From Fr. Jamie following the Election

 Dear St. Stephen’s Family---

 

In the wake of last night’s election results, I have already heard from several people who are devastated and numb with shock. Some of us feel helpless today. Some of us simply feel numb.

 

Once these initial emotions start to fade, please remember that now is not the time for hand wringing. It is a time to do what we always do when difficulties befall us: we square our shoulders. We recommit ourselves to doing what we feel is right. And we move forward.

 

Having said that, it is important to remember (this being a paraphrase of something I found this morning on social media):

We are awakening to the same country we fell asleep to. The very same country.

Let us pull ourselves together.

How do we get through the next four years?

Continue to do the good work.

Continue to build bridges not walls.

Continue to lead with compassion.

Continue the demanding work of liberation for all.

Continue to dismantle the broken systems, large and small.

Continue to set the best example for the children and others.

Continue to be a vessel of nourishing joy.

Continue to support your gay and lesbian sisters and brothers. 

Continue to hold up your transgender companions.

Continue to support educators.

Continue, right where you are. 

Continue to stand up and speak out.

Right where you live into your days. 

Do so in the name of our God who expects nothing less form each of us. And if we are "continuing" ALL of the above, in community, partnership, collaboration? 

What is it we have been doing?

What is it we are waiting for? 

Please also be assured: St. Stephen’s will remain a place of inclusion and safety. It will be a place in which the love of God and of one another is upheld.

 

We must continue to strive to uphold this radical inclusiveness. We must strive to be living, breathing presences of God’s love and acceptance of all. We must strive to be the hands, feet, face and heart of Christ in a world that truly needs Christ’s all-accepting love.

 

Please pray for our nation.

 

Please pray for our leadership.

 

Please pray for our future.

 

And let us not let our fears and anxieties defeat us.

 

O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

--peace,

Jamie+ 

From Fr Jamie on the eve of Election Day

 Dear St. Stephen’s family--

I am hearing from so many people expressing their anxiety, their fear and their “nauseous optimism” as we approach Election Day. I too am feeling all of those emotions at any given moment.

        If you’re anything like me, when there is nothing more to do, I just try to do “something.” Let us channel our emotions into constructive endeavors.

Let us remain steadfast in our prayers and in serving others.

If you have not voted, PLEASE do so.

And please keep our nation and each other in your prayers as we head into the big day.

                                                -peace,

                                                Jamie+

 

Everlasting God, source of all liberty, before whom every earthly ruler must bow and bend the knee, we lay our nation before you as we prepare for an election. Breathe upon us your Spirit of wisdom and discernment. Grant all who seek public office the mind of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life for the freedom of the oppressed. Hold before us those who face uncertain futures, or who have no voice in our political process. Uphold and safeguard poll workers and election officials in their work. Spare us from the crushing weight of cynicism. Give us grace to speak courageously, but with love, without which our words are noise and we are nothing. Gather us together under the cross, where, in all of our difference, we can stand as one people, redeemed in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

 

The week of November 4

 Wednesday, November 6

6:00 p.m. – Holy Eucharist

Fr. Jamie, celebrant / preacher

Deacon John, assisting

Incense will be offered at this mass

Supper afterward at a local restaurant

 

 

Friday, November 8 - Fr. Jamie’s day off

*please refrain from sending Fr. Jamie emails, text messages, Facebook messages or phone calls on his day off unless it is a pastoral emergency.

 

 

Sunday, November 10 – 25 Pentecost

11:00 a.m. – Holy Eucharist

Fr. Jamie, celebrant / preacher

Deacon John, assisting

James Mackay, organist

Coffee hour following Mass

We would love to see you in person but if you are unable to attend please join us for Mass livestreamed at: https://www.youtube.com/@st.stephensfargo

 

Upcoming Events:

November 17 - Stewardship Sunday - Vestry providing lunch 

December 8 – In-gathering

December 8 - Greening of the church - volunteers needed

December 13-20 – Fr. Jamie vacation

 

Words of Wisdom:

Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

From the Green Team:

There is no such thing as “away”. When we throw anything away it must go somewhere.