Dear Siblings, 

All throughout this week, I’ve had the British hymn “I Vow To Thee My Country” stuck in my head. The hymn is based on a poem called “The City of God” and it’s set to a portion of the movement “Jupiter” in Gustav Holst’s The Planets. The first verse is about Britain. The second verse is about heaven. Certainly, in my thinking of the hymn, I think of the US not Britain. I’ll share a few more thoughts on this on Sunday. 

In other news, we’re officially in “Ordinary Time” now. Green is the color for much of the season. This season is the story of us and God. The Holy Spirit plays a big part here! Sometimes, I think “ordinary” is such an interesting way to describe major events. Every part of what we read encountered in our sacred texts and stories seems historic. 

But that is kind of the point. When you step back for a moment it really is ordinary.

The terrible kings that ravaged the Northern and Southern kingdoms? Ordinary. 

The toil and oppression of the people under those kings? Ordinary. 

The small acts of courage and resistance?  A big deal perhaps, but still ordinary in the grand scheme of things. 

Ordinary time is our time. Amid moments that seem historic and simple, how do we respond to the story of Jesus? How do we find a way to make meaning and a bit of good trouble?

I cannot ignore the events of the world. As I’m writing this note, there are federalized National Guard members on the ground in Los Angeles. Israel and Iran appear to be at war. The final touches are being made for a massive parade in Washington DC to celebrate the 250th birthday of what is now the US Armed Forces. And in cities all across this country, there are predictions that millions of people will participate in what is being called “No Kings” Day in an effort to challenge the president. 

Amid all of that, there will be picnics and BBQS. Summer trips will start and end. People will live, laugh, love, cry, and more. 

Moments historic and simple all happening side by side. Yes, this is  ordinary time… the time for the story of God and us… the story of how we respond to the story of Jesus. 

Whatever you might do this weekend, I hope that you carry the courage and confidence of your convictions. I pray that you might reflect upon where and how the Holy Spirit is guiding you. 

Regardless of how you spend your weekend, be good to yourselves and one another.

Rev. Thomas

P.S. We are very close to our goal of donating 700 cans of black beans. Can you bring 1 can with you on Sunday? We’ll pass our goal by the start of our service. 🙂