A Post-Election Message

*This message was shared with the Spirit of Life community on November 8, 2024, following the national election on November 5, 2024. 

Dear Beloveds of Spirit of Life, 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. - John 14:27

Jesus spoke these words to his followers as he was preparing them for the tragedy and trauma of his crucifixion. We read them aloud during our election prayer vigil on Sunday, and they are more powerful today than ever. The peace of Christ which passes all understanding be with you all as we process individually and collectively the results of the national election on Tuesday. 

No matter how we feel about the election’s outcome, it seems most of us have reacted deeply. This has been one of the most difficult and contentious seasons in our life as a modern country. And as we move through the coming weeks and months toward what will likely be great change, I invite you to remember our fall worship series, I’ve Been Meaning to Ask. The questions of this series opened us to ourselves, to God and to each other. We asked: Where does it hurt? What do you need? Where are you from? And where do we go from here? In Conversation Church you were vulnerable in your sharing and learned that we have more in common than we think, and that we are more alike than we realize. Lean into the community building spirit of this faith community. Lean into your own longing to be part of something beyond yourself. Lean into the Holy Spirit that calls us over and over to God and to each other.  

We have been divided. We have been fragmented. Some people have been targeted. There are people among us and around us who fear for their safety, their relationships and their lives. If you feel called to do so, pay particular attention to them in this fragile moment. 

Beloveds, we are called to follow the way of Christ and draw toward Christ in the waters of baptism and the abundance of the communion table. Get curious. Lead with compassion and empathy. Practice humility and gentleness. God bless all of us as we walk this path into God’s future together.

Peace,
Pastor Marietta