From the General Presbyter

“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions. And the roots spring up and make new trees.”

Amelia Earhart

Some neighbors, who are also colleagues, gave me some ferns out of their garden. At home, I found the perfect spot and began to dig. The first spot resisted. Why? Because there was a network of tangled roots just four inches below the surface. I do live in the woods, so I expect roots when I garden. But these roots where running north, south, east and west and piled on top of each other. I chopped away until I could get the plant in.

Just a foot away, another spot was so pliable, I could’ve struck oil! There was a root here and there, but it was easy to plant because the roots were able to yield.

There are so many things happening right now related to roots. Racism has deep roots. We are now discovering just how deep in just one aspect of American life: the police department. COVID-19 exposed roots of classism, and the disparity in health care and racial access. COVID-19 also exposed the American entitlement complex like “I don’t want to wear a mask because it infringes on my civil rights” and sentiments like this.

And what about church roots? We are now discovering just how deep our roots are in how we worship and where we worship. I know pastors are fielding calls from restless members who want to “get back in.” Never mind the online presence may be having a positive impact on the ministry or folks are meeting more people from their communities. My question is this: Are our roots (traditions, buildings, worship time) so tangled that nothing new can be planted or grow?

– Jackie