by Rev. Racquel Ray, Associate Minister of Congregational Life
There’s a garden just outside the window of my church office which is sheltered from the harshest weather. The spot is warm and sunny and gets enough morning sunshine to interrupt the slow, gradual spring. The daffodils are defying their cousins around town and are in riotous full bloom!
These glowing yellow blossoms remind me to NOT lose hope! I recently heard a friend say, “I’m so depressed!” with all of the news, politics, gloomy weather, and general ‘unknowing’ that many of us are experiencing. Everywhere I go, no matter what the event or conversation is supposed to be about, it inevitably turns to politics. People are really worried!
It seems to me that the church has a role to play here in our current society and our collective anxiety. We can be the voice of the prophetic. We can have a voice at Town Hall meetings, School Board meetings, Library Board meetings, the RI State House, and the national dialogue. My voice may be singular but OUR voice is hundreds! Our church may be singular but OUR CHURCHES are many. Our Association may be small but our Conference is 600 churches! What does it look like when 600 churches organize and take action?!
I am reminded that there is ALWAYS something that the church can do! We are the house of HOPE! Like the life-giving symbolism of my office daffodils, there is new life out there. If you are out there fighting for the marginalized – come to church for rest and renewal. If you are looking for a way to help – come to church for inspiration. Bring your friends. Bring your neighbors. Organize. Act.
Some may say, they are not anxious; everything is going just as they expected and wanted. Great! Those folks can stop reading here and contentedly pray for the rest of us who are struggling!
Some of us are anxious about the current administration and efforts to reduce spending while cutting vital programs. Some of us work in the non-profit sector where grants are no longer available. Some are connected to the federal government and are losing co-workers and questioning directives. Some are worried about social security and the future of our income.
As a church, we can organize. Following the example of those who lead change during the Civil Rights Movement. We also can impact our community through peaceful protest, boycott, and advocacy at every level. Using the God-given gifts that we have, we can make a difference. There is a correlation between anxiety and action. When we act, our anxiety decreases and conversely anxiety can call us to action! Consider your gifts and put them to good use?
The Rhode Island State Council of Churches https://www.councilofchurchesri.org/ is beginning the work too. Last week, I attended a large event organized by the RISCC. Stay tuned for upcoming and ongoing events and opportunities to get involved, take action, join a larger collective voice, and be heard!
I have been invited to help with the UCC Disaster Ministries, Emotional and Spiritual Care Response Team. The ESCR joins in our denomination’s efforts “Responding to the call of our faith, UCC Disaster Ministries supports holistic community recovery, by engaging supporters, volunteers and partners to focus on preparedness, emergency relief and long-term recovery.” Disaster Ministries Contact List – United Church of Christ
When a disaster occurs, the ESCR activates a response team to be present with survivors to rebuild communities. We are caregivers to caregivers and provide ongoing support as those communities restore themselves to wellness and wholeness. The commitment may be a few days per year or a few hours per month but will allow me to use my gifts as a veteran, chaplain, and pastor to have a positive impact in our larger world. It also adds BCCUCC to the larger national community of the UCC connecting our ministries. You will hear more about UCC Disaster Ministries as we take a Moment for Mission on Sunday March 30th while considering a collection for One Great Hour of Sharing.
Think National (or Global). Act Local. Get involved in the solutions around the local community. Share your gifts, be bold, speak up. Then, come to church for renewal and strength – and HOPE. See you in Church!