Full Steam Ahead!
We remind ourselves that joy is still possible and that we are the hope for a better future.
As the early days of 2024 quickly pass, we have settled on our passion that will guide our actions through the year: the housing crisis. More specifically, Living Table will seek to make a difference for those who are unhoused in 2024 (and likely beyond).
As a community, we have been involved with many aspects of this social justice concern for a very long time. My hope is that by focusing our efforts we will figure out what we as Living Table can uniquely do. As a church, a community of faith, we are in a position to take action that is different from that of other non-profit agencies.
This Sunday we were reminded that all bodies are on loan; they belong to God. They are on loan to us as temples of the Holy Spirit. If we can keep this in the forefront of our thinking, then we will likely treat ourselves and all our neighbors with more loving-kindness.
Can this perspective guide us to something that will make a difference to those who are currently unhoused in our cities? Probably not on a large scale, though maybe on a small one. In the coming weeks, we will have opportunity to assess our resources and make some decisions on how to proceed.
In the meantime, we continue to find ways to stay grounded in a chaotic world. We remind ourselves that joy is still possible and that we are the hope for a better future. If we want things to be different, we must be that difference. And this isn’t nearly as stressful as it seems.
We can take a few moments to slow down, to breathe more deeply, and to notice what is happening around us. We can check in with ourselves:
- What resources do I have today?
- How can I best use them?
- Can I help someone today in a meaningful way?
- Do I need help from someone today?
- Where do I experience joy?
- Can I share that joy with someone who needs it?
As I said on Sunday, if our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, then the Spirit lives within us and we have access to that power. The power is Love – love of neighbor, God, self, and Creation (in any order you choose).
I wonder what miracles we will experience as we commit to living in Love once more…
About Rachael Keefe
Rev. Dr. Rachael Keefe is the pastor of Living Table United Church of Christ. She was called to Living Table in 2015 after serving in many varied ministry settings since her ordination in 1992. She holds graduate degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and Andover Newton Seminary at Yale (formerly Andover Newton Theological School). Her ministry and leadership often center around advocacy and accessibility. Her writing has been published by Chalice Press, The Christian Century, Red Letter Christians, Working Preacher, RevGalBlogPals, and others. She is grateful to be in ministry with Living Table today.
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I really liked Sunday’s service. I’ve been more aware of how I treat other peoples and myself. I love this community and grateful for all the love we share.
Thank you, Lea!
How appropriate for me that housing with be our theme. I’ve been researching the cost of rent and for a safe place with underground parking, the rent is horrendous! The things we take so for granted until it’s not there anymore