To my friends and allies in the church:
In conversation and prayer this week, I'm so very aware of your hard work and your deep longing in anticipation of next week's elections in the United States. You're exhausted, as I am, by these years of derisive rhetoric and divisive leadership. You're anxious, as I am, for those most vulnerable to authoritarianism and bigotry. And you're aching for relief and hope and a sign of better times to come.
I want to offer to you a few opportunities, as the next few days roll along. I hope, in these ways, that we can remain connected, attentive to one another, and committed to the gospel ministry of lovingkindness, justice and mercy. If we can, we will be prepared for whatever next week brings, for the many challenges ahead in repairing, inspiring and serving our communities.
(NOV. 1) SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP (Online): Our Community Church's Sunday service is online Sunday, and I hope you'll find the Zoom link here. This week, I'm in conversation with James McKim, who serves as President of the Manchester Chapter of the NAACP. James is also an Episcopallian layperson and serves on the bishop's task force for racial justice and reconciliation. He offers a faithful perspective on the challenges of 2020, the importance of Tuesday's election and the prospects for racial justice as we move forward. I know you'll appreciate his spirit and encouragement.
(NOV. 1) WALK-UP COMMUNION (Front Steps): After the online service, I'll set up a simple communion station outside the church on the sanctuary's front steps. I hope you'll walk over, or drive by, and find meaning and purpose in the sacrament that binds us to Jesus' life and ministry. I've discovered a company that delivers pre-packaged communion: the tiny cup of grape juice, wrapped with a tiny wafer. It'll be safe; we'll all be masked. And you're welcome to take your pre-packaged communion somewhere you're comfortable and at peace. In taking the bread and cup in this way, we're reminded of our unique calling in the church: to celebrate the promise of life in the midst of so much uncertainty, to bear the cross for friend and foe, and to look for the Spirit in ordinary and extraordinary moments every day.
(NOV. 2) THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST WORSHIPS (Online): On Monday evening at 7, our united and uniting church gathers on line for an election eve service of worship and prayer. You're invited to join national leaders, conference ministers and denominational prophets and activists--for an hour of inspiring prayer, moving music, and covenant commitment to the common good. You'll find that link here--and you're invited to register now, so you'll receive the information for joining the service on Monday evening.
(NOV. 3) TUESDAY NIGHT: CONVERSATION & PRAYER (Online): Like me, many of you will be up later than usual Tuesday night, watching returns, wondering what it all means. I invite you to join a Zoom meeting at 11 pm, for about 30 minutes, as we check in, share reactions and ideas, and pray for the healing of our country and future of our planet. If you'd this kind of gathering helpful, if you'd appreciate the prayer and encouragement, I hope you'll join us at 11.
There's more, of course. You all have phones, and you know how to use them. I hope you'll check in with friends, maybe even a church friend you've not touched in many months. Let's continue to build the network of compassion, the circle of mercy that the church can be.
