From the Pastor
Dear Friends,
While the suffering of far too many to name continues, we are haunted by the ongoing devastation of human life in this nation and beyond its shores. We are overwhelmed with the enormity of loss upon loss, so much so that we are often paralyzed with grief and fear. We remember….Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico, Myanmar, Las Vegas….and so many more…
And yet, somehow, in our acknowledgement of the darkness, we are struck by the power of love’s light. As Meister Eckhart said, “Truly, it is in darkness that one finds the light, so when we are in sorrow, then this light is nearest of all to us.”
Many will light candles and hold silence to represent this light-bearing-hope in a dark world. Others will use their bodies as life-bearing witnesses in peaceful protest, while many more will write letters and make calls demanding accountable legislation for countless lives lost to gun violence. While each one must find their own way through the grip of grief, we know that it is in sharing love that we are transformed by its mysterious healing power.
You are invited to write letters of love and encouragement to those listed below and to anyone else on your heart & mind. This will be for ALL ages.
1) The hospital staff of the University Medical Center in Las Vegas. Everyone from the surgeons to the social workers to the custodians were affected by caring for hundreds of shooting victims. We could send them words of compassion and gratitude for their work and prayers for their well-being as they care for victims.
2) Your representatives about gun legislation. Do your research and know what you want to say about the role you see for laws related to gun violence. The United Church of Christ offers these resources http://www.ucc.org/gun-violence
3) Refugee families resettled in the Triangle. Let them know the gifts you see them bringing, the value they add to our communities, and the welcome they have in you.
4) The United Church of Christ Disaster Relief ministries or Disciples of Christ’s Week of Com passion in the form of a check or cash. Both are already at work in Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico and Mexico in response to the recent hurricanes and earthquake. Money is often the most efficient way to make a difference. You can contribute to helping communities rebuild.
Write to one or all four options as you are led. Children are encouraged to write letters, too. Drop your letter off at the church office, to Pastor Jenny, or place them in the offering plate on Sunday.
Spirit is leading the way,
Rev. Jenny Shultz-Thomas, Community UCC & Rev. Diane Faires, St. Paul’s CC