PSWR Disciples,
Happy New Year!
I took some time off during Advent and a little bit more. Our regional work and ministry continued thanks in large part to our regional leadership and staff and all of you. Thank you for the gift of rest. Our region is always a reality of more than one, its beauty, meaning and power come from God through all of us. We’re always in the best of hands. I hope you were able to find peace, love and light in our days of Advent. I imagine these would have looked and been experienced, more differently than ever before. Although, the glory of the season is that it builds time and space for the Light of the World. I know we need this Light for our way forward more than ever.
We have had a lot happen in the past few weeks. On January 6th, our world could see with disbelief and dismay an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Only to find days later, January 22nd, on the same steps, then California Senator, Kamala Harris as the first woman, African American and South Asian American sworn in as Vice-President of the United States. It was a time of great inspiration and meaning, working to overcome and overshadow the grappling of our nation’s long problem of racism. On this same day, we heard from a young heroine poet, Amanda Gorman, remind our nation’s conscience, and say, “We’ve braved the belly of the beast – We’ve learned that quiet isn’t always peace – And the norms and notions – or what just is – Isn’t always just-ice – And yet the dawn is ours.” Indeed. I’m encouraged by the work of our regional ministry committees, Pro-Reconciling Anti-Racism, Church in Society and Ecumenical Interfaith Relations Committee who meet regularly to help us become better.
On January 31, these three committees and many, many more leaders throughout the region held a special online event. It helped us to remember and celebrate the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr. It featured a beautiful program, music and a special keynote address by Rev. Dr. Alvin Jackson. Please watch it now on this YouTube link. Dr. Jackson called us to remember (paraphrase) that while Dr. King grew to become our nation’s conscience, Dr. King was an echo of a voice from One (Jesus) who came from before us all. Even, in the face of our current trials we can “surely” count on the promises of God to carry us in the same ways done before unto the day we can all declare, “we are free at last.” It was a needed Word for our time!
This time is filled with many struggles, for our congregations, lay leaders and Clergy who are longing to “demonstrate true community” and reclaim a “passion for justice.” I would note that it is difficult to realize these longings without working toward a deep/er Christian spirituality. I hear “echo” of the words of 1 John 4: 18 - 19 NRSV, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because he first loved us.” I do realize we are in a pandemic. However, what our society needs is more caution, concern, cooperation, intentionality in all of our doing (wearing a mask as required) and more love for each other than ever before. Less fear.
I wonder if we are giving each other grace enough to accept the same reality. We are in a pandemic. Its results have caused unimaginable pain and it is still ongoing. We must not give in to the temptation to quickly return to a normal and operate as if nothing is happening. We have yet some time before normal can be seen or experienced. Even, if it will be a new normal. Please pray for all of your siblings in the Church, in this Region and especially for your sisters and brothers at Iglesia Fe, Esperanza y Amor Christian Church as they grieve the passing of their beloved pastor Taurino Rivera. As we look to the hills for our help. (Psalm 121) Amid these difficult and troubled days, in the words of Amanda Gorman, “there is always light - If only we’re brave enough to see it - If only we’re brave enough to be it.” Thanks be to God for all of you!
With Light and Love,
Richie
