A Word from the Pastors
We wish you God’s peace and mercy, God’s grace and justice. We pray that you are in good physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health in these troubled times. Know that you are remembered and loved and prayed for by the Pastors and the people of St. Peter’s.
Black Lives Matter
Just the other day, after a grand jury met, no charges were issued in connection to the multiple shots fired by police officers in their 12:30AM police raid on March 13, 2020 in Louisville that killed Breonna Taylor. A 26-year-old Black woman who was an emergency medical technician, worked two jobs, had never been convicted of a crime, and had family and friends who loved her dearly, Ms. Taylor was safely in her apartment when her door was broken down. It is uncertain whether police identified themselves. The wanted drug dealer the police thought was connected to her was not present, but the police apparently already knew that before they even began the raid. There was no stash of illegal drugs, no piles of drug money in the apartment after they finished breaking in and shooting. But another Black life was lost.
Many people, of course, are puzzled and outraged by the lack of charges related to Ms. Taylor’s death; and some find it offensive that the only recommended charges related to the bullets recklessly fired by one of the police officers into a neighboring apartment of other innocent people that were not Breonna Taylor or her boyfriend. And many people, of course, will continue to always support and defend and perhaps even applaud the police for doing their job, even if they might have a few questions or concerns about this particular incident or another incident. Perhaps everyone can at least agree that Breonna Taylor should still be alive. That would be the only real justice in this situation.
Are more of us understanding that this entire original sin in the United States of America that has never been either fully repented or adequately reconciled… this inequality, bias, neglect, and violence that have continued all these years later – some call it systemic racism, white privilege, white supremacy… or, as author Isabel Wilkerson names it in her book of that title, Caste – IT STILL NEEDS TO BE CONFESSED, FORGIVEN, AND HEALED! Our nation proclaims that it is built on the principle that all people are created equal and should be treated fairly. But that wasn’t true for several hundred years of slavery followed by Jim Crow, and it isn’t fully true now. Too many black and brown lives are still at risk. So some are asking – NOT When will “America be great again” – but, really and truly, for the first time?
Let’s continue our praying with and for one another and our side-by-side work to create God’s beloved community of peace and justice and mutual love. May the Church represent the unity and the harmony that the world desperately seeks… offer humility, not arrogance… display love, not hate… seek peace, not violence… show forth mercy, not greed… act with justice, not abuse… practice mutual service, not selfish manipulation.
World Communion Sunday
Since the 1930s, many, not all, Christians observe the first Sunday in October as WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY. Whether shared in a grand cathedral or a mud hut, outside on a hilltop or around a campfire or at some street corner, in a meetinghouse or a storefront or a hospital room, publicly or even in secret because of persecution, with an elaborate liturgy or simple words and gestures, our celebration of the Lord’s Supper on this day helps remind us that the purpose of God was not simply to save individuals, but also to bring together in healing and unity that which is broken and divided. As one single global family of love and compassion, with Christ as the Head, the Church represents the unity and peace that the world desperately seeks, but apart from Christ will never really find. Are we ready to be chosen, blessed, broken, poured out, and shared with others as new life?
Because of health concerns during this continuing COVID-19 pandemic… and in response to medical guidance, state and city regulations, and synodical and national Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) advice that was both practical and theological, we have not had Holy Communion together here at St. Peter’s since mid-March. There are some congregations on this planet that have never stopped gathering together for Holy Communion through it all. There are some congregations that have been purchasing and using little plastic-wrapped grape juice and wafer kits for individual use. There are some congregations that have sponsored “drive by” distributions. There are some congregations that have done “virtual Holy Communion” through Zoom or Facebook or some other technology. And there are some congregations, like St. Peter’s, that have determined to wait until all can gather together again, safely and joyfully. In truth, there is no right answer for every congregation and all Christians. In truth, unless we’re over 100 years old, none of us has ever been through something like this before.
Pastors Gwen and Neil have talked and prayed this. We want to offer the celebration of Holy Communion as part of our St. Peter’s Zoom Worship on WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY, October 4th.
As always, we invite all who believe in Jesus Christ to share in this sacrament:
- You are not required to participate.
- You might use wine or grape juice… plus bread, a roll, or crackers.
- You might think about what cup or plate you might use, if that is meaningful.
- You might have a candle or a cross nearby.
- If you are “more than one”, you might plan to offer each other the bread and the wine.
- Be humble, prayerful, and respectful about this shared celebration.
- Think about your Christian sisters and brothers all over the world.
- Give thanks for Jesus Christ, who sacrificed himself to forgive and empower us!
The Pastors are viewing this celebration of Holy Communion as a single one-time event rather than an immediate every-Sunday practice during this pandemic time.
Pastor Neil & Pastor Gwen