Shooting

Dear Friends in Christ,

I was getting ready to write and tell you, if you’re in need of spiritual reflection this week, come to church on one or all of the holy days between now and Easter Sunday. Holy Week is its own spiritual experience and there is nothing I can add to that. But then I heard that yesterday evening there was a fatal shooting half a mile from our church, on E. 18th Street near the Dairy Queen. And so, I am here to tell you, COME TO CHURCH on one or all of the holy days between now and Easter Sunday. Even if you’re afraid. Especially if you’re afraid.

I understand this might feel scary, and that it might make more sense to stay safely home. But we are resurrection people, and because of that we know that violence and death do not have the last word. Showing up at church right now is the best way of living into that, and the clearest message to the world that, “God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline” (2 Timothy, 1:7 NRSVUE). It is our way of saying, “No!” to the darkness of the world and holding on to the light.

This evening we will gather in the Parish Hall for an agapé meal, to remember the last meal Jesus shared with his friends. During that meal, knowing it was the last night of his life, Jesus gave his disciples last words of wisdom. He knew things were going to get very bad and he wanted them to have the faith to withstand them. He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (John 14:27 NRSVUE) He said that knowing that he was about to die, and he offers us the same assurance when we are troubled or afraid of the world’s shadows.

Good Friday offers us the opportunity to look squarely into the face of death and not be afraid. Jesus went before us so that we would not have to be afraid of the darkness. After his death his disciples gathered together to find strength and comfort from being together. Gathering together in community at times like this is a way for us to find comfort and strength, and witness to the power of resurrection to overcome the worst the world can throw at us.

On Saturday, we will light a fire to shine God’s light into the darkness and tell our own stories of when God showed up in our lives, bringing new life, leading us into our promised land, and giving us the strength to push through challenges and overcome obstacles. I hope to see you at church for one or more (or all) of these opportunities to love what we profess to believe.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Jane+