We've been getting a lot of good advice from civil rights leaders, theologians, historians, community organizers, and even newscasters. Know your rights. Find your community. Pace yourself. Breathe through it. Stay hydrated. Be careful about your media consumption – analyze, question, review with a critical eye. Find or develop spiritual practices that keep you centered on Christ. They're called "disciplines" for a reason. They will keep your mind and spirit disciplined. If worship once a week is enough to keep you from spinning out, great. Or perhaps you need rituals or routines done more frequently. Light a candle, gather your people, read your scriptures and remind yourself of the prophets. Read a good book. Choose an unconventional saint or good troublemaker (there's some examples on the vestry wall) who have faced hard times and who can speak to us across time of how to make it through.
Check on those who are being targeted and are afraid – immigrants, LGBTQ+ persons, young women, disabled persons, public school teachers, police officers triggered by felons who attacked them being pardoned, those unable to access their Medicare/Medicare payments, medical health professionals, civil servants.
In an Episcopal letter, Bishop Bickerton wrote:
This is a day when the struggle for human rights has reached a new level of importance. It is a day when we must find ways to minister to those around us for if we do not, there is no guarantee that anyone will. This is the time for the church to live out its faith in acts of compassion, grace, justice, joy and love.
In the midst of all that we have experienced in the last few days, there is still much that we do not know. While we are being briefed by state government officials, they acknowledge there's much they do not know. It's important to remember that specific strategies used today may rapidly change tomorrow as policies and actions emerge. We pledge to all of you that we will keep you informed about actions and directions that are recommended to us.
Most of all today, let us reaffirm who we are and what we are called to be as the church: a place of welcome, belonging, safety, and peace. Let us support one another as a people who, by faith, are called to take bold steps to live out our faith, not just talk about it.
Join us in worship this Sunday when Peggy Drew will bring us a word on "Beyond Chaos." Due to the medical emergency with Jim Besada, Deacon Kristy Besada will not be able to lead communion this Sunday. The service of Holy Communion has been postponed to February 9 (we appreciate your understanding).
Peace,
Pastor Kelly
PS. To read the full letter from Bishop Bickerton, click here.
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