"I took courage, for the hand of the Lord my God was upon me..."

~Ezra 7:28

 Who We Are

 This Sunday, Pastor Randy will preach about how the prophets Ezra and Nehemiah rebuilt the ancient Israelite community. Ezra and Nehemiah fortified the city, worshipped God, and read the Law. They rebuilt the community by reminding the community of their own identity.

Yesterday was the inauguration of President Donald Trump. It was an emotionally heightened day. Many Americans are anxious; President Trump’s public discourse is often filled with the rhetoric of division and grievance. Many Americans are glad, ready for another term from a president who will, no doubt, shake things up. Many Americans are sad, still feeling the dull ache after the dashed hope of a different outcome.  And many Americans are worried because their families are singled out in executive orders signed yesterday.

As I watched the inauguration, I focused on what I was grateful for — a peaceful transfer of power, an innovative country, the freedom to practice religion. When I thought of what the next four years will look like for the United States, the words of our United Women in Faith president Cathy Barton rang in my ears, “I know there will be many challenges ahead,” she wrote in her January newsletter. “But I know others have faced challenges that were equally difficult, and they all required great times of prayer and discernment."

Yes! This is who we are. We have made it through other polarized times through deep prayer and discernment. Deep prayer and discernment remind me of who I am and who we are as a church. God is working in and through our community, and has sustained us, even in uncertain times. God has given us the strength to be a congregation who welcomes fully, advocates purposefully, connects with God intentionally, and shares generously. Regardless of what happens in Washington, we have work to do: seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God. Let’s remind each other of that.

Shani Graham is a community researcher who said that “Community is sustainability.” What helps you remember who Saint John’s is? What helps you remember that God sustains us? Is it Worship? Service? Classes? Prayer? Advocacy? Hospitality?

This Sunday will be a full one: it is United Women in Faith Sunday; Randy will preach; and we will celebrate four baptisms. I can’t wait to see you in worship where we will have the collective opportunity to remember who we are.