Love is the Whole Gospel

What happens when thousands of strangers suddenly arrive at your door? On September 11, 2001, 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 passengers were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland. What followed became the heart of the Broadway musical Come From Away: ordinary people opening their schools, churches, homes, kitchens, and hearts to people they had never met. In this sermon from Rev. Meghan Malone, she explores what Gander can teach us about one of the central calls of the Gospel: loving our neighbor not only in words, but by meeting real human needs. From Leviticus and the teachings of Jesus to food, blankets, phone calls, shared meals, prayer, and unexpected community, this is a reflection on solidarity, generosity, and what becomes possible when people choose to show up for one another. Because when the world feels like it is falling apart, the Gospel can look remarkably ordinary: an open door, an open heart, and the willingness to say, “What can I do?” Donate using our secure portal: ⁠⁠⁠https://onrealm.org/uccmedina/-/form/give/now⁠⁠⁠ OR Texting UCCMEDINA to 73256 Who is the Rev. Meghan Malone? Meghan Malone is the Associate Pastor of Youth and Mission at the United Church of Christ Congregational in Medina, Ohio. She has a bachelor’s degree in Comparative Religious Studies from The Ohio State University and a Master of Divinity Degree from The Methodist Theological School in Ohio. Meghan previously served as a minister for The United Church of Granville, finishing her time there as their Transitional Pastor in January 2022. During the pandemic, Meghan completed her Clinical Pastoral Education at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and worked there as a chaplain resident and contract chaplain. Meghan enjoys telling the stories of the Bible through queer and feminist lenses, talking about mental health, and helping others to fall in love with the Bible again. She and her husband Logan both grew up in Johnstown, Ohio.