This past Sunday we celebrated All Saints Day as we pondered Jesus’ prayer that his followers would all be one. It’s kind of a crazy idea. There are people I don’t want to be in the same room with, let alone talk to or touch; yet it’s Jesus’ dream for both them and I to live together in union with God. How will we bring about unity in our world? Will we respond to hate with love or with more hate? Will we respond to division with more divisiveness or will we begin conversations that build bridges?  You can watch the video here.

This coming Saturday and Sunday I am taking time off, and hope to visit Red Lodge for a few days. Dr. Kelly Quick is planning to preach to you about comfort and joy. I hope you will encourage her as she continues her journey toward ordination in the United Church of Christ.

I write this to you before I know what has happened on Tuesday. Whatever has happened on Tuesday, decide today on Wednesday to love like Jesus loves. May you build bridges. May you show kindness. May you be moved with compassion to act in ways that bring heaven down to earth.

Pastor Laura