A thriving faith community engaged in compassionate service

Friday July 3

Dear Friends,

Our Presbyterian Church just completed its biennial General Assembly, a virtual Assembly this year because of the pandemic. As the meeting drew to a close, the GA passed the following resolution:

…“The church must be the first place seeking racial justice and reconciliation, the dismantling of structural racism, and the healing of our marginalized communities. It has, unfortunately, not often been so. We must have our own denominational and congregational houses in order. We must dare to be an image of hope for those around us. While we recognize and honor the work towards justice that has been happening and continues at every level of the PC(USA), we also name that in this time it is not enough. We must become actively antiracist in our theology, policy, and praxis….in voice and in action.”

This eloquent, moving poem was included for reflection:

A knee on a neckpower/entitled/soulless/callous/the evil of /laying bare for all to see /just because. /God’s beloved /choking the life from/
We know what must change.
Will we, church?
We have written manyNever enough witness. /Belhar, C’67, Barmen… Enough words? We have confessed: /words. sometimes even sincere/true, significant, /
We know we must change.
Will we, church?
Kairos.

The GA has given us a powerful call to action. The question before all of us, as the poem reminds us, is: will we?

You can find more information about the General Assembly on the Presbyterian Outlook website: https://pres-outlook.org/

To those of you who have completed our Congregational Survey – thank you! If you have not yet responded, just click on this link to access the survey.

Even on this holiday weekend, be vigilant and sensible: wear your mask, wash your hands, and keep your distance. Stay healthy, and have a safe and happy 4^th!

Grace & peace,
Pastor Skip

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