Hope for the Days Ahead
We continue to pray for peace throughout the world, and we pursue peace by strengthening our community and loving our neighbors as ourselves.
Taking in the events of the world, adds a heaviness to our days. LA fires and the path of destruction they have left brings sadness and concern for those directly impacted. The war in Ukraine continues and builds fear for the future.
The rising number of COVID, RSV, flu, and norovirus may be easy to dismiss for some, and harder for others. The impending inauguration fills many with dread. These too-warm January days cause concern for the planet.
The cease-fire in Gaza, while admittedly good news, seems to have stalled out for the moment. And there’s more. There’s always more. As our view of the world comes closer to home, we add more personal concerns to the global list.
It’s overwhelming. Yet, there is hope. On Sunday we will be discussing ways in which we can respond to the wildfires in California. We strongly encourage wearing masks to prevent the spread of sickness. Monday, we offer an alternative to focusing on the inauguration.
In addition, we continue to pray for peace throughout the world, and we pursue peace by strengthening our community and loving our neighbors as ourselves. How is it going with your Star Words? Have you noticed any changes in your spiritual practices in these last couple of weeks?
Last week we all had an opportunity to attend worship at another congregation. We’ll have opportunity to share briefly about these experiences on Sunday. Also, please share your experiences here (you’ll need to be logged in to the website to access the discussion).
Whatever else is going on in the world, remember that you are not traveling alone; you are an important part of Living Table. You are loved. You are valued. You are enough. Together, we will weather the impending storm(s).
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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Thank you, Pastor Rachael, for reminding us that we are not alone. Having hope and finding happiness can be seen as acts of peaceful resistance in the face of all the messages of fear that surround us.
I keep looking for the good, which these days is mainly an activity I carry on within myself. I need this focus to keep believing in my worth, my talents, my dreams, and my progress in each moment, to remember how I most want to spend my time and energy.
I do have hope, thanks to all of you. I keep it close in my mind body spirit and share it whenever I have the chance! There are no limits to having hope! I can take as much as I need. I can give you as much as you need. There is an endless supply. Hope begets Hope!