Peace be with you, NWIM synod. And I mean that. Really. May Christ's peace prevail--in, with, under, around and through you.
I woke up this morning to news of murdered senators in Minnesota, my mother's home state and where many cousins and family of mine still live. A lot of us in this synod have deep connections there. As I'm still processing the news of a crowd gathering in Spokane to prevent the removal of two detained immigrants and police presence escalating the ordeal into violence, I had begun to compose a synod e-news article filled with reminders about how to stay safe at civic events, festivals, and protests. But in truth, there are plenty such lists out there now and you are all smart enough to find them. What I would rather share with you is a reflection about the spiritual practice of showing up for one another, and why that's a special gift of our synod.
There will always be forces and factors that disturb our peace, that make a wish for peace sound radical. I think we can also say that these are especially strange and dangerous times. With the peace of Christ alive in our hearts, we can acknowledge the danger, take notice of things as they are, and yet stop short of living from a place of fear. Stepping forward, not backward, is the call. It can feel really daring and hard. But Christ empowers our steps made in love.
Showing up is a spiritual practice. As such, it will look different for each of us. Some of us will go downtown with posters (I have been known to make use of rainbow sharpies...), some of us will stock the food banks or bring bottled water to a sit-in, some of us will be ready to bandage wounds, some of us will do research and gather information. All of us should pray. With our lips, with our feet and hands, with our aching hearts.
How are you embodying the spirituality of showing up?
As a synod, our unity is in the love of Christ and not as much expressed in political agreement. Even as that remains true, we step towards each other in faith, seeking the bond of peace. That can feel daring and hard, too. But showing up in the simple gestures of shared community life is essential too. And it's our baptismal mission. As synod staff, we strive to show up for you in person as much as we can. It brings us such joy! At the regional level, Bishop Meggan has shown up for two synod assemblies where bishop elections were being held. Again, to show support and bring the peace of Christ in bodily form.
This month, we say with boldness: Happy PRIDE!
Let us praise the Shepherd King who reigns through self-giving love. Let baptismal waters refresh and empower our steps to show up--for one another, for communal care, and for peace to prevail.
Liv