For Times Like These

Dear Saints,

It's been a decisive week for our country with the 2024 Election this last Tuesday. For about half of the electorate this has been a week of triumph and for a slightly smaller margin one of profound loss. Whatever one's politics are, however, it's hard to be someone who loves this country and their fellow citizens without experiencing grief. Grief over the fracture that exists among us. How it is repaired. How we heal. And where we go from here.

I thought our Bishop addressed this so poignantly that I want to share her words. You can read the full text and sign up for diocesan emails here:

If there is ever a time for us to take a moment to reflect on our baptismal covenant and our promise to follow Jesus’ teaching and example, this is it. If there is ever a time for us to talk about who we are as Christ’s people, what we believe and why, this is it. If there is ever a time for us to step up, to face into the unknown while proclaiming Christ crucified and risen, this is it.

I woke up yesterday morning concerned about the safety of our people … for women with health care needs, for those of us who are not white, for our LGBTQ+ friends and family, for our immigrant communities, for those who dare to criticize the powers and principalities, for the weak and vulnerable, for those who feel powerless and have no advocate. The gospel call to care for those on the margins is as strong as ever. I hope that, after we center ourselves in prayer and in community, we rise up in the full knowledge of what Christ Jesus has commanded, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40

It may seem that, in the days ahead, great uncertainty looms. So let me remind us that we have everything we need to meet whatever lies up ahead. In our baptismal covenant we have promised to respect the dignity of every human being, to resist evil, to repent and to return to the Lord. We have promised to seek and serve Christ in all persons loving our neighbors as ourselves. We have promised to strive for justice and peace among all people.

Our life in Christ has given us the capacity to do all this and more.

This Sunday I will be expanding on some of these ideas and how we locate ourselves first and foremost in the Kingdom of God. I am looking forward to our worship, time to come together to break bread, pray for one another and hear the good news of God in Christ.

I also want to stress that I and other All Saints clergy are here for you. There is great value in sitting with an intentional listener to process things out loud. You can email me at priest@allsaintspdx.org and my cell is in the directory. Please don't hesitate to reach out.

I am glad to announce the Social Justice & Advocacy group will be having an in-person gathering after the 10:15am service for anyone who would like to join.

Lastly, I am SO thankful for the birthday celebration after the 10:15am service for Leroy Goertz so that we can celebrate him, celebrate the gift of life and relationships and all while enjoying delicious pie! All are welcome.

Below I have included a prayer/encouragement that has helped me this week. My love and prayers are with you all.

Andria+

Photo by Josh Eckstein on Unsplash