Are we sharing God's message of love as a church or as individuals?
The Vestry has been working through some exercises as we continue to lead and vision where God is calling our community to deepen discipleship and to share God's fundamental message of love. We discussed how we engage with people from all levels of our community; from those who are vicariously connected (and may never walk through our doors, but may be seen daily on our property to walk their dogs, or kids, or for Temple Shalom) to those who are our most mature practitioners of faith. Our goal is to share God's love as we understand it, and for those who feel called, help them deepen their faith and know that they are God's beloved.
One example of this was with Temple Shalom during their High Holiday services. Vestry member, Joe Desparte, asked how we could support them as they gathered for their most important services of the year given the increase in anti-semitism in our country. He suggested St. Cross members in the parking lots to welcome the Temple Shalom members, and to be an extra set of eyes and ears around the property. (Yes, Temple Shalom hires official security). This ministry of welcoming, welcoming people we know will never come to church, was an act of grace, kindness and was deeply appreciated by their community. Rev. Patti and I briefly participated in the Yom Kippur service Saturday morning, which was a poignant moment for all gathered. It isn't which side we are on, which religion we belong to, it is about sharing God's love, extending God's grace, gifting God's mercy to one another.
Engaging in such practices of faith isn't always easy to do, especially in our current political climate. I know many of you are worried about the election. And at the same time I have watched rhetoric on both sides slide into slinging insults and hyperbole. This type of exchange serves no one. There is a great difference between stating a strong opinion and insulting. Our faith calls all of us to respect the dignity of every human being. These aren't blythe words in our prayerbook, these are words that challenge us every day of our lives. How do we find respect, even relationship, when we disagree deeply? I do not have a magic answer that will solve our country's problems. But I can say that change starts with love and respecting the dignity of every human being, just as St. Cross did for Temple Shalom.
I pray that all of us can take a moment to examine where we are in our own discipleship development. Where are our growing edges? And what can we do about growing our faith? Truly, I pray daily for our church, our South Bay community and our country. I hope that you are doing the same.
Peace,
Rev. Rachel+
