Minister & President's Message
Let’s Give Thanks, Bless Others
by Stephen Sterner, Interim Minister and President
February/March 2006
 One of the seminal events for me this past fall was the presentation by Ronald Heifetz sponsored by the Pastoral Excellence Program. There was much in his presentation that I found both interesting and helpful. He really gave two presentations. One was a lecture on adaptive leadership and the other was a spiritual/religious reflection on adaptive leadership. It was in the course of the second that he made a wonderful observation.
He suggested that the Jewish/Christian dialogue would benefit if we took the time to bless each other for our unique gifts and contributions. He closed his presentation with a blessing for us out of his own Jewish tradition. It was, for me, an exceptionally powerful moment. We should bless each other for our unique gifts and contributions!
Acknowledging the risk of being called simplistic, I wonder what it might be like if we applied this concept to our own relationships and covenant within the United Church of Christ? What if we approached our conversations first from the perspective of the unique gifts and contributions we carry with us rather than start with the differences that keep us from having much true conversation at all?
One of the disturbing trends that has developed over the last several decades is the one that calls for no middle ground, the “you are either with us or against us” mentality that permeates much of our world and defines many of our
relationships. We have all fallen into the grip of this destructive tendency.
A few weeks ago I was visiting a friend who moved from Atlanta to North Georgia. She was describing the difference in religious belief she was experiencing. It reflected a
different theology with which she was uncomfortable. “But,” she said, “there is so much good that these folks do.”
In engaging our conversation and covenant it is better to lead with our blessing than our berating. So in that spirit, here are just a few prayers for blessing to start the year.
I give thanks for those who remind us that we are the United Church of Christ. I pray for God’s blessing on them. I give thanks for those who remind us that the Gospel is about justice and Good News for all God’s children. I pray for God’s blessing on them. I give thanks for those who keep reminding us of our history, helping us remember our roots in Scripture and tradition. I pray God’s blessing on them. I give thanks for those who keep challenging our perspective and belief – whether from the progressive or conservative side. I pray God’s blessing on them.
You can expand this list and add your own. In any event, I pray God’s blessing on you.
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