Greetings Friends,
Several folks asked that I use the opportunity to share the quote from Thomas Merton I read in service on Sunday. In light of the evolving situation in Iran, these words from his “The Root of War is Fear” which he wrote in the midst of the Cold War stood out to me:
When I pray for peace I pray God to pacify not only the Russians and the Chinese but above all my own nation and myself. When I pray for peace I pray to be protected not only from the Reds but also from the folly and blindness of my own country. When I pray for peace, I pray not only that the enemies of my country may cease to want war, but above all that my own country will cease to do the things that make war inevitable. In other words, when I pray for peace I am not just praying that the Russians will give up without a struggle and let us have our own way. I am praying that both we and the Russians may somehow be restored to sanity and learn how to work out our problems as best we can, together, instead of preparing for global suicide.
As I’ve looked for comfort in these recent days, the words of theologian Marcus Borg in The Heart of Christianity have also been on my mind:
The world’s need for systemic transformation is great, but it is important not to become passive or discouraged because the need is so great. None of us is called to be knowledgeable about all of it or capable of doing something about all of it...we might think of the task as like that of gathering to make a patchwork quilt. Nobody is responsible for doing the whole quilt; rather, it is the product of a host of people working together. The important thing is for each of us to do our patch.
I hope these prayerful offerings bring you some hope and solace as we wander through yet another series of trying times. It’s certainly brought me comfort to know that the questions and anxieties we are wrestling with today have been grappled with before and likely will be grappled with again. We belong to each other, yes, but also to all of those who came before us and who will come after — what a blessing.
In that spirit of belonging, there is much hope to be found in worship in the weeks ahead. This Sunday will surely be a beautiful one as we celebrate Open and Affirming Sunday through a vast array of colors and the reminder that we are all beloved children of God! Additionally, we also have the many musical talents of our congregation to look forward to in July — on July 7th, Mya Haux will be treating us to her violin solos, followed by Robert Molzahn’s piano arrangements on the 13th and 20th, and the month will be rounded out by flute-duo Bob Miller and Diane Biegert on July 27th. Despite the weary world that surrounds us, there is still always joy to be found within the body of Christ when we share our gifts with one another!
In peace and love,
Delaney (they/them)
Interim Pastor
