Moving Forward with Faith and Love

From the Associate Rector
Written By Evan Garner

In a call with racial reconciliation leaders across The Episcopal Church after the election, one of the leaders shared that a fear she has in this present moment is that we forget who God is. Giving credit to her status as a librarian, she also shared the book I am You that speaks to "ubuntu," the concept that we are all connected. God has created us all and loves us all. 

The commandments to love God with our whole being and to love our neighbor don't change with social, political, or economic trends; it's a constant for all who believe. God is constant. So if we are wondering how to move forward or how to come together with others, we can focus on putting God first, receiving God's love, and then sharing that love with those around us in mutually respectful ways. We practice this every week at the Holy Eucharist.

We have lots of other ways to love our neighbors at St. Paul's and in the community. Opportunities are ever-evolving, ever-emerging because we are a living, organic body of the faithful. This isn't an exclusive list but a good start for options:

  • help us keep the pantry and fridge supplied

  • serve at Community Meals on Monday or Wednesday; 

  • learn about Harm Reduction;

  • get involved in Justice for All;

  • help provide period products; 

  • become more self aware with involvement in Becoming Beloved Community and Sacred Ground; 

  • assist in care of Creation with stewardship; 

  • be a part of the Q+ Community as LGBTQ+ or ally; 

  • learn about and participate in community organizing; 

  • volunteer at Magdalene House, Seven Hills, Circles NWA, or a local non-profit; 

  • help grow Family Promise in our community;

  • support immigrants and refugees with Canopy NWA and sanctuary; 

  • help the youth with Sunday Suppers; and/or

  • practice presence in silence and in community on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings;

  • get involved in church and/or local governance.

Be present in worship. Make opportunities to talk with one another. Take care of you. Listen for ways that God is speaking to you and calling you toward creating a life-giving, loving, and liberating world for all. And know you're not doing this faithful work alone. 

With faith and love,

Sara

Evan Garner
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Women in the Pulpit: OLLI Class Offering