A Pastoral Letter

It is a difficult thing, as a pastor, to discuss politics in a way that honors the varied opinions that fill our pews. While we share many values in common, that does not mean our ballots looked the same. No matter how you voted, we live in a country that has shown itself in these last months to be deeply divided and awash in anxiety, distrust, and fear.

While I am still trying to understand what the election results mean moving forward, there is something that is resolute in my mind: our congregation will continue to live the love, acceptance, justice, and hope of Jesus.

Stemming from our belief that God loves all people, we continue to boldly proclaim that God loves people regardless of age, race, gender, sexual identity, class, status, ability, country of origin, and faith. This list names people who need a place that not only welcomes them (as we proclaim in our bulletin every week), but people that will advocate for and defend their right to be who they are. God invites us to be that place and be those people.

More than ever, our values have the opportunity to bring healing to a wounded world. Our commitment to embody these values, by living and loving like Jesus, is more essential than we can imagine. That is what we will do.

Please allow me to offer us a moment of prayer:

Steadfast and Loving God, you have watched over your people through each and every political change since we first cried out to you for earthly leadership. Though our votes have been cast, you cast for us a vision that is bigger than politics and politicians- a vision of your kingdom, a vision of beloved community.

Grant us the grace to engage all who think differently in ways that build relationship. Grant us the strength to stand with all who are marginalized. And grant us peace that passes our understanding, for there is so much we do not understand.

For those elected, we pray for wisdom and accountability. For all who fear the ways these elections have put them at risk, we pray for peace, safety, and community that will stand with them in solidarity. And we pray that we might live into our values in such a way that our statement of welcome might be more than words, but a true refuge in a divided world.

Amen.

May You Be Blessed and Be A Blessing,
Rev. Brad

Rev. Bradley Laurvick
Lead Pastor, First United Methodist Church, Fort Collins
Email Brad