From the General Presbyter
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
Yesterday the Revs. Phyllis Felton, Michele Ward, the Dismantling Racism Team, staff and clergy tech support plus one hundred others experienced a wonderful, thought provoking, powerful worship service and discussion time. The service gave a nod to the 100 year anniversary of a woman’s right to vote, but focused on what the marginalized have to do to get needs met, hopefully transforming the one who responds, as well as the one who asks.

There is much asking in these times and for some, it may look and sound like demanding. Well, it is. Women demanded the right to vote, persons of color, especially African American persons, are demanding equal treatment under the law and by the law. People are demanding to return to “normalcy,” some through government financial assistance and some by defying science and partying in large groups, unmasked.
The above scripture came to my mind: not as a call for petulance, stubbornness and entrenchment. I hear a call to be secure, grounded and persevering. We are secure in our place in the world, deserving of equality, health and wholeness. We are grounded in our faith in God who calls for justice, in the words of scripture. And we persevere, even in the midst of “crisis fatigue” toward a “more perfect union.”
It will not be in vain.
– Jackie