From the Pastor's Desk
Summer is nearly here. She officially makes her debut on the 21st of June, but once we get past Memorial Day the summer slowdown kicks in and we become more anxious to indulge in the joys summer brings. I hope you will find time for rest and relaxation this summer. I can't wait to hear about your time spent at the lake, your trips to beautiful places and the activities that make your summer special. You will find the newsletter information on topics we will consider in worship this summer. I love to offer sermon series in worship during the summer months. This year I will begin with a series of sermons that explore leadership using the stories of King David and the wisdom he provides. Later in the summer I will offer one of my favorite series entitled "The Gospel According to Dr. Seuss." The summer is a great time for creativity and exploration.
I will also take time this summer to read and discern how the church may respond to the life altering events unfolding on a daily basis in our country. It is easy to become numb to the pain and suffering that so many of our neighbors are experiencing, but our faith calls us to meet the needs of our neighbors and share our blessings with those who struggle. I am anxious to gather anyone who is curious to dialogue and pray and learn together. I am exploring the nature of white Christian nationalism; its origins, its effect on our current political landscape and the decisions that are being made and how our faith calls us to respond. While it includes "Christian" in the description, this is a political movement that cloaks itself in spiritual language. We know that our discipleship calls us to stand against oppression and with those who are marginalized or harmed by the decisions made by any administration. It is fascinating reading however, it is not enough to understand this movement. We must also discover how to use our power to help those who are the most vulnerable.
As I wonder and pray and try to process my anger and frustration at what is happening in our world, I am grateful for the thoughtful devotions written by Rev. Cameron Trimble I receive by email each morning. She is able to articulate well the things with which many of us wrestle. She includes questions to ponder and spiritual practices and practical actions we might take to keep us from feeling helpless. Today she invited her readers to consider the current budget bill that is making its way through the Congress and Senate. By the time you read receive this, it may have come to a resolution. However, I share with you the way in which she transforms her anger and frustration into a spiritual practice.
She invites her reader to "print out or write down a brief summary of what the "Big Beautiful Bill' proposes--especially its impacts on healthcare, food access, clean energy, and children. Fold it and put it in your pocket.
Then, go for a walk in your neighborhood--slowly, intentionally. As you walk, pay attention to who you see. Think of the people in your community who would be most affected by these cuts: the parent at the bus stop, the elderly neighbor on fixed income, the child in the playground, the local clinic staff, the person living unhoused.
With each step, let your awareness grow. This is not abstract. These are the people in the story.
When you return, unfold the paper. Read it again--not as policy, but as spiritual provocation.
Then, do one thing: Leave the paper somewhere visible--on your desk, your altar, your fridge--and write on it: Who is this hurting? What is mine to do?
Keep it with you as a living question. Let it work on you throughout the week--not from guilt, but from love." Even if the bill is a fete accompli, the invitation to visualize and to pray for those who are struggling in the aftermath of is passage is essential. Then, determine where and how we can step into the gap to meet the needs of those who suffer most. We cannot do everything, but I am sure there are small gestures of kindness and generosity that will make a difference.
If you would like to receive Rev. Trimble's reflections, you can subscribe to her newsletter Piloting Faith. If you are interested in exploring how to respond to our neighbors in practical and spiritual ways, stay tuned. We will offer ways to connect, learn and dialogue.
Happy summer! Keep the faith!
Peace,
Rev. Lynne
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