I am more and more at a loss for what to say about where things are in our country. The age-old needs for power and control, for creating enemies, the greed – these have been standard human activities forever. A colleague related a story this week: in their congregation at joys and sorrows someone shared that it was “a good thing in the long run that the British Empire declined, but it is extremely hard to be living through the decline of THIS empire.” We live among people for whom these are glory days – and that is extremely difficult.
I try to stay focused on the Fellowship, on our togetherness, our mission and goals, what we mean to each other and need from each other. At the very least, we can, maybe for the first time, take our ideals and values very seriously, instead of as topics for casual conversation. These ideals are worth keeping alive – that’s our work now. Love and respect, inclusion and generosity, compassion and peace – there is more than enough to be dedicated to. Do we know how to be dedicated?
Here’s a way. Last week I noted this about our Stewardship events, which are happening now. I’m sharing it again, because I’m afraid some folks missed it. “ I imagine a big, beautiful, wide and deep conversation – with several hundred people taking part! (There are more than several hundred of us, you know.) Will you enter in? Will you be part of the wealth of resources we share? Will you offer you time and perspectives, and your presence? Here is the only thing you need to know in order to take part: You are needed and you are invited.”