Beloveds,
As I write this to you, I know the gamut of emotions is running wildly throughout our country. I have faith that “all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.” On our Facebook page, I wrote:
“The sun rose today. It will set tonight and rise again tomorrow. The work we had yesterday is still the work of today and tomorrow.
Isaiah 58: 6-12 (Inclusive Bible):
6 Remove the chains of injustice!
Undo the ropes of the yoke!*
Let those who are oppressed go free,
and break every yoke you encounter!
7 Share your bread with those who are hungry,
and shelter homeless poor people!
Clothe those who are naked,
and don’t hide from the needs of your own flesh and blood!
8 Do this, and your light will shine like the dawn—
and your healing will break forth like lightning!
Your integrity will go before you,
and the glory of GOD will be your rearguard.
9 Cry, and GOD will answer;
call, and will say, ‘I am here’—
provided you remove from your midst
all oppression, finger pointing, and malicious talk!
10 If you give yourself to the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your shadows will become like noon.
11 GOD will always guide you,
giving relief in desert places,
will give strength to your bones
and you will be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water
whose waters never run dry.
12 You will rebuild the ancient ruins,
and build upon age-old foundations.
You will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
and Restorer of Ruined Neighborhoods.”
We completed a five-week journey toward building a purple zone prior to the election. It is our unity in our diversity, and our love for one another, that will give us the strength to continue the work that we are called to do. As Spirit is prone to move, the series creator delivered a post-election extension of “Do Unto Others: “Making Room for Peace”. We don’t know what really lies ahead. Let us be at peace and let us make peace. Remember, Scripture says, “Fear not!”
I look forward to being with you on 1130 Balclutha, Zoom, or Livestream this Sunday at 10 am. Invite someone whose heart might be troubled or afraid to be in a sanctuary and community of love. Now is the time.
Love,
Rev. Michael Cronin
