Nov 4, 2020

Friends,

 

There is a lot of anxiety today, as there has been throughout this election cycle. People are wondering what comes next, for our nation, for our state, for our community. Regardless of which political party you support, you may be feeling anxious, afraid, disappointed, and confused. I know I am! We heard the rumors about possible violence and protests. We heard the rhetoric about possible election interference. And we hear that we must be patient and calm, even when we feel like there is no calm center right now.

 

Even as you receive this newsletter, we still do not know any definitive results about the Presidential election.

 

I am having difficulty finding hope in our national political institutions and structures; they feel broken beyond repair to me, on every side, from every perspective.

 

But it is not my role to find hope in our political institutions. I am a pastor and a person of faith. I look to my faith to find hope. And right now I am concentrating on a few things. One is the passage from Matthew’s gospel we read on Sunday: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Another is from Psalm 90: “Lord, you have been our refuge from one generation to another. Before the mountains were brought forth, or the earth and the world were formed, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”

 

I may not have much faith in our political institutions or our national partisan politics or our government, but I have faith that the God who has always been our God, will continue to treasure us and hold us close. I am praying this prayer today: 

 

Prayer for Our Country (from the Book of Common Worship)

 

 Almighty God, you have given us this good land as our heritage. Make us always remember your generosity and constantly do your will. Bless our land with honest industry, sound learning, and an honorable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Make us, who come from many nations with many different languages, a united people. Defend our liberties and give those whom we have entrusted with the authority of government the spirit of wisdom that there might be justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankful; and, in troubled times, do not let our trust in you fail. We ask all this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Peace,

Pastor Jack