“The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13:45)
This summer, Joy and I and some members of our family went out to eat at Skipper’s on South Shore Drive in Yarmouth. We sat outside on their upstairs deck, overlooking the water. It was a perfect evening. Our son wanted to order some seafood, since he doesn’t get too much of it living in Utah. One of the things he ordered was a special for the night, Dennis oysters. I had never heard of Dennis oysters before. When I asked the waitress what a “Dennis oyster” was, she said, “an oyster from Dennis!” The waitress told me at certain times in the season, they have specials on oysters from different parts of the Cape. Apparently, the water off different towns varies enough, that people can tell the difference in taste, between, say, a Wellfleet oyster and a Dennis oyster!
When the Finance Committee considered a theme for our annual fall stewardship campaign, we came up with the idea of “oysters.” Of course, oysters are an important part of our community, culture, and economy here on Cape Cod. Oystering is a popular recreational activity. In addition, oysters are obviously important commercially. Discriminating diners often prize the famous Wellfleet oyster. Oyster farming is practiced in a variety of places, including the waters off Falmouth, Barnstable, Dennis, Brewster, Chatham, and Orleans. I read that the Cape Cod Oyster Company is one of the largest oyster growers in New England, responsible for 10% of all Massachusetts oyster production.
While there is a strong Cape connection to oysters, our committee wondered about a biblical connection too. Then, the words of Jesus describing the nature of the kingdom of heaven came to mind. “The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.” This brief parable is part of several Jesus told to describe the nature of the kingdom of heaven, or alternatively, the kingdom of God.
We know that a person needs to search for oysters, to be able to enjoy them, and to find a pearl of great value and beauty. This parable invites us to reflect upon our own search for life with God, and to consider the value of what we have discovered in the process. Jesus says, although there are other “fine pearls,” that exist in life, the pursuit and discovery of our life with God is so valuable, nothing else really can compare.
Our oyster theme can prompt us to consider our on-going desire to seek out, to know, and to do God’s will. In many ways this is what we are all about as the church. Together, we are searching for this pearl of great value. We celebrate what we have “found” in the process and eagerly invite others to join us.
Our campaign this year prompts us to consider the value of what we share as the South Yarmouth United Methodist Church and to reflect upon how important this community of faith is to us, and to others.
During the month of October, we will once again invite people to make a financial pledge to support our life and ministry together in 2025. Please prayerfully consider your commitment. Throughout the month we’ll hear some testimonies, track the progress of our campaign, and celebrate people’s faithfulness with a special complimentary luncheon after worship on Sunday, October 27th.
What we share is both valuable and beautiful, like a pearl of great price. Let’s continue to support the life we have together with our pledges and look forward to all God seeks to share with us in the coming year.
Blessings,
Pastor John
