Historically, the United Methodist Church has supported the access for all to adequate health care. There are many United Methodist groups such as the General Board of Church and Society that did support this legislation.
However, the denomination as a whole did not act on any piece of health care legislation or reform bill. In fact, many United Methodists disagree with the reform bill, including United Methodist lawmakers.
Health care is both a highly emotional topic and one with many diverse opinions. The sermon's purpose is not to promote legislation. The intent is for us as a people of faith to reflect on what our faith has to say about health care and how we, as faithful people, are to act responsibly and concretely by loving our neighbor. Biblically, healing and health have high priorities. Loving God means loving our neighbor and our selves. Systems that provide care for health and healing are praised and those that do not receive harsh words as you will read in Ezekiel. Traditionally, health care has had a high priority in our denomination's history. John Wesley, founder of Methodism, authored a medical book, advocated for health care for the poor, and set up and funded clinics. Throughout the years, the Methodist Church has established hospitals - many of which still carry the name of Methodist. There are medical missionaries, medical mission trips, parish nurses, chaplains, street clinics and other ministries in local churches and sponsored by local churches that respond to the health needs of persons in our communities and around the world.
Jesus said to Peter, one of his disciples, "If you love me, tend my sheep." In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus says that the one who payed for health care for the one who was beaten and left to die was the neighbor to the injured man. Jesus healed more than any other act recorded in the gospels. What does that mean for us today as we live our faith in the world, care for our lives and care for our neighbors? Come and join us this weekend as we take a look at health care.
Several women brought friends to worship this morning, why not follow suit and invite someone to come with you to worship this weekend?
See you this weekend.
Pastor Susan
