‘“Inspired by sacred worship and Jesus’ call to love our neighbor, St. Paul’s welcomes and serves all with a commitment to justice, inclusion and generous hospitality.’ This is who we are. This is what we do. We are a people committed to sharing Christ’s love, creating community and striving for justice. People need Jesus’ compassion today. We are the people called to share it.”

“I invite you to pray these prayers with me from Friday, November 1 through the day after the election. Whatever our political differences may be, this is a way we can unite ourselves in faith.”

“…Words have power. They have the power to lift up or push down, to encourage or discourage, to include or exclude. Words can inspire us to love or to hate, to work for justice or to turn a blind eye to injustice. They can fill us with hope or fear, with courage or despair.”

“If you feel anxious about the upcoming election, you are not alone. In my conversations, some people seek comfort, wanting assurance that God is with them. Others seek direction, some way to channel their anxiety into positive action…”

"Bear witness to Christ in your life so others see a different way of being Christian. Follow St. Paul’s teaching to live by the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)"

How does our Christian faith influence our vote? How might scripture be a resource as we evaluate candidates and their policies? How do my values as a Christian inform my vote? Whatever happens in November and beyond, how can I be a person who bears the peace, grace, love and justice of Christ into the world? 

"How do you find balance in your life? If your life feels extroverted, how do you create time to rest and turn off the noise that infiltrates your life? Can you commit to a few minutes to pray? Can you give yourself permission to set aside the to-do list for a short nap or to read or take a walk? Can you put down the phone and social media for a few minutes to rejoice in the beauty of creation?"

"...when I stop trying to master it all, when I’m grateful for the life I have and accept God’s presence and love in it, I’m filled with the peace of Christ which settles my mind and spirit."

Image source: Bass Photo Co Collection, Indiana Historical Society

"...Looking back can be a good thing as long as we avoid the trap of nostalgia. We stand on a foundation and tradition of the past to remain unchanged but to strengthen us to respond to Jesus’ call to live faithfully in the present...If we are faithful in our mission, we will make Christ known today and create a solid foundation for the next generation."