The New Testament begins with the “Gospels” of Jesus Christ, written by two of
Jesus’ disciples (Matthew and John), a disciple of Peter’s (Mark), and a doctor
hired to learn the truth (Luke). The word gospel comes from the Old English
godspel (remember the musical Godspell from the 70s? Same word). The Old
English is simply a translation of the Greek εὐαγγέλιον, which is pronounced
evangelion and is where we get the word evangelist. So quite literally, an
evangelist is someone who proclaims the good news of Jesus Christ!

Unfortunately, not all people who use the term evangelist preach a message that
sounds like good news. Some who claim the term speak words of hate or even
of violence. The word has been misused enough that some Christians are
reluctant to use the term at all, instead associating it with a particular kind of
Christianity that doesn’t seem very good to those told they are on the outside.

But every gospel writer talks about the good news that Jesus proclaimed. Jesus
was and is an evangelist! So how can we feel more comfortable with this word
and with our identity as evangelists? What does it mean to be proclaimers of
good news?

This is what I hope to share throughout the month of June. What is so good
about the good news and how do we embrace our role in sharing it? Each
Sunday in June, we will explore a different aspect of what it means for us to
proclaim the good news of Jesus. Warning: it might get a little weird. 🙂

In June we will also have our joint service with St. David & St. Martin. We will be
hosting this service, and they will host one in the fall. We hope it is one way
to get to know one another as we continue to explore our partnership. It
will also be a Communion and all-ages service, and our annual picnic
is that day too! I hope to see you then or at another service in June!

Blessings,
Meg

A Song from my Playlist:

Come As You Are by The Many is one example of a contemporary song that imagines an expansive church where all are welcome. The chorus invites each of us to “Come as you are / bring your hopes, bring your doubts and your scars.”
Click below to listen.