The natural world is “In Which We Live and Move and Have Our Being.” It concerns what we care deeply about, what the ground of our being is, what we regard as worthy of our deepest care, concern and respect. This week’s sermon brings together several voices, in an informal format that invites your participation, to explore our relationship to our environment.
R.A.C.E. (Reconciliation Achieved through Community Engagement) started in 2015. Its mission and focus is to promote healing and inclusivity through community dialogue and engagement while celebrating our diversity in Muncie. Today’s message will ask you to leave your comfort zone to explore the historical implications of racism and white fragility, and suggest ways we can all contribute to a better Muncie.
This Sunday we acknowledge the birth of our nation and the experience of being "American" with a presentation of a sample of historically significant writings, essays and documents. The service will offer a variety of narrative both celebratory and humbling, reflecting upon our experience with immigration as a nation. Recounting this helps give perspective to us regarding the long-held themes and attitudes we have shared and allows us pause to believe that we can learn and grow to celebrate inclusivity together.
Today’s service, led by guest speaker Michael Wm. Doyle, examines influential American grassroots reform movements from the past in order to understand why it is confounding for contemporary populism to be championed and led by our wealthiest classes. The homily concludes by identifying what a future populist movement could learn from its predecessors in rebalancing the scales of equality, justice, and liberty for the benefit of those who comprise the base of our social pyramid.
The vote has been counted, the results are in. Now what? We will need to come together around the decision the congregation's democratic process produced. We will need to find ways that all of us can affirm our beloved community, our vibrancy, our continuing commitment to be a clear, steady voice for liberal religion and social justice in Delaware County and beyond. We'll need to dig deep into what brings us here to our church in the woods and remind ourselves why we want to be a part of this community. We will also recognize Memorial Day and the sacrifices it represents.
Earth, our planet home, is being plundered and polluted like never before in human history. A liveable future for our children’s children is no longer certain. What can individuals and congregations do to preserve a healthy-functioning planet for generations to come? Earth Day 2017 is a good time to face reality and examine our options.
Guest preacher Nic Cable explores the wonderful gift of prophetic imagination, as we continue to strive to make the world a more compassionate and just place for all.
