Dear One’s of St. C’s, 

I just want to say I have felt so proud of our church community during this time.  The people who became buddy captains when we our country was in the middle of a health crisis, everyone who has reached out to support one another as we navigate this challenging time, those who have given time or money to the food bank, and all those who have helped and supported pop up church and the virtual worship service. Even though, I sadly, have not been able to hug or high five or shake hands with any of you since March, I feel like our community is more connected than ever.  We have not let the lie of isolation win.  Through phone calls, texting, emailing, and zoom we have reminded each other that we are loved by one another and by God.  Even though we all cannot take Eucharist together we continue to be the body of Christ to the world and for one another.  Even though the threat of this virus took away the main way we knew how to gather and be together, we didn’t let it take away our love and care for one another and our community at large. 

Our church has participated in two protests to support the Black Lives Matter movement since June totaling in over 50 people from our church standing with Black Lives.  Our youth participated in an 4 anti-racist youth group meetings and a group of adults read and discussed, the book “So You Want to Talk about Race.”

As protests on behalf of black lives continue around the country, as we continue to hear about the spread of COVID-19 and the death toll and unemployment continues to rise, as the election nears, let us remember Jesus’ words to his disciples at the last supper, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)  This is not an easy commandment in a world that is committed to tearing communities and people apart, but this is the commandment that has been given to us.  And I am encouraged by what I see when I think about this church and all the ways we strive to love one another.  We always have room to learn and grow, but in the moment I am taking a break to say, well done, my beloved community.  I am proud to serve this congregation and to continue to seek out ways together to love one another and to love this world that God so deeply loves.

with love and care, 

Meghan