Read the full Jan. 26 Weekly Liberal.

In this week’s newsletter, Rev. Justin writes:

Last Sunday, Rev. Elaine Aron Tenbrink shared in her post-inauguration sermon, that the “map” she had been using to orient herself in the world was no longer adequate. It was not up to the task of serving an “effective resistance or a movement for collective liberation.” In fact, after visually walking us through the well-worn paths on her map, Elaine confessed, “I’m ready to ditch this map.”

The way ahead, she suggested, is about showing up in our lives and our relationships in very different ways, grounded in humility and courage.

Like many of you, I was deeply moved by this sermon, and the loving challenge that Elaine put in front of us. She called us to action! To that end, here are some opportunities to build new relationships, engage in the world in new ways, and expand our sense of “we:”

• Attend “A Good Time for the Truth: Three Minnesotans of Color Share Their Stories, ” at First Universalist, at 6:45 p.m. this Friday, Jan. 27. As religious people, one of our spiritual practices in our lives must be to listen to and center the experiences of people of color.
• Join me and other church members at “Building our Prophetic Resistance,” on Saturday, Jan. 28, from 1-4 p.m. This event, led by ISAIAH, will be held at Shiloh Temple, 1201 West Broadway Ave. We will worship, lament, build our collective ability to resist fear and dehumanization, share a vision of an abundant future; and we will act, calling upon our Governor and others to resist with us and create safe and healthy communities for all Minnesotans.

You’re invited to join us at one or both of these events. As we connect with others, traveling outside the pathways we have known, solidarity is born, new relationships take root, and we catch a glimpse of the world that might be.

In love,
Justin