren’t interested in coming to church anymore. Yet, whoever said Sundays are the only time to be church? Yes, Sunday was once upon a time “the” day of rest, but in a world that is nonstop 24 hours a day, seven days a week, we have opportunities to create and innovate the meaning of sabbath for the 21st century. For we still need time of rest and spiritual enrichment and most importantly, I believe, there is a renewed desire for people to congregate with one another again beyond the “zoom square” that so many depended on during the Covid years.
The gift of presence is what can make the Church become alive again. That is why I travel so much as your Conference Minister to experience the awesome presence of UCCers in Iowa Nebraska South Dakota and witness firsthand the amazing ministries being done in the name of Jesus Christ by our UCC churches. Together we are stronger in our commitment of making “a just world for all.”
It is in that spirit of presence that I invite you to join us in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Sept 17-20 for the Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Joint Annual Meeting (JAM) for an incredible plan of worship, workshops, and fellowship including celebrating our UCC Confirmands. Come and be present for the most ambitious celebration of our faith in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, together as the Tri Conference Ministries. Registration is now open.
“I can’t wait to get on the road again”.
Bendiciones y Paz,
Rev Roberto