The Presbytery of Denver is a Matthew 25 mid-council committed to building congregational vitality, dismantling structural racism, and eradicating systemic poverty. We invite you to engage, record, and celebrate with us by participating in the Matthew 25 Engagement Challenge in May.
Engage by completing an activity specific to building congregational vitality, dismantling structural racism, and eradicating systemic poverty.
Record your hours to help the presbytery track engagement (tracking spreadsheet will be available at denpres.org.) We have a goal, for all of our churches in Denver Presbytery, whether they are officially a Matthew 25 congregation or not, of completing 2,021 hours in related activities in May.
Celebrate your engagement by taking pictures and sharing your experiences with your friends on social media using the hashtag #WEAREDENPRES.
Contact your church for information on planned activities and see next week's email for other engagement opportunities.
Watch the video to find out how you can join Denver Presbytery in this challenge!
Matthew 25: 35 – 40, New Revised Standard Version
‘For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’
I have read the New Revised Standard Version of Matthew 25: 35 – 40 well over a dozen times in the last year as I have pondered how best to reinvigorate its meaning as God calls us into action. Language typically comes easily to me…reading, writing. However, Bible verses create nuances in my head as the language is not typical of our era. I find myself questioning if I truly understand the intent of each word…sometimes this has value; sometimes it doesn’t. Looking at EACH word with scrutiny…today I’m going to take the 30,000 foot view: via Jesus indicating He is like every other person, including those who are poor, sick, needy, accused of committing crimes, a place is created where no one is of more value than the other. The notion that we are all in this place together and are obliged to help each other along is delivered.
Abolishing hierarchies and working towards equity with love and compassion (this sounds more like language of our era, yes?) is the root of this scripture. It is also at the roots of churches and communities we lovingly participate in and engage with; Matthew 25 is a constant reminder to get back to the basics of taking care of each other in whatever place or whatever way is needed. It is a call to action within our church communities and extends into the secular spaces around us as we witness hunger, poverty, illness, and incarceration. The need is always there for us to help. Let’s find a way together.
Questions:
1) Is there an area of your life that deserves more scrutiny to cultivate growth?
2) Is there an area of your life that is overly scrutinized, by yourself or someone else? How does this impact you?
Molly Brown serves as Central Presbyterian Church’s Director of Mission and Faith Formation. Molly and her husband, Adam, have 3 daughters ages 16, 13, and 6 plus 2 canines that keep them busy.