Images of hope.
That is what today’s newsletter is dedicated to.
Why?
Because our world is broken and hurting right now. A global pandemic. Massive unrest. It is a bit like living in a pressure cooker.
Christians have a responsibility to strive for change in order to make the world look more like the kingdom of God. In striving for this change, we must point the world toward what is possible. We point toward hope.
Here are three signs of hope that I am pointing to today.
- Sign Of Hope #1: The Cross
I smile every time I drive into the church parking lot and see a cross on the roof that is created by Unity’s solar panels. I am awe-struck by the congregation’s enthusiasm to care for God’s creation. Unity Church Road is a fairly busy road. I love to think that every car that passes by will see the image of a cross.
The cross was once used as a brutal instrument of torture and death. Jesus experienced unimaginable pain as he hung from a cross. Jesus willing faced all of the hate and pain that the world poured on him. In the resurrection, Jesus began writing a new story of hope. In conquering the grave, Jesus showed what self-sacrifice love looks like.
The cross is now the absolute example of hope.
God can take what is broken and hurting and redeem it through the cross.
- Sign Of Hope #2: Conversations
The world is collectively raising its voice to proclaim the need for change. As a white Christian, it is time for me to listen. I need to hear the pain of others experiences. I need to “mourn with those who mourn” as I seek to “carry one another’s burdens.”
I am deeply thankful for people like Bishop Lowery and his willingness to engage in conversation. Here is the link to the full interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6lMzRLBQWE.
I am reading Rediscipling The White Church: From Cheap Diversity To True Solidarity by David W. Swanson. I heard David speak last summer at Whitworth University’s Institute For Ministry. He writes about the work that we have in front of us in reconciling our world.
“We are responsible to see the inequities of our public school systems, the disparities in our criminal justice system, the yawning gap between the generational wealth of white people and people of color, the ongoing impact of redlining and housing segregation, the legacy of discrimination that runs through many of our law enforcement departments, and the inequalities in the realm of health.”
Suffice to say, there are no easy answers. The problems are numerous and deeply rooted.
My sign of hope? I believe Unity is beginning the process of confronting these challenges. Through conversation and listening, we are taking the first steps.
- Sign Of Hope #3: A Resilient Congregation
Resilience: An occurrence of rebounding or springing back.
Unity is a resilient congregation. We have not met in-person since March 8— nearly three months ago! The people of Unity continue to give and support one another. Unity has continued (and even increased!) its active mission presence in Denver. Unity has engaged in creatively thinking outside the box when it comes to worship and outreach.
Unity is a resilient congregation.
My sign of hope?
I believe that Unity will emerge from this time apart stronger than ever.
This Sunday Pastor Dana will be continuing our summer series on relationships. She will be preaching about friendship.
“See” you on Sunday!
-Pastor David
P.S. Join us today at 4 pm for our study on How We Got The Bible. Use this Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/691556581
