Beloved people of St. Luke’s –
I want to talk with you about this weekend, particularly if you are upset about the new administration. If you are excited or indifferent, you may want to ignore this email but…. maybe keep reading to see if there is something in here for you.
I want to suggest that we all make a plan for Monday, a very specific plan: I encourage you to find ONE thing you can do on Monday to make the world a little bit more like how you believe God longs for the world to be. I think it could be important for us to all see in a very real, incarnate way – that we can make a difference, that we can have an impact on the world.
I’ll share a list with you to get you thinking but clearly some of these are uniquely “Jessica” ideas. I offer this list not as an exhaustive one, but as a way to get you thinking about possibilities.
- I love yoga with Adrienne: Try Yoga for Healing the Mind – 34 videos of varying lengths, scroll through and see if one – ONE – calls to you. Or find a class you can attend in person!
- Make those phone calls you’ve been putting off. Reach out and connect with someone.
- Look at your budget and spending and make sure you are not wasting any money that you could be offering to important causes.
- Postpone the chores you would normally do on Saturday or Sunday until Monday, and then go to one of the MLK Day of Service county activities
- Look at the Bethesda Cares wish list and think about what you could contribute: St. Luke’s is currently collecting bath towels, toilet paper, old silverware, linens, hoodies, lots of socks, Target and Giant gift cards $20-25.
- Build a cat shelter for the neighborhood feral
- Organize the craft closet at church
- Read a book about a topic you feel like you need to know more about
- Watch a movie that is challenging or inspiring: I watched Will and Harper recently and loved it, even though it wasn’t an easy watch.
- Take an online class about an issue that you are committed to working on, like this day long, go at your own pace retreat on the life and work of Howard Thurman, spiritual guide to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- Listen to a podcast, like this one from the Center for Action and Contemplation called Love Period: In conversation with artists, activists, and faith leaders, Dr. Lewis explores the transformative potential and urgent need for radical love in our times
- Dedicate some time to learn about our Diocese of Washington’s work around Reparations
This weekend, talk with God and make a plan together to do something to make the world a little more on earth as it is in heaven – but keep it achievable. This is about reminding ourselves that we don’t live in an all or nothing world, and that we still have the power – and responsibility – to do God’s work in this world God so loves.
Peace – Jessica
