we have work to do

As I write this weekly E News message, we are still awaiting results of our national Election. Thank you for joining in prayer on the Eve of voting. We continue to pray together, in a non-partisan fashion, for our nation.

We await a final tally of votes. But we already see - in this time of waiting - that we remain sorely divided as a nation. One commentator I read remarked that this is the most divided our nation has been since the 1850’s. I found this an ominous comparison, since a mention of that historic era surely refers to the build-up to our Civil War. We have work to do.

We are reminded - so powerfully - that our wounds as a nation date back to the colonialism and slavery that characterized our founding. Over time, we added layers of immigration and assimilation that we now describe as a “melting pot.” Surely, it is this diversity that gives our country its greatness! But our original wounds are still right there, under the surface of our society. At times, in our United States, those wounds break wide open. This is one of those times.

As we move forward together, post-election, I commend to you a new conversation at Trinity Church highlighted in this E News – a program of study and dialogue hoping to deepen our understanding of racism. I have sat with a small group for a month now to design a process for this conversation. I feel so very blessed to be able to serve with such thoughtful and wise Christian leaders! I look forward to including other voices in this conversation.

This is the most important work of Christian Formation I need to engage in. I need to learn about our history - in Newtown, in our nation, in our Church. Deepening my understanding will help me reach out to my sisters and brothers who are suffering, to build bridges and relationships that can help heal this nation in years to come. Join us!

May the peace of Christ be with you,
Rev. Andrea