Autumn in New York

September 24, 2025

Many years ago, I read a book that left a lasting impression on me. It reminded me that disability is not simply a subject for compassion but a window into God’s grace. The author made an important distinction: true theology does not only speak about people with disabilities, but learns to see God’s truth through the reality of disability itself.

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The Bible never treats weakness or limitation as punishment or shame. Moses struggled to speak, Paul lived with his thorn in the flesh, and Jesus Himself entered our brokenness as the wounded healer. The apostle Paul says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Again and again, God shows that His strength is revealed most clearly in places the world calls weak.

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This means that every person, regardless of ability, bears the full image of God. People with disabilities are not objects of pity; they are our brothers, sisters, and fellow teachers in the body of Christ. Their presence calls us to reorder our community around grace rather than human ability.

 

And here is our hope: in the resurrection, our weakness will not simply be erased but redeemed. In Christ, what the world sees as brokenness will shine with His glory. Until that day, may we be a church that welcomes, learns, and sees Christ in the very places the world tends to look away.

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In His Grace Alone,
Pastor Brian Lee

 

September 21, 2025
Dear Riverside Community Church,
Grace to you.

Individuals with disabilities and special needs have a special place in the Kingdom of God. They shine the Gospel of Christ more brightly for all of us who are spiritually challenged. When the New York Chapter of Milal spoke to me about their annual music festival, I knew it was special. They were looking to partner with a church for this year's Music Festival, and I volunteered our church. I went "out on a limb" sort of, unsure of the support I would garner as I broke the news of this unscheduled event for our community. Your response has been overwhelming. Thank you.
 

Thank you, Special Events Ministry (Jae Woo), for spearheading this project. Thank you, Compassion Ministry (Dora Lim), Missions Committee (Esther Vukosavovic), and the Deacons (Joon Koh) for providing the support.

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Please attend and consider volunteering for the kitchen, if possible (see Jae Woo).

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See you at 6 PM on October 4th!