Dear Friend,

This has been a hard week in the United States (and the world). Even harder if you spent any time on social media. More and more often, the terrible acts of violence that capture the national attention do little to nothing to bring us together. Instead they seem to immediately result in the drawing of lines in the sand with everyone taking to their well-rehearsed arguments for why the “other side” is to blame. Most of this rhetoric serves as further fuel for violence in speech and action.

As a minister, the challenge becomes: how do we balance calling for empathy, compassion and not demonizing each other, while also being clear that movements of white supremacy and Christian nationalism are dangerous and antithetical to the scriptures. Again and again, I go to the scriptures, trying not to bring my own bias (see the article in Something to Read), but seeking the wisdom of a God who proclaims all creation “good,” who seeks out the outsider, who cares for the lost and the least, who loves unconditionally, but who also has high standards for justice and peace.

I pray to be able to hold a sense of compassion for everyone, even those with whom I disagree, while also clearly calling out, with love, words and actions that harm others. I hope we will find this balance together, seeking God’s wisdom in all our interactions.

Blessings,
Pastor Jenny

I am not willing to concede the Bible

to those who wield it like a weapon

by Sarah Bessey

I appreciated a lot about this interview, especially the framing of new lenses with which we can interpret the Bible. I especially resonated with the quote from Sarah Bessey that started it out when she writes, “I’ve felt such cognitive dissonance – and deep grief – all over again this week because of the reality that the very thing that compels me to pursue more healing liberation, more empathy, more costly love, and more sacrificial compassion is somehow the same one that is seemingly leading others in a completely opposite direction.”

Read the full article here.

Everything is Terrible and No One is Ok

Matthew Black

I went to seminary with Matthew Black though it has been 20 years now since I’ve seen him. I remember him leading music in many of our seminary worship services and singing with him in the choir. He is an indie progressive Christian song writer and we have the opportunity to hear him in concert this Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 6:30 in our Sanctuary. I hope you’ll join him and here is a link to the title song on his newest album so you can get an idea of who he is.

Walking the Camino

CBS Saturday Morning

Have you ever been on a pilgrimage? I’ve had several clergy colleagues walk the Camino in the last decade and while my knees aren’t up to that kind of walking, it is interesting to me to think about the purpose and meaning that can be found in an intentional pilgrimage. Would you consider going on a pilgrimage?

For Caring Less About the Opinions of Others

Our God, in whom we trust,
Strengthen us not to regard overmuch
Who is for us or who is against us,
But to see to it that we be with you
In everything we do.
Amen.