We are Together in This
Remembering we are part of a community can make a difference when the weight of the world becomes too much.
Sometimes the headlines make it hard to breathe. War. Fires. Murder. Violence. Climate change. And so much more. The heaviness of the news can cancel out any benefits of the lighter, cooler air. And, yet, we are called to be agents of hope, healing, and love.
How do we do that when the world is such a challenging and broken place?
Well, do you remember our conversation about community and care last Sunday? Have you been brave enough to invite someone to join us for worship, Bible study, kinship, or another event? Someone who used to attend and hasn’t for a while, or someone you know who could use a community of support?
There’s still time if you forgot.
Remembering we are part of a community, a “great cloud of witnesses” as Paul put it, can make a difference when the weight of the world becomes too much. We do not carry anything alone.
As a reminder of this, on Sunday we will focus on valuing ourselves so that we might be at peace with all our neighbors. The scripture is Mark 9:38-50. If you want to bring a reading for any of the parts of the service, anything that focuses on the value of individuals or the need for community would be great.
Also, we begin our services of Hope and Healing on Wednesday, October 2. These will be an hour or less in length and be primarily a time of prayer and reflection and will be hybrid (using the regular worship link).
The first one will offer an opportunity for anointing for healing and lots of time for prayers for ourselves, our city, our nation, our world. This would be a perfect time to invite a friend in person or Zoom.
While the heaviness of the world can be overwhelming at times, don’t forget to take time to notice the wonder and beauty around us.
The color of the leaves as they begin to change. The way the sunlight filters through the trees or bounces off the water. The call of the birds and the antics of the squirrels. The kindness of a stranger or friend.
And then give thanks. Gratitude can lift our spirits and make room for hope.
Whatever the future holds, we are a community of love and grace, and we will face it together. And I am grateful for each of you and the way we come together and do the hard things.
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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