Sponsored by In the Loop Ministry Group and Dismantling Racism Team
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Observe October 30th as “Vote Our Values Sunday” to help folks remember and prepare for Election Day. Reflect on our commitment to the common good, provide others with the information they need to vote and to cast their ballot, and prepare to vote as a community.
Quotes for Thought and Communal Reflection
By Minister Jason Carson Wilson, M. Div., Justice and Peace Policy Fellow, United Church of Christ
“Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32
“Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.” – John Quincy Adams, 6th President of the United States of America
“If we desire a society of peace, then we cannot achieve such a society through violence. If we desire a society without discrimination, then we must not discriminate against anyone in the process of building this society. If we desire a society that is democratic, then democracy must become a means as well as an end.” – Bayard Rustin
“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” – Audre Lorde, Our Dead Behind Us: Poems
“Is this not the fast which I choose, To loosen the bonds of wickedness, To undo the bands of the yoke, And to let the oppressed go free And break every yoke? Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry And bring the homeless poor into the house; When you see the naked, to cover him; And not to hide yourself from your own flesh?” – Isaiah 58:6-10
Music
- “Give Me Jesus” (Performed by Christopher Price and Arranged by Garrett Hedlund)
- “Somebody’s Knocking At The Door” (Glory to God #728 and Performed by Ochoa Middle School Choir, Arranged by Ronald Melrose)
- “Music Down In My Soul” (Performed by Messiah College Concert Choir, Arranged by Moses Hogan)
- “We Are Marching In The Light of God” (Glory to God #853)
- “Cuando el pobre, When the Poor Ones” (Glory to God #762)
- “Now, Behold The Lamb” (Performed by Kirk Franklin, The Family)
- “Lead Me, Guide Me” (Glory to God #740 and Performed by Velma Willis)
Prayers of the People
Adapted from Rev. Shannon Kelly, Director Department of Faith Formation, The Episcopal Church
Leader: Loving God, creator of this world who is the source of our wisdom and understanding, watch over this nation during this time of election. Help us to see how our faith informs our principles and actions.
People: God, our creator, Guide us in truth and love.
Leader: We give thanks for the right to vote. Help us to hold this privilege and responsibility with the care and awareness it merits, realizing that our vote matters and that it is an act of faith.
People: God, our creator, Guide us in truth and love.
Leader: Guide us through this election as a nation, state, and community as we vote for people to do work on our behalf and on the behalf of our communities. Help us to vote for people and ballot initiatives that will better our community and our world so it may reflect the values Christ taught us.
People: God, our creator, Guide us in truth and love.
Leader: Help us create communities that will build your kingdom here on earth – communities that will protect the poor, stand up for the vulnerable, advocate for those who are not seen and heard, and listen to everyone’s voice.
People: God, our creator, Guide us in truth and love.
Leader: We pray for this nation that is deeply divided. May we come together for the common good and do as you have called us to do – to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you through creation.
People: God, our creator, Guide us in truth and love.
Leader: Help us act out of love, mercy and justice rather than out of arrogance or fear.
People: God, our creator, Guide us in truth and love.
Leader: Lord, continue to guide us as we work for the welfare of this world. We pray for places that are torn by violence, that they may know peace.
People: God, our creator, Guide us in truth and love.
Leader: We pray for communities who are struggling with inequality, unrest, and fear. May we all work toward reconciliation with one another and with God.
People: God, our creator, Guide us in truth and love. Help us to listen in love, work together in peace, and collaborate with one another as we seek the betterment of our community and world.
