“This is the work of the church.”

When I arrived to serve this church in the summer of 2012, it wasn’t long before I became familiiar with a particular phrase:

This is the work of the church.

This phrase would be the last line of an email or the closing words of a sermon or a casual statement in a conversation in the social hall. This is the work of the church. Conviction, clarity, pride, encouragement and invitation often came through with those seven words—helping us remember who we are, who we want to be, and what we can do to bring the Universalist spirit of love and hope alive in the world. 

This phrase hasn’t gone away, and I am hearing it again in new ways in this moment and I am grateful for it. 

Last week, we said goodbye with intention to Rev. Arif and thanked him for his ministry among us. On the very same day, the New Baby Team hosted a baby shower for a trans couple the congregation is accompanying as they resettle here in the Twin Cities, celebrated our Coming of Age graduates in the sanctuary, and joined together for an overflowing Community Dinner. We brought our resources together to fund the mission of the church for the year ahead—meeting our pledge goal thanks to a last minute matching gift and the tremendous generosity of so many of you. Later in the week, our Youth Leadership Team hosted its annual Trivia Night and Talent Show, which raised not only money, but our spirits. All of this and so much more happened over the span of a week here at church as the quiet, behind-the-scenes moments of caring for each other in times of transition and grief and joy and growing in spiritual practices and connection with each other continued. This is the work of the church. 

In a time when so much can feel out of control and overwhelming and awful, it helps to know that we are a part of something larger than ourselves. It helps to remember that love and hope can and do come alive even in the presence of hate and fear. It helps to remember who we are and who and how we want to be—and to act together as we practice being a part of the Beloved Community we know is possible. 

In the weeks ahead, I hope you will find your way to bring love and hope alive in your life and this community. There are so many opportunities to join in. 

Wednesday, May 28th: join the Sanctuary and Resistance team for a pizza dinner and a chance to learn more about how we can create a world where each and every person can thrive. There will be opportunities to sign up for important tasks—from individual support to systemic change—as well as the chance to connect and strengthen ourselves and each other as we live out our faith in the world. Questions and rsvps (please rsvp!) can be directed to Kit Ketchum.

Support Karen and Khloe and Omar: guests among us who are experiencing the impact of an unjust and unevenly applied immigration system firsthand. Please continue to pray with them for Omar’s safe return to his family, and support their family by signing up to acquire and drop off diapers, groceries, and personal items for Karen and Khloe while they are staying with us. 

Could you help organize the creation of care kits for our unhoused neighbors? Church is a place that people stop by looking for support. We’d love to have care kits to hand out, but we need a few folks to organize their creation. Is that you? If so, let me know.

Gather at George Floyd Square at the Rise & Remember Festival, May 23-25. 

Perhaps you’ve heard of the No Kings Rally happening on June 14th in Loring Park: we’ll be heading over together as we push back against increasing authoritarianism in our country. As people of faith, who believe in the worth and dignity of every person and work to ensure our mutual thriving, we come together to make this vision real in the world. 

This is who we are, this is what we do, this is the work of the church. I’m so glad to be in it with you.

See you on Sunday,

Jen