January 8, 2021

Dearly Beloved,

Like you, I too am still in shock and disbelief over what we witnessed unfolding at the capitol building on Wednesday. Mobs of people destroying property; intimidating our Congressional leaders, their staff and other capitol employees; clashing with law enforcement officers; and waving flags that stand for hatred and the oppression, or even outright elimination, of others.

And although I appreciate the restraint of law enforcement during this volatile situation, I cannot deny the white privilege that was on full display given that more peaceful events by our Black friends and neighbors have been met with greater police action -- and in many cases, excessive action. I sat there and cried for our Black American siblings who were being told, yet again, through disproportionate responses that they are not as important as these White Americans. Being told that they don't matter.

Just as I sat and cried earlier this week after talking to several of our members who are nurses and my brother who works IT for one of the local hospital systems. Cried for these and other brave medical and medical support individuals who put their lives on the line everyday during this pandemic. Cried for what it must feel like to be told through the actions of others (like packing 6th street on New Years, not wearing masks and socially distancing, gathering outside of safe agreed upon bubbles) that your life doesn't matter. How that must feel like a slap in the face.

Friends, I don't pretend to have all the answers. In fact, most of the time I feel rather small and unimpactful. Sometimes I have no idea what to do other than to continue to come back to the well of Christ, the well of our faith. To come back and draw in love and hope, peace, and yes even joy. To try seek new and ever changing ways in which God's spirit is calling for action, calling for peace, calling for love. And trusting that any action, even small like the mustard seed parable, works ultimately towards the kin-dom of God.

As we approach Baptism of Christ Sunday, I invite you to have ready some water to play with as we take time to remember our baptisms and/or the meaning of baptism. I pray that we are able to do so in light of the events happening in our world today. And following the service, may we share together through our Holy Conversations our vision and dreams for United Christian Church.

​Friends, until Sunday (and always), take care of yourself.

Peace,
Nikki