Seeking Servanthood

Dear Friends in Christ,

 

This weekend, our country observes The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday.  The holiday feels especially important to me this year.  Current events show that our society is fractured around issues of race, ethnicity, and identity.

 

How are we, who are Christian, to be servants in this day and hour?

 

I believe that Grace Church has a particular witness to make.  While we are a predominantly white church, we are also a diverse congregation, with members who are black, Asian, Latino, and mixed race.  We have done intentional work at being an anti-racist institution, with engagement in the Sacred Gound curriculum.

 

I hear from you the desire to find more paths towards reconciliation, community, and justice.  In our visioning work last year, we identified six strategic priorities for the church, one of which is building bridges between Grace and La Gracia.  This hope to form bridges between our Anglo and Latino congregations tells me that we have both a hunger for growth and a willingness to undertake the hard work that growth requires.  I am wondering what our next steps might be.

 

Our diocese wants to support our work.  This week, our monthly clergy call focused on supporting immigrants and potential interactions with ICE.  I also attended a meeting of leaders of congregations with Spanish-language ministry.  Resources are there for us.

 

The path ahead is ours to choose.  Do we have energy for education and discernment, for more courses like Sacred Ground?  Do we have a desire for personal connection, like last fall’s “Getting to Know You” dinner?  Are we fulfilled by working with an interracial and multifaith organization like VOICE?

 

If we are to live in the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., we are not only to admire him.  We are to follow him.  The path before us requires discernment and commitment.  I hope to hear from you what draws you into deeper service and greater love.

 

Yours in Christ,

Anne+