What Keeps Us Human

Dear MRC Family,

Pentecost blessings to you in this season of Ordinary Time

Well, beloved, it has been a week, again. In between remembering the tragedy of 9/11, we’ve had more gun violence and political violence. I’ve been trying to hold on to certain fruit of the Spirit that we explored this summer in worship; namely, peace, kindness, and generous goodness. And to be honest, it’s been difficult. But then I read a quote on Facebook posted by a colleague, Reverend Adriene Thorne, the senior minister of The Riverside Church: 

 . . . empathy is our inoculation to [that] hatred and fear. It is not weakness. It is strength. It is not acceptance of violence and bigotry. It is rejection of cruelty and hate. We have empathy, not dependent upon whether others behave like decent human beings—but because we are decent humans being. That is how we build a future
committed to justice, not violence. We have empathy, because it is what keeps us human.

And that is something we cannot afford to lose. — Qasim Rashid

Empathy — that’s what we need to have the Spirit move in us

May we practice empathy together this Sunday in worship? It’s Rally Day, when we celebrate the beginning of our fall programming and have the Blessing of the Backpacks. Our New Jericho Choir is singing; our Joyful Noise Adult Choir is singing; and I am preaching from Genesis 21.1-7 — Isaac, child of the covenant promise, is born to Abraham and Sarah — and my sermon title is The Laughter-Child. As it is the second Sunday of the month, we will receive our Deacons’ offering to help those in need in our church and community. 

Also, we will be given our Light for the season, and this time it’s a bit different, and I believe, quite needed. During the Receiving of Our Light, you will be invited to come forward and select a colored candle from our Children & Worship teachers based on what you are praying for/focusing on this year. Please light your candle from the Christ Candle and place it at the back of the sandbox to make room for others. The colors
represent:
Pink: Hope
Purple: Peace
Blue: Justice
White: Empathy

Finally, after worship you are invited to a delicious brunch in our Education Building prepared by the faithful and fabulous Kitchen Team.

Keep following and bothering Jesus, beloved. And stay human.

With gratitude for the privilege of being your pastor and the holy call of loving you,

Pastor Trish