Beautiful Ones,
Over the past month, I have been part of a cohort that has been building a worship experience for February. I borrow this synopsis of our collaboration from Rev. Lauren Bennett, Associate Pastor of the Metropolitan Church of Greater St. Louis:
“This month, we are leaning into the blessing of Black History. Though Black History Week has been celebrated in some official way since 1915, it wasn’t until 1976 Black History Month was recognized by President Ford, who called on Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
In church, we often ignore national holidays and months of recognition, but the Christian church has played a central role in Black History – in awful, oppressive ways and in freeing, liberative ways alike. So this month, we will lean into the church’s complicated history. Each week, we will consider a theme that we can carry with us forward as we seek to “build a world where everyone has enough, wars cease, and all creation can live in harmony.”
You may have heard that this past week many HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities) around the country have been subjected to bomb threats and disruptions. It breaks my heart that our black siblings continue to be subjected to domestic terrorism. Please hold them, the perpetrators, and, indeed, all of us in prayer as we continue the struggle in the arc of the moral universe bending toward justice.
In spite of the hate, we will honor and celebrate! To kick off the month, we welcome Rev. Lorrie Owens – Assistant Pastor of His Gospel Christian Fellowship in Oakland and President of the NAACP/San Mateo – to launch us into the celebration.
I look forward to seeing you Sunday on Zoom!
With love,
Rev. Michael Cronin
