Reflecting on Inequity

What a week it has been. Searching for inspiration after witnessing the violence, disregard and bigotry we witnessed at the Capitol, our SJTL teens and I listened to the final ten minutes of The Rev. Canon Paula E. Clark’s sermon from Washington National Cathedral. One by one, we shared what stood out to us—one teen mentioned that he “kept finding myself agreeing with her…” and another said that she couldn’t believe that, “…one in five families in the United States right now do not have sufficient funds to feed their families.” We talked about how rare it is to see poverty in our own neighborhoods and wondered what to do. Well, The Reverend answered us in her eloquent, yet straightforward style: She said, “…We’ve got to put on the garments of faith, compassion, inclusivity and most important, LOVE…Being the beloved of God requires us to love as God loves. To see each other as the Beloved Children of God—and that means we look with the eyes of love and compassion—even on those with whom we disagree.”

This week as we ready for Martin Luther King Day, we decided that it was perfect timing to pursue tangible ways to understand the inequities in our world. Each teen was encouraged to read, listen or watch one of the poignant resources available on the 21-Day Racial Equity Habit - Building Challenge website: https://www.eddiemoorejr.com/21daychallenge This is a powerful website for families to learn more about racial inequities and the things we can do as God’s Beloved. With a pandemic still raging and time on our hands, what an inspiring way to spend some time and build new habits for this New Year. Perhaps your family will take on a 5, 7, or 21-day Challenge for 2021!

Wiggle Worship via Zoom begins on Sunday, January 24 at 9:00 a.m. and we invite all our Littles to join us for a short, 25-30 minute service to jumpstart their week. Although Zoom is not ideal, it is the best vehicle we can use to stay safe while needing to be indoors. Wiggle Worship will be offered every Sunday at 9:00 AM and it is a casual, come-when-you’re-able, worship filled with laughter, songs, dancing and the joyous Spirit of God!

Upcoming Youth & Children Events:
Sunday, January 24 and Ongoing at 9:00 AM: Wiggle Worship Sundays
Sunday, January 24, 2021 4:30 PM: Teen Zoom
Sunday, February 7, 4:30 PM: Family Worship for All
Upcoming: Lent Programming for Middles and Teens
Upcoming: Confirmation Programming Dates