Two years ago, in January of 2023, we spent six weeks looking at the story of the Good Samaritan. In the story, a Samaritan man is traveling along the road from Jerusalem to Jericho and happens upon someone who has been robbed and beaten, lying on the side of the road. Instead of continuing on his way, he gets off his donkey, cleans up the man’s wounds, and takes him to an inn, where he pays to have the man cared for while he recovers.
The Samaritan didn’t have to do any of this. But he does anyway. Because that’s what our faith in God calls us to do—to get off our donkey and care for others, particularly those in need.
At the end of the parable, Jesus calls his listeners to “go and do likewise.”
In May, we’re bringing back this story and its concept for the series, “Get Off Your Donkey 2.0.” This time, we’re going to investigate the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church, and see how they call us to action.
Our Social Principles are not church law. Rather, they represent prayerful and sincere efforts to speak to contemporary issues from a sound biblical and theological foundation. They are a call to faithfulness and to social engagement, challenging us to think about how we put our faith into practice.
Did you know that the United Methodist Church has a long and rich history of concern for social justice? Its members have often taken candid positions on controversial issues involving Christian principles. For instance, some early Methodists expressed their opposition to the slave trade, to smuggling, and to the cruel treatment of prisoners.
This series challenges us to resurrect this part of our history, and remind us that “church” isn’t just about what we do on Sunday morning—it’s what we do every day of our lives. Our faith reaches into every corner of our thoughts and actions, calling us to live as Jesus lived—compassionately working for justice for each and every one of God’s creations.
Together, we’ll tackle issues like health care, food justice, and Christian Nationalism. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but then again, I’ve never experienced faith to be easy!
So, are you willing to join me and get off your donkey and “go and do likewise?”
Go in Peace,
Pastor Heidi
More thoughts from Pastor Heidi – on Facebook Live
Sundays in May, 2025
- May 4 – Luke 10:25-37
- May 11 – Acts 16:11-15 (UWF Sunday)
- May 18 – Deuteronomy 16:18-20 (Confirmation)
- May 25 – Leviticus 23:1, 22
Small Group Study Sunday Mornings
Get Off Your Donkey 2.0 Sunday Morning Adult Discussion Class
May 4, 11 and 18 at 9:30
Through the lens of the Good Samaritan, we will explore how we— the people of Brecksville United Methodist Church —can more deeply live out our values and actively engage in creating real, lasting change in the world. Grounded in the United Methodist Church’s Social Principles, our conversations will challenge and inspire us to move from reflection to faithful action, as we seek to embody compassion, justice, and mercy in tangible ways. Join Jenny and friends in the Chapel at 9:30.