Pasadena Christian Church: “Where Does The Church Fit Into All of These Violence…?”

On the morning of July 20 we woke to the news of the senseless act of violence that had occurred in the community of Aurora, Colorado. In the days that have followed we have learned more about the events of that early morning and the days and months that preceded this tragic event. Political pundits and “experts” have flocked to the television to tell us exactly why this event happened and what, if anything, should be done about it. The debate rages over gun control, security, Hollywood’s culture of violence, and mental health.

And while all of these issues are ones that surely must be addressed in short order, in the days following July 20, just has been the case in previous years when similar events have occurred, I have been wondering, “Where does the Church fit in to all of this?” In other words, what role does (should) the Church play in regards to working to prevent violent acts such as this from ever occurring again? To begin to answer that question, I believe we need to first refine our definition of Church. By “Church,” I do not mean a building, a worship service, or even a denomination, but instead I mean people. People like you and me who have had the audacity to profess a belief in a God that brought Jesus back from the dead and then to claim a different life for ourselves. What are we doing to ensure that the violence that continues to engulf our world will one day
cease?

Last Sunday we affirmed again together that we are “Kingdom builders” and that we have the responsibility to do our part to build up the Kingdom that Jesus declared at the very beginning of his ministry had, “come near.” What opportunities present themselves in our day to day life that will give us a chance to bring peace to another? I hope you will plan on joining us for worship where we will continue down the path of peace together.

Aaron

Pasadena Christian Church, 789 North Altadena Drive, Pasadena, (626) 798-0591 or visit www.pasadenadisciples.org.