With Homecoming 2008 just around the corner, and with the return of Ben Ball (now, Rev. Ben Ball) to preach our Homecoming sermon, this is an ideal time to reflect on the Church at her best.

The Church at her best knows she is gathered by Jesus Christ, crucified and risen -- as He speaks through Scripture and sermon, and as He makes Himself truly present through the bread, cup, and water of the sanctuary. The Church at her worst thinks she is just another community organization made up of people who have decided, on their own, to get together to support their religious interests.

The Church at her best knows that God's Holy Spirit has brought the Church into being and sustains the Church through the centuries, through thick and thin. The Church at her worst thinks the Church is kept going by appealing to the likes and dislikes of the age.

The Church at her best knows she is about love, truth, and holiness. The Church at her worst thinks she is about looking good in the eyes of the larger community.

The Church at her best knows she should speak of sins, call for repentance, and offer God's forgiveness of sins. The Church at her worst thinks it best not to get into all that controversial, potentially embarrassing stuff.

The Church at her best knows that declaring the creed is essential to worship. The Church at her worst thinks that the use of the creed, during worship, is negotiable.

The Church at her best knows that the Church is like a family and is organized by a variety of offices and tasks. The Church at her worst thinks that the Church is more a spiritual association with as little organization and obligation as possible.

The Church at her best knows courage is essential to being the Church in the world. The Church at her worst thinks being inoffensive and tolerant are most important to her life.

The Church at her best knows all of the congregation's members and friends have duties and tasks. The Church at her worst thinks the congregation's paid employees will do most, if not all, the work in the church that needs to be done.

The Church at her best knows the pastor is dedicated, first and last, to serving Word and Sacraments. The Church at her worst sees the pastor, first and last, as an organizational manager.

The Church at her best knows she will never make everybody happy. The Church at her worst thinks she can make most everybody happy.

The Church at her best knows that love among the brothers and sisters is as essential as it is challenging. The Church at her worst judges, without participating in, that love among the brethren.

The Church at her best knows that the cross stands at the center of her life together. The Church at her worst thinks that an attractive smile is at the center of her life.

The Church at her best knows that opposing evil, doing all good, and being faithful to Christ and His Church are the general tasks for every member and friend. The Church at her worst thinks keeping things simple and care free is best.

The Church at her best is reflected by St. Peter's United Methodist Church at her best. To be sure, we are not totally there yet. But by God's presence and power, we are getting there.

St. Peter's United Methodist Church, continue to be faithful!