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Sunday Evening Reflection

11/21/2024

Sunday Evening 11.17.24
The senior youth have headed home. Our church bell has quieted. The moon is nearly full and makes it possible to see comfortably outside tonight.
I am filled with gratitude for the energy and enthusiasm of our high school students. We had 6 high school students for tonight’s gathering. They enjoyed exploring our bell tower, and seeing how many rooms we have at St. Andrew’s. They thought it looked much smaller from the outside......we ate delicious Thai Food, and enjoyed laughter and fantastic sweet treats for dessert.
This is a shared ministry with St. Stephen’s Cohasset, which is going to host the very first fundraiser for this group’s future travel. More info to follow when I have it. I (....enthusiastically!!) invited this group to join us for December’s Cookie Sale. I made it sound ok, but group member Taylor Clemons REALLY sold it as being super fun. Fingers crossed for some high school representation.
At 7:30 pm this group headed out to attend to what sounds like LOADS of homework. God Bless our young people and all who take great care of them. Amen+

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Post Election Self Care

11/7/2024

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I have decided to unplug and forgo my favorite podcasts and late-night shows. I am eschewing talking heads of every sort – those who agree, disagree and anyone who is trying to explain this week’s electoral outcome. Six months from now, I’ll read some fact based reporting or explanation of Tuesday’s vote. And rather than reading the Globe and NYT with intensity each morning, I’ll skim headlines and read lifestyle silliness or cooking tips. In place of all the news I was consuming, I’m redoubling my reading time, both religious and non. Somehow the act of picking up a book and immersing myself in an author’s world is comforting.

Rev. Amy+

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Today's Sunrise - 4 minutes for Reflection

11/6/2024

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Election Day Has FINALLY Arrived

11/5/2024

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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+

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Sunday Evening Reflection

Post Election Self Care

Today's Sunrise - 4 minutes for Reflection

Election Day Has FINALLY Arrived

Rev'd Amy Whitcomb Slemmer Esq.

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