Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:18 and Hosea 11:3-4
Blessings and grace to you all.
Today (Wednesday morning) I attended the Mayor’s Community Breakfast at which hundreds of city leaders from non-profit organizations to communities of faith, large corporations to developers, teachers and public servants to union leadership were all in attendance. As the president of the Newton Interfaith Clergy Association, I was asked to say a few words of reflection so I gathered representatives of both Newton’s muslim and Jewish communities to stand together with me and share my time. When it comes to unity, Newton’s had a tough year. Beginning last fall with challenges to rezoning that resulted in several council members being ousted evolved into city splitting negotiations around teacher’s contracts. Finally (and actually all the while) the world experienced Hama’s raid, murder, and kidnapping of hundreds (over a thousand) Israeli citizens that has since put wedges between residents of this city to the point of neighbors dehumanizing neighbors and even, on several occasions, vandalizing their property.
In one voice, clergy representing 3 different traditions stood together and said, “enough.” We called for peace and mutual respect; for curiosity over judgment; for self control and humility even in the face of trauma. Drawing on our scriptures and traditions we called Newton residents and leadership back to their hearts so that we might engage rather than assault one another. As a community of Christians, this, first and foremost, is what we are called to do, to be, and to imagine. It doesn’t mean we agree – of course we will not because we are so very different with different experiences! – but we MUST hear one another, sitting with each other in our suffering and fear, and love by seeing the humanity in all.
I thank you all for the encouragement you give me by your love for one another and your faithful practice of this love as outreach which inspires me to represent Newton’s faith community from a place of hope!
THIS SUNDAY!!! This Sunday we say “good-bye” to our beloved intern, Anine de Grood! Come and hear her preach for a final time (actually, if I have my way this is a big lie. She will def be back as a guest preacher!) and join us in thanking her for her generous ministry this past year!
See you Sunday!
Peace,
Cheryl
Music
Prelude: “Kleine Studie Op. 68” Robert Schumann
Anthem: “America, the Beautiful” Samuel A. Ward
Meditation: “Prelude, Op.28, No. 4” Frédéric Chopin
Postlude: “Sonata, Op. 49, No. 2” Ludwig van Beethoven
Live Stream Information
We are making improvements to our sanctuary sound system and encourage you to worship with us in person. If you are not able to worship with us we continue to stream our services via Facebook and Zoom. If you experience any trouble go to our Facebook page for more information. Please share these links with your friends. Bear in mind that we cannot share the Zoom links publicly (to keep from being Zoom bombed), so please share it person to person rather than posting it on Facebook/Twitter, or other public social media. It’s fine to share the Facebook link broadly and publicly. For Zoom login please reach out to Pastor Cheryl at cheryl@newtonchurch.org.
Zoom Link: UPA Sunday Morning Worship
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81334929545?pwd=S1lsRlRmSnlkTUE0cHRlWWQwWUJndz09
Facebook Livestream Link: https://www.facebook.com/upanewtonma/live