Excerpt from Exodus 12:29-42 

"The Israelites had done as Moses told them; they had asked the Egyptians for jewelry of silver and gold, and for clothing, and the Lord had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked."

Reflection by Quinn G. Caldwell

God has just finished visiting the ten plagues upon the people of Egypt, and Pharaoh has given the Israelites permission—actually, has begged them—to leave.  The Israelites know it’s time to get the heck out of Dodge, so they head out with their bread still unleavened and their pockets stuffed with treasures given to them by the Egyptians.

For a lot of reasons, the UCC is one of those denominations that seem to collect people from other traditions.  Some leave their former faith homes easily; some with pain.  Some leave of their own volition; some are asked to leave.  Some get the heck out of Dodge in a hurry; some mosey on over.  But every one comes bearing treasures given to them by the people there.

One man comes with skill at witnessing.  A woman shows up who understands why we might pay attention to saints.  Others come with deep appreciation for weekly communion, or the heart of an unapologetic evangelist, or a whole hymnal's worth of praise songs written on their hearts.  And the list goes on.

Have you come to us from a far land, or at least a far denomination?  What treasures do you bring to us from there?  Will you share them?

Prayer:

Holy One, thank you for the precious gifts you've sent to us in the hands of the theological immigrants, sojourners, exiles, and travelers in our midst.  Give us eyes to see the treasures we bear and the treasures borne by others.  Give us the wits to use them.  Amen.

About the Author Quinn G. Caldwell is Associate Minister of Old South Church in Boston, Massachusetts, and co-editor, with Curtis J. Preston, of the just-published Unofficial Handbook of the United Church of Christ.

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