Three-day weekend!

Dear Congregation,

We stand at the beginning of a three-day weekend leading up to Monday’s celebration of the life and work of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Monday also marks the one year anniversary of the Inauguration of President Donald Trump, which has resulted in huge and harmful changes in the federal government’s policies and actions. It’s really quite concerning to look at what a negative difference a year has made on so many levels and for so many people and institutions.

Because of all that has happened and is happening today—particularly around the treatment of immigrants and lethal enforcement methods used by ICE resulting in Renee Good’s death—one could think of our time as a midnight of the soul. And so I share with you Dr. King’s words on Hope.

“Midnight is a confusing hour when it is difficult to be faithful. The most inspiring word that the church may speak is that no midnight long remains. The weary traveler by midnight who asks for bread is really seeking the dawn. (Luke 11:5-9) Our eternal message of hope is that dawn will come.”

“Faith in the dawn arises from the faith that God is good and just. When one believes this, he/she knows that the contradictions of life are neither final nor ultimate. They can walk through the dark night with the radiant conviction that all things work together for good for those that love God. Even the most starless midnight may herald the dawn of some great fulfillment.”

I do hope you will join me in worship this Sunday when we lift up Dr. King’s legacy and celebrate the importance of freedom and justice for all. Our worship band’s music will help us do just that. Be sure to be there at 10:45 a.m. for their Gathering Music.

God Bless You!

In Christ’s love,

Pastor Candy