October 5, 2025: The Courage to be Called Faithful
Luke 17: 5-10

Rev. Dr. April Johnson, preaching

We are thrilled to welcome as our guest preacher this Sunday, October 5, Rev. Dr. April Johnson. Rev. Dr. Johnson recently retired from her position as the Minister of Reconciliation for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. She brings a deep passion for racial understanding, justice, and compassion to her work. As Minister of Reconciliation, Rev. Dr. Johnson facilitated the church-wide process of awareness, analysis, and action aimed at healing the fractures within the body of Christ caused by systemic racism. She collaborated with organizer trainers, regional and congregational staff leadership, anti-racism teams, and ecumenical partners in her efforts to guide this work. Rev. Dr. Johnson added mediation to the toolbox of Anti-Racism skills and practices in the church's pursuit to embody a Pro-Reconciling identity, In her capacity as both pastor and administrator, Rev. Dr. Johnson emphasizes the importance of building relationships across differences as one of the critical ways that we actualize God's plan for humanity and creation.

Rev. Dr. April Johnson received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, her Master of Divinity from Howard University in Washington, D.C., and her Doctor of Ministry from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana. She enjoys writing, expanding her cultural competence through personal travel, and spending time with her growing family, Rev. Dr. April Johnson is a native of Chicago, Illinois.

She has posed several questions to ponder in preparation for her sermon on Sunday:

• How would you describe your faith life today? When you read the Gospel lesson, Luke 17:5 10, what resonates most with your current faith life?

• Do you focus on the characters or the imagery of text? For example, what do you see when you read this scripture?

• A mustard seed is a metaphor for a comparison of size to outcome or the ability to influence or effect change, Does the illustration of the mountain versus the mustard invite you to consider the size of your faith or your commitment to be faithful?

Also, please plan on attending the Lunch & Learn that she will be leading after the service. Her topic will focus on becoming an anti-racist congregation.

The way we worship is the way we live.

Worship is the work of the people, bringing together our fullest selves in a communal act of love and gratitude.  Each voice is important; each person is valued as the Spirit draws out our authentic gifts and talents, shared in the ever-widening circle of God’s people.  We hope you’ll join us this week as we gather to worship the God of extravagant welcome.