T. C. Moore - 01/08/2023
Community of Misfits
In this sermon, Pastor T. C. teaches on the kind of community God is forming in Christ—a community of misfits. Jesus didn’t gather the best and brightest, he gathered the overlooked and underestimated. Jesus did this to demonstrate the nearness of God’s Kingdom to all, not just the religious elite. In fact, God’s election has always been this way. Israel was not chosen because it was great in size or particularly devout. No, God’s choosing is always for God’s glory, not ours. That’s why Pastor T. C. translates First Corinthians 1.26–31 this way: Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish ones of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak ones of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly ones of this world and the despised ones—and the ones who are nobodies—to shut the mouths of the ones who think they’re somebodies, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’ ” The Moravian tradition includes a theological innovation that facilitates the unity with diversity that Christ’s misfit community requires. For centuries, Moravians have been guided by these words: In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, love.” In this message, Pastor T. C. outlines what are “essentials” for Moravians, and what are not. This is vitally important for cultivating a community that prioritizes unity with diversity.
Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
From Series: "Story & Song"
A community of misfits has been gathering for fellowship and worship in St. Paul since 2014. It was planted by a launch team led by Touger Thao with financial support from the Evangelical Covenant Church. Pastor Touger resigned in January of 2017. In December of 2017, this misfit community called T. C. Moore to be their pastor and then called Osheta Moore to join the pastoral team in 2019. In the past five years there have been two meeting location moves and a pivot to exclusively online worship gatherings for over a year during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. But in 2023, this community of misfits will undergo its most significant shift to date. Starting on Sunday, January 8th, we will beginning a teaching series for the season of Epiphany that is also the culmination of a discernment process that has been underway for over a year. Roots Covenant Church is discerning whether the Moravian Church is a more suitable denominational home, given our values, beliefs, and ethos as a church. This series is entitled “Story & Song: Listening to our History, Discerning our Future,” because it will explore both who we are and who are the Moravians. Betsy Miller, President of the Northern Province of the Moravian Church, has said, “Ask a Moravian what they believe and they will either tell you a story or sing you a song.” So, through story and song, we will take up this call to listen for the voice of the Spirit for our future as a church. To facilitate this discernment process, Pastors T. C. & Osheta have developed a Syllabus for congregational learning and dialogue. There will be sermons on Sundays that combine teaching with musical performances and congregational singing. There will also be special Coffee Hour Q&R (Question and Response) times with Moravian leaders. Pastor T. C. will also teach a supplemental Three-part Class on Moravian history and beliefs via Zoom (which will be recorded). We invite all those who call Roots their home church, along with those who are exploring, to join us for this important series.
