First United Methodist Church PDX

A Word With the Pastor: Testify to Love

"For as long as I shall live, I will testify to love
I’ll be a witness in the silences when words are not enough
With every breath I take, I will give thanks to God above
For as long as I shall live, I will testify to love"

I was 10 years old when this song was released in December of 1997.

Growing up in the rural south, we had to drive a long time to get to many places.

When we got the CD player in the minivan, my sister and I would request this song. Not just once – but over, and over, and over again. We shouted the lyrics. Badly. We danced. We loved the beat, the music, the words.

I sang the song before I knew what the word “testify” could mean, or what it would mean to me as a clergy person one day.

In 2003, just six years later, Michael Passons left the group. No big deal, right? It happens. People grow apart, they leave to pursue solo careers, the fans mourn their leaving for a short period of time. Then they are replaced, the group carries on, and the name of the one is forgotten.

Except that’s not quite what happened with Michael.

He was forced out of the group because he was gay. They just didn’t say it.

Continue Reading: https://www.fumcpdx.org/about/news/testify-to-love

This morning, we conclude our "Open Hands" worship series. We are invited to relinquish our need to manage results: in ministry, justice, relationships, even our own healing, and to trust that God is at work beyond what we can see.

The livestream will start at 10:20am (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr73H0SRrPA). Worship will begin at 10:30am.