Clorox Can't Blot It Out: Must Use Blood

This is not my first time visiting Progressive Community Center-The People's Church located on 48th Street on Chicago's Southside. When I've visited in the past, I can always count on Pastor Martin delivering a message that was not only soul stirring, but timely, addressing community issues that are ever present and real. I must say, I was disappointed when I saw Pastor Martin would not provide the sermon for today. However, one of the elders of the church, Elder Gloria M. Polk, would preach for the service. She has been charged with the duty of preaching for the entire Lenten Season at both 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. services. I, along with two colleagues worshiped at 8 a.m.

Elder Polk's sermon topic was "What To Do When You've Blown It." Her text focused on II Samuels, the story of King David's sin of adultery and murder. The sins, Elder Polk said, could not be blotted out with Clorox or other cleaning solutions. Only the blood of Christ could help restore us to the place God has for us.

I felt myself wrestling throughout the service. I couldn't tell if Elder Polk was being overly judgemental or if she was just that effective in stepping all over my toes, corns, bunions, and every part of my feet to get my attention. It worked if that was the case. She undoubtedly got my attention as she spoke about planting seeds that would please God and not those that would come back to haunt you. She charged us to recognize our sinful ways, confess our sins, and ask for forgiveness in order to get back on track with God.

I felt as if she went back and forth between scare tactics and that "fire and brimstone" approach. Too often throughout the sermon, she utilized analogies such as David's child's death to suggest that not only will we be punished for our disobedience, but innocent children could suffer too. If her sermon was a meal, I would say it satisfied my hunger, but there was still an element of ingredients missing. Something that would add just a touch of flavor. I can't put my finger on it, but I left fed, but not full.

I was able to pull some points that remained an ongoing theme throughout the day when I left to worship with my congregation at Good Shepherd. One of those messages included accepting responsibility for our own actions. We can't blame God for everything. Sometimes we have to face up to what we have done and own it in order to move into a place of worship and praise--in order for us to return home. The elder Polk said we have to look directly at sins and not be cowardly in our approach.

Ironically, at my internship, the pastor spoke of returning to the Lord as well. He said God is calling us to return to God and to remember how God loves us. God's love is so great, it forgives us of our sins and shortcomings.

Clearly, I felt, this is not a coincidence, especially since one sermon came from Samuel and the other came from Hebrews. Both sermons ended with a charge to praise and worship God and both spoke to the present conditions in our society today. Both Elder Polk and Pastor Knox recognized that it is not just the individual guilty of sin, but also the community. How are we responding to God's call to return home on a communal level? How are we holding one another accountable?

Pastor Martin at the end of the service, asked those in attendance to please allow him 5 minutes to address the outrageous violence that is claiming the lives of our children dying to gun violence. He spoke about legislation on gun control and the work and role of the church in protecting our children, community, and church. He plans to participate in a bus trip to Springfield to lobby this issue. He invited congregations to join him as he took the battle to the streets. Women and men were welcomed as we will need the entire village to save lives.

The atmosphere of the church was quite interesting. The stain glassed windows all depicted European images of Jesus. But throughout the sanctuary, there were images of the Gye Nyame symbol and other cultural symbols celebrating the heritage of African Americans.

The church had plenty of contemporary touches like a flat screen TV to replace projection screens , but also the past was still very present. Like chandeliers that looked like they were borrowed from the Medieval Times. There was not a choir at the 8 a.m service. Instead soloists offered songs of praise.

I am certainly reflecting on the message today and what it speaks to my life. I agree I must take ownership for my choices and even before then, I must be mindful of how my choices can impact not only my life, but those around me. I must also know that I don't have to hold on to the guilt and stress that comes with not forgiving self. One of the first ways of achieving this is simply saying, "I messed up." And when we do mess up, we shouldn't be so quick to look for Clorox. Instead, we should seek the Lord who has the power of the Blood.

By: Waltrina N. Middleton
Sunday, March 15, 2009