Dear St. Lukers,
Well, here we are. The votes have been cast, the motions have been made, and we will have a new president and government. As I have watched the election results, one thing is clear: we are a divided nation. The percentage points of victory are less than 5%. The consensus in exit polls was that the majority of people voted due to economic stress and concern about democracy. But, as I stated two weeks ago in reading the preamble of the Constitution – we do not all agree on the definitions anymore.
The work of the church is clear to me: healing and standing true to our core values. Our commitment to compassion, justice, and progress is stronger than any single political outcome. Our work is not defined by one election but by our enduring mission to bring hope and healing to a world in need.
We will continue to be about the work of God’s mission: healing division, providing ways for economic security, creating sacred space for dialogue, listening that builds understanding and empathy, and being a brave and safe place for the vulnerable and marginalized. Practicing the guidelines is the first step. These guidelines are critically important in these times. Redefining Christianity in the world by our love is imperative.
While some in our congregation and community may feel satisfied, others are feeling defeated and scared. Plans and policies talked about will actually make them more vulnerable. Remember to try on–listening empathetically to another person’s experience. Let us not forget our calling and our values of love and hospitality that is not just welcoming, but the chesed hospitality of Scripture–loving faithfulness that protects and cares as God is lovingly faithful. Remember, you don’t have to agree, but you do need to believe people and hear people’s hearts right now.
The votes and motions were cast and God is in control; we are God’s people and there is MUCH work for God’s people to do to heal and stand firm on our values. Our church has long stood for the rights and dignity of every individual, advocating for inclusive and just policies, including access to healthcare for all, rights, equality, and safety for all women, all races and all people including our LGBTQ+ siblings, justice for those struggling with poverty, and compassion for the immigrant and marginalized. Because this is the work the Gospel calls us to and we remain committed to advancing these ideals through acts of love, dialogue, and partnerships within our community.
The true work of healing and revealing God’s Kingdom community has never been, and will never be, the work or power of government. That holy and sacred work is always the work of God’s people in the world, leading their lives with love, following the example of Jesus Christ.
This Sunday we continue to be Purpose-FULL. And we’ve decided that since the grounding of all our FULLness and PURPOSE is God’s love, we will come again to the table Christ set that is expansive, wide, and full of mercy and grace for all.
Keep our Cuba team in your prayers as they are working with the DS and pastor of Melones to discern the needs after Hurricane Rafael and whether it is safe and helpful to travel on Saturday. Please keep our sister church and all of the people in Cuba in your prayers as they continue to rebuild after these hurricanes. As I said, there is MUCH work to be done, and I can’t think of a better church to do it than St. Luke’s.
See you Sunday in worship as we gather at the table of love and find a deeper meaning and understanding of joy that doesn’t come from this world.
Jenn.