Co-creators,
I write to you from my hotel room in Madisonville, suburban Cincinnati, Ohio. It is a trek that involves O’Hare and a change of terminals that will earn one all the suggested steps in a day. During my half hour and some ride from the Cincinnati Airport (actually in Kentucky) to the hotel, I crossed the famous Ohio river. I saw the Paycor Stadium (home to the Bengals) and the Great American Ballpark (home to the Reds) and a lot of trees.
I am here for the Annual National Gathering of the Open and Affirming Congregations in the United Church of Christ, promoting “A Just World for All”. Springfield, Ohio – which has been in the news – is just an hour and fifteen minutes North. What started as a local racist “joke” was disseminated nationally in a series of untruths that has brought unrest and hateful energy into the community. Those jockeying for positions of power, who could correct the false narrative, continue to defend it. Making a better world?
This Sunday, Rev. Michael Hollingshead, retired pastor of Island United, has graciously accepted the invitation to be with you while I am here. It just so happens that the text is Mark 9:30-37 — a moment when the disciples are arguing about who is the greatest. Jesus schools them about being servants, while holding a child and saying, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.” Advocating for a better world.
Please join us at 10 am on Balclutha, Zoom, or Livestream as Rev. Michael shares his insights on the text. Invite a friend.
We’ve got some work to do. I look forward to seeing you on the 29th!
Love,
Rev. Michael Cronin
