From the General Presbyter

“I’ve got my shoes on and I’m ready to get to work.”

– Senator Raphael Warnock, first African American Senator from Georgia, sworn in by the new Vice President, Kamala Harris.

When then Senator Harris was selected as Joe Biden’s running mate, he asked her, “are you ready to get to work?” She replied, “I am so ready!”

Our New Year was so rudely interrupted by the events at the Capitol, but things have visibly calmed down, for now – so are you ready to get to work?

Each new leader and or administration begins with a list of things to do in the first 100 days. Curious, over the years, these “things” have been in three categories. The first, improvements on already established norms or practices. Second, reversal of the old, and third, something brand new to enact or respond to.

Presbytery, I would like us to spend our first 100 days on the third category and not just new – for new’s sake. I want us to start something innovative, creative, inspiring and prophetic. I want us to respond to COVID differently, which is a commitment to get a safe vaccine when it is your turn and improve your online church experience until it is safe to regather. Herd immunity will be reached when 80% of the population is vaccinated, the last I heard. I also want you to think differently about how you express disagreements and conflict. (Check out the Restorative Mindset Training scheduled for next month.)

Why, you ask? Because if this pandemic has taught us anything, we have learned that the universe will not allow us to do the same things over and over. COVID did not allow us to ease into change! So why ease now? Something you’ve always wanted to try? Try it!

Put on your shoes and get to work.

– Jackie