This morning I made my way to the Hull High School gym and did my civic duty noting some stress in the air, and a pinch of grumpiness from our usually delightful poll workers and volunteers. There were no shenanigans while I was there, but some loudly worded opinions outside via signs. For the most part, opposing sides of the Presidential race were cordial and respectful, which bodes well for the rest of this tense day.
By all accounts, the outcome of today’s Presidential election is too close to call. By most accounts, each side is baffled, if not incensed, by the other side’s candidate. I will point out the obvious, building on what I said on Sunday. Half of the electorate will be disappointed or disaffected by the outcome of today’s vote. Regardless of who we elect as our next president, we have a great deal of bridge building to do! We must mend these deep divisions that have been exacerbated and exploited. We must be a community of peace makers rooted in the certain knowledge that we are stronger together than we can ever be as separated factions.
If you are confounded about how to build unity or about how we will move forward as a nation in need of healing, we, Episcopalians – the community of St. Andrew’s - South Shore residents – Republicans – Democrats – Independents – others are BLESSED with a head start! We have the path set out by Jesus, and inherited through our ancestors. We are urged to see Christ in each other, to love our neighbors as ourselves, to listen intently to one another so as not to miss a divinely inspired spark that arrives from surprising places. We are a people of love and justice, mercy and sacrifice, and we are peace makers working to model our lives on that of the Prince of Peace.
I am praying that our inner goodness and our innate human kindness is made loud this election day. I am committed to offering St. Andrew’s as a haven for peace and a place for unity, where our gospel teachings inform our voices and where all are welcome, respected and loved.
Regardless of the outcome of today’s election, St. Andrew’s has the opportunity to shine as an example of Christ’s welcoming and challenging invitation to love one another, to answer God’s call to do the hard work to alleviate suffering and to recognize the marginalized. I look forward to being in community with you at 7pm on Thursday evening for our prayer service where we will affirm our faith, give voice to our concerns, and will remind one another of our baptismal promises.
God needs us to do the hard work of reconciliation – regardless of the outcome of today’s vote, and we will ...we have God and one another and together we will walk in love.
From the Book of Common Prayer For an Election
Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen+
By all accounts, the outcome of today’s Presidential election is too close to call. By most accounts, each side is baffled, if not incensed, by the other side’s candidate. I will point out the obvious, building on what I said on Sunday. Half of the electorate will be disappointed or disaffected by the outcome of today’s vote. Regardless of who we elect as our next president, we have a great deal of bridge building to do! We must mend these deep divisions that have been exacerbated and exploited. We must be a community of peace makers rooted in the certain knowledge that we are stronger together than we can ever be as separated factions.
If you are confounded about how to build unity or about how we will move forward as a nation in need of healing, we, Episcopalians – the community of St. Andrew’s - South Shore residents – Republicans – Democrats – Independents – others are BLESSED with a head start! We have the path set out by Jesus, and inherited through our ancestors. We are urged to see Christ in each other, to love our neighbors as ourselves, to listen intently to one another so as not to miss a divinely inspired spark that arrives from surprising places. We are a people of love and justice, mercy and sacrifice, and we are peace makers working to model our lives on that of the Prince of Peace.
I am praying that our inner goodness and our innate human kindness is made loud this election day. I am committed to offering St. Andrew’s as a haven for peace and a place for unity, where our gospel teachings inform our voices and where all are welcome, respected and loved.
Regardless of the outcome of today’s election, St. Andrew’s has the opportunity to shine as an example of Christ’s welcoming and challenging invitation to love one another, to answer God’s call to do the hard work to alleviate suffering and to recognize the marginalized. I look forward to being in community with you at 7pm on Thursday evening for our prayer service where we will affirm our faith, give voice to our concerns, and will remind one another of our baptismal promises.
God needs us to do the hard work of reconciliation – regardless of the outcome of today’s vote, and we will ...we have God and one another and together we will walk in love.
From the Book of Common Prayer For an Election
Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen+
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