Faith & Democracy Sunday: October 27th

Faith & Democracy Sunday is a non-partisan day organized around faith and democratic principles of valuing and affirming the voice and dignity of all, especially “the least of these” among us.

And, the belief that every person has a right to participate fully, freely, and fairly in the democratic process without fear, intimidation, limitations, or false information.

There is a grand tradition in this country of what was once called the “Election Day” sermon. For nearly 250 years from the earliest days of the colonies until the late 1800s, it was common for congregations all around the country to come together near the date of an election. In those days, the election sermon was often preceded by days of prayer, fasting, and other acts of devotion (and penance).

The earliest election sermon took place in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1634. A Puritan (Congregationalist) minister, John Cotton a minister at First Church in Boston offered that sermon. Cotton would go on to become a leading figure in our church’s style of governance… congregationalism.

Election sermons have waned in popularity since the Civil War, but there’s a minister in New England who believes that they should make a return.

We think he might be right. And so, on Sunday, October 27th we will recognize “Faith & Democracy Sunday.” This idea is borrowed from our friends in the Central Atlantic Conference of the UCC.

As Rev. Liz will be away at the Southern Regional Women’s Retreat, and I will have just returned from my time away, we will have one worship service at 11AM. I have never believed that one should come to church solely for a sermon. That is still true. But, I believe this may be one of the most important sermons I offer here at Central. I hope that you’ll join us on October 27th. I also hope that you’ll choose to do so in person if you are able.

You don’t have to be in the Sanctuary to be a Christian or to follow Christ, but the room feels much better when as many of you as possible are there.

As we move closer to Election Day, please be mindful of the early voting period, reach out if you may need a ride to the polls, and I invite you to follow these prayers offered by the UCC: Forty Days of Prayer

I hope to see you on October 27th,

Rev. Thomas

The schedule of activities for that Sunday is below:

Faith & Democracy Sunday Schedule

9:30 AM
Sandwich Sunday- sandwich making and lunch kit packing for Central Outreach and Advocacy Center in the Fellowship Hall.

9:45 AM
#OurFaithOurVote “pop-up” discussion in Room 209

New Perspectives in Room 102

Practical Theology in Room 205

11:00 AM
Faith & Democracy Sunday Service, in-person and live-streaming

Rev. Thomas, preaching “This Side of Heaven.”

Scripture: Habakkuk 2:1-3; 18-20 and Matthew 5:1-12

+ A new song from the choir | and Neighbors in Need offering collection

12:15 PM
Pumpkin Carving and Painting! Bring your own pumpkin 🙂 in the Fellowship Hall