| It turns out we don't know our neighbor as well as we might. Last evening, this morning, we learned how far apart we are with at least half of our nation. We will live under new management for a while now. And we do not live alone. "The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge." So where are we at this point? What we know: - Hate and fear inhabit our land and perhaps our own hearts as well.
- There are many who are now afraid and who feel vulnerable. They will need comfort and support.
- Many malevolent promises have been made about what this new day will hold.
What we fear:
- That the kingdom we live in will look even less like the kingdom to come.
- That power will be abused.
- That justice will be denied.
- That love, the sacrificial kind, will be mocked.
What we will do: - Trust that God's power is faithful and fair and just.
- Welcome all.
- Sharpen our vision of what God intends for our ministry.
- Be prepared to stand up and speak up for the truth, the truth we know because we know Jesus Christ who is the Truth of God's deep love and grace that saves a world from its own hubris and sin.
- Strengthen our commitment to one another—because our differences fade when we see our common bond.
At this moment, at this dawn, we await the first developments on this new journey. We pray for God's presence and power to inhabit us and enter into the life of a broken nation. And we prepare to, as our mission statement says in part: Be a fountain of spiritual and emotional comfort for all people;
Glorify God through music and song; Be joyful participants in the worship and life of our community;
Be ambassadors and activists for peace and justice in the world;
Provide for the physical needs of those within our church, community and world; Be models for our children and youth to be compassionate citizens of the world. The peace of Christ be with you,
Interim Pastor | 
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