Column: First United Church's new pastor focusing on harmony, action
"God has made of one blood all peoples of the Earth." – Acts 17:26
Bereans were more open-minded and searched the Scriptures daily for the truth, according to Acts 17:11. And the motto of Kentucky’s Berea College, above reflects that belief in preaching interracial harmony and unity of peoples.
First United Church in Bloomington also has a focus of harmony, peace and justice. It once was the home of the strongest American Baptist congregation in these parts and for 50 years it has has joined with the United Church of Christ to project a more ecumenical stance. The UCC is a product of New England Congregationalists and Reformed Germans interested in unity! That’s the short description.
Recently, First United (not to be confused with other “United” names) has stepped forward to call a new pastor, Jessica Petersen-Mutai, from the Midwest and schooled in the UCC tradition. A female minister inspired her in her youth, as did a church that was open and affirming. After initially considering medicine as a career, she studied for ministry in St. Louis and served an Iowa church for about a decade. Now 40, she is married to a Kenyan and they have a young child.
Arriving here at the height of the pandemic, she has plunged into work with diligence. Always committed to social justice and interracial concerns, she gladly linked up with the Bloomington Multifaith Alliance as well as other female clergy members in the area, continuing her concerns for children and youth.
“Jessica is a multitalented, inclusive minister who promotes involvement with interfaith community leaders focusing on racial justice," said Keith Gerber, who recently became a church member. "She challenges our church to support the oppressed and poor.”
Her latest, most passionate project is the all-community Book Read sponsored by BMA Assembling a diverse Committee and reading many options, the book chosen is “The Sum of Us — What racism costs everyone and how we can prosper together,” by Heather McGhee. She admits it is a tough read, but already 10 congregations have agreed to study the book this winter and spring, and join some sort of event at the end. Groups are introducing the book differently: some in person, some on Zoom, some over longer periods and others shorter in nature.
Ken Sparks believes Petersen-Mutai is “stirring us into real action unlike we’ve seen in years.”
Currently the church's project is the resettlement of an Afghan refugee family, one they are undertaking with enthusiastic delight despite language difficulties and other complications. Their building has long been open to other groups (health concerns allowing), including a gay men’s chorus and a small Mennonite fellowship, among others.
Petersen-Mutai seems ably suited for the task, though her installation — involving both Baptist and UCC components — became virtual at almost the last minute.
Not everyone will be happy with the church’s progressive stance, but should we expect that? One thing not needed in 2022 is more conflict over differing viewpoints. And in her effort to bring peoples together, “since we are all of the same blood,” few are better-suited than she is to lead the way.
During Black History Month, these words from Rosamond Johnson's lyrics for "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often called the Black national anthem, say it well:
God of our weary years,
God of our silent tears,
Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way;
Thou who hast by Thy might
Led us into the light,
Keep us forever in the path, we pray.