Dear Pollinators,
If powerlessness is defined by the sense of there being no available alternatives to one's present situation, then a range of theological responses suggest themselves. On the less optimistic end of the spectrum, one simply accepts one's fate as divine punishment. Another response posits that an alternative is indeed available, but it doesn't arrive until one has trudged through life to arrive at a just afterlife. Yet, there is also a third alternative. It is one that was central to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s understanding of love and nonviolence. It is a faith in divine creative possibility regardless of one's circumstances. The eminent Harvard theologian Gordon Kaufman went so far as to argue that the very essence of God is best conceived as "serendipitous creativity."
I will leave it to others to plumb the depths of such theological matters, while saying that there is an experiential truth for me when it comes to creativity as the antidote to feeling powerless in the face of dire situations. Take this election season, for instance. With so much at stake when it comes to the multiple crises of the moment, I confess it gives me a sense of depression if I feel like the only actions available provoke a sense of political déjà vu—"wait, didn't we try this last time, and it didn't work."
In such circumstances, I delight in every creative act—small or large. I delight when the Rev. Allyson Sawtell sends me a Blessing of the Ballots liturgy used at Washington Park UCC in Denver. I delight when my own church in Shaker Heights, Ohio does a Sunday morning skit in which Joe Voter sees a Voter Therapist in coming to terms with a childhood in a politically divided household.
In this final month of the election season, may you find delight as well in the sacredness of creative possibilities.
With gratitude for your ministry,
Faith Rally: Election Day Home Stretch — A Digital Event
Feeling bruised, battered, or fatigued by this election season? Looking for a source of uplift down the home stretch to November 3rd? Then, this October 14th digital event is for you. This will be an hour in which to renew our energies and our focus. Our three featured speakers will include: Karenna Gore of Union Theological Seminary, the Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr. of the Hip Hop Caucus, and the Rev. Gerald Durley of Interfaith, Power & Light. Sign-up now to join us!
First UCC Climate Ambassador Training
In partnership with Blessed Tomorrow, the first UCC Climate Ambassador Training will take place this Saturday from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm ET. This training is geared toward UCC members in Pennsylvania, but the plan is to do more trainings in other parts of the country. The training equips clergy and laity to give presentations in their churches and develop concrete climate action plans. Register today for this free training! If you would like to see a training in your own region, send an email to the Rev. Brooks Berndt.
Volunteer Opportunity to Turn Out Environmental Voters
A UCC team from across the country has partnered with the Environmental Voter Project to send text messages encouraging people in twelve states to get their vote-by-mail ballots and then mail them. There will be regular training sessions for new volunteers. If you think you might be interested, email the Rev. Roberta Rominger for more information.
Digital Potluck: Butternut Soup
While churches are unable to gather for potlucks during the pandemic, we can still share our sacred love for heavenly delectable gifts online. As the UCC’s Kairos Call to Action notes, eating plant rich foods is good for both the body and the planet. This week the Rev. Tara Barber shares a recipe for Butternut Soup as she tells the story of why this meal is especially meaningful for her this fall season.