Friends,

On Sunday, Huldah preached about John the Baptist's voice in the wilderness. Drawing on indigenous traditions that see John as a trickster figure, representing radical welcome to all. She called us to claim the transformative power of love that John proclaimed -- God's love without hesitation for all people. You can listen to Huldah's sermon here.

Most Sundays, at the beginning of worship, I remind you that gathering for worship gives us more courage to practice the way of Jesus for the rest of the week. This is the moment for that courage, friends. Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves, and our neighbors are afraid. Immigration raids and deportation are being used to target not criminals but legal residents, undocumented non-criminal taxpaying workers, families, and people who dare to speak out against the current administration. These violations are a challenge to constitutional law, an offense to our national identity, and a spiritual attack on our baptismal promise to honor the dignity of every human being.

Those of us who are not being targeted have a unique power to step in, with God's help, to help be the hands and feet of Christ for our neighbors. As you navigate our city in the coming weeks, please keep your rights as a legal observer in mind, and ask God for the courage to step up when you see injustice. More resources for that courage are below.

With love,
Susan+


Know Your Rights and your Neighbors'

Tags: courage, immigration, neighbors, Rev Susan