Jonathan Sato Superintendent
Dear FMCSC Family,
This Sunday is dedicated to celebrating mothers, so we pause to express our deep gratitude and love for the women who have nurtured, guided, and shaped us throughout our lives. Mothers, in all forms, have bestowed upon us wisdom and strength, love and understanding, and have played a pivotal role in our journey of faith. For all of this and so much more, we offer our heartfelt thanks.
Furthermore, as we celebrate this joyous occasion, we must also remember that Mother’s Day is not a biblical mandate. It is a cultural celebration, and as such, it may not resonate with everyone in the same way. Please be mindful that while some rejoice, others may grieve.
This day may be a poignant reminder for those who have lost a mother or a child, for those who long to be mothers but are facing the pain of infertility, and for those who have strained or complicated relationships with their mothers. The weight of their grief, longing, or pain may be felt all the more deeply amidst the celebration.
As a church, as a community, and as individuals, but especially as Free Methodists we are called to hold this tension with grace and compassion. We are called to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15). Therefore, as we honor mothers, let us also extend our love, our understanding, and our support to those who find this day difficult. I remember before having our kids, Jenn and I avoided going to church on Mother’s and Father’s day for years. I wasn’t strong enough to celebrate others while I was grieving. Our social media feeds will likely be filled with images of wonderful mothers. But we acknowledge that for every post we see, there is likely a broken person withdrawing this weekend.
Let us remember that our role as believers, and especially as leaders within the church, is not just to partake in the joy, but to also share in the sorrow. To extend a hand to those who are hurting and to remind them that they are not alone. That in Christ, there is resurrection hope.
So as Free Methodists let’s choose to celebrate all women, regardless of whether they bear the title of ‘mother’ in a traditional sense. To the aunts, sisters, teachers, mentors, friends, and other women who have mothered us in countless ways, we celebrate you. Your love, your care, your influence has played a significant role in our lives. You have shown us the face of God’s love in unique and powerful ways, and for that, we are forever grateful.
So, on this day, let’s hold each other close, let’s celebrate, let’s remember, and let’s support one another. Let us reach out with love and kindness, let us hold space for those who are hurting, and let us acknowledge the complexity of this day, even as we honor the incredible women in our lives.
Jonathan Sato
Superintendent
Free Methodist Church in Southern California
