Praying for a Time of Healing

Dear Parishioners of St. James’, We are compelled to reach out because this week has been a harrowing one for many. The public display of one woman’s trauma and one man’s anger tells a broader and deeper story. The fabric of our nation has been shredded, and with it, the carefully crafted scabs over the memories and experiences of thousands of abuse survivors have been ripped off. If we are not personally trying to cope with our own experience, we are surely doing our best to be present to those who are. It is a painful time that calls each of us to be tender and gentle and careful, with ourselves and with others. Women have been taught to be silent and the church has been complicit in this toxic narrative through the misuse of scripture and authority. Men, too, have been taught to be silent if abused with messages that victimization equates to weakness, and thus, diminished masculinity. These issues are too complicated and sensitive to address in this forum. We want to assure you that we, the staff of your church, are exploring ways to be present to this very real pain. Often, holding scripture close to our hearts as a meditation and mantra can bring comfort in times of distress, helping us to remember that God is always with us, liberating and freeing us from the weight of this world. We offer to you a few sentences you might find helpful. The Lord supports all who fall down, straightens up all who are bent low. – Psalm 145:14 The Lord is a safe place for the oppressed—a safe place in difficult times. – Psalm 9:9 We have known and have believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who remain in love remain in God and God remains in them. This is how love has been perfected in us. – 1 John 4:16-17a As the Father loved me, I too have loved you. Remain in my love. – John 15:9 If a holy conversation would be helpful and healing, please do not hesitate to reach out to Reverend Lori or Reverend Anna. We also offer the number for the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) Hotline: 800-656-4673 In God’s enduring and never-ending love, Rev. Lori, Rev. Anna, Jan and Jennifer