Sunday, October 13, 2024

Dear Friends,
 
This is a dynamic and challenging time in our lives and the world. Even as we dwell in the beauty of our New England Autumn, we are feeling the fatigue, division and despair of the U.S. election season and all the anxiety that brings. We are watching hurricanes devastate our siblings in the Southeast. And violence continues to convulse through so many communities of our human family in the Middle East, Ukraine and other areas of conflict. 
 
One of the most enduring theological questions asks how a loving God could create a world where these things persist. Academic libraries across the globe are filled with theoretical answers to this question. Most of these answers fail to satisfy, hence the eternal search for the answer. One response I recently heard, however, caused me to think anew: God’s creation is a universe that is constantly being created. And this creation includes laws of physics, cause and effect and unique, imperfect humans with free will. But God also created YOU. As you ponder the “why” in the challenges we face, I ask you to ponder what are the things that YOU can do to help create the Kingdom.
 
You can contribute your time and your love. This weekend we will do our annual project with Homefront, helping one of our neighbors with much needed home repairs. There are no special skills required. You simply need to show up. You can work all day or you can stay for an hour. Talmadge Hill has been doing this for over 20 years. Being part of this legacy of love and commitment certainly allows you to be part of God’s creation in a meaningful way.
 
You can connect.  Being together over coffee, bible study, fellowship, and of course, worship, reminds us that we walk this way together through all the seasons of our life. We share love with each other so we can share it with the world. And we are vulnerable together.  On Tuesday at 7:00, we will have a special evening where we share –without judgement or debate – all the fears we are holding as we approach Election Day. 
 
You can pray. Prayer helps change things. It doesn’t change things because God grants a specific request. It changes things because it allows our hearts to deeply express our most sincere desires and it reveals God’s loving grace for us to encounter as we create help create our world and God’s Kingdom.
 
I’m so grateful for the ways that Talmadge Hill helps us know the love of God and share it. I am so grateful that together we can do our part to create, connect, forgive, love and renew. I am so grateful that I get to do this with you.
 
Love,
Cheryl