The US election has been on everybody’s mind this week, in some of my ministry groups on Facebook, there has been speculation that worship bulletin prep and sermon drafts may have to wait till after the election. I looked at what I had already prepared for liturgy and decided that it was still very appropriate. For instance, this is part of the Call to Worship:
On this day of remembrance,
we gather as a people who long for peace,
seeking to honor the sacrifices made in times of conflict,
while renewing our commitment
to build a world of justice and compassion.
We come to remember, to reflect, and to renew,
acknowledging the weight of our history
and the hope of our future.
This acknowledges both the Remembrance Day and our hopes for a brighter tomorrow, so I won’t be changing any of my liturgy, however, I have decided to change what I had planned as far as a reflection in light of current events.
Remembrance Sunday is often laden with special significance, depending on the community of faith. I’ve served both kinds: some have a deep connection to military service, some have almost none. Nova Scotia is the only province (I believe) where Remembrance Day is a statutory holiday.
All day I have been reading messages on Facebook of both determination and despair and I’ve been feeling both. So I offer you these two things that helped me: This one from Rev. Christopher White, a retired UCC minister.
And click on this LINK from Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber who starts off by saying: I got nothing for you but this shitty little prayer.
On a personal note, my older sister was admitted to the hospital on Friday with unstable angina, after testing, she was transferred to the Halifax Infirmary and is awaiting open heart surgery. Possibly Friday, if not, next week. Yes, another sister with heart problems. Prayers would be appreciated.
St. James United Church Dartmouth 