November 18thFrom the Desk of our Executive Minister
Christ the King/Reign of Christ
This Sunday marks the end of the church year in the Western Christian calendar. In 1925, the Roman church officially named this Sunday "Christ the King" in response to rising nationalism. Many churches that follow the liturgical calendar followed suit. 
More than ever—and certainly in line with Anabaptist impulses on the centrality of Jesus—this seems like something worth teaching and celebrating. In Jesus, the rule and reign of God entered creation fully, as foreshadowed by the Jewish prophets. And if we believe the Holy Spirit is present and working everywhere, we can see glimpses of truth even in the pursuits of our neighboring faiths.
If your church does not celebrate the last Sunday of the church year, this might be a good time to talk about the rise of division driven by algorithms and various political interests. It's worth naming that in our reaction to U.S. Christian nationalism, our response as followers of Jesus can't simply be "more Canada" (or allegiance to any other totalizing party or statist system). The local church is called to be an alternative politics through its weekly and daily rhythms of worship, prayer, learning, and service.
We are the City of God in the midst of this world—building a people who give allegiance and service to and in the name of Jesus Christ. This is our first task; otherwise, we simply serve the impulses and powers around us. Out of this one Gospel—Christ is King—flows power and peace for the repair of the world, and we are changed personally in it.
"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow..." (Philippians 2:10-11)
Collect* from the Book of Common Prayer:
Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
*a prayer meant to gather the intentions of the people and the focus of worship into a succinct prayer.
Servant of Jesus Christ and His people,
Rev. Shelby Boese, D.Min.
Executive and Church Leadership Minister for BC
Read on the Connect: MCBC Connect - Nov 19th