We will make a new way forward together.
News –
Dear Ones,
My heart is breaking anew in each moment, with each story of violence, each family separated, each innocence shattered. It feels like too much because it is too much. And it is going to be too much for too long. As people of faith who name each and every person as whole and holy and worthy, welcome and wanted; as people of faith who know that harm to one is harm to all, our hearts cannot help but break in these days.
What will we do with our broken open hearts? With our rage and our tears, our resolve and our fears? How do we live with too much for too long?
What will we do with our broken open hearts? With our rage and our tears, our resolve and our fears? How do we live with too much for too long?
We remember. We imagine. We dream. We know. Another way is possible. A way built on mutual respect and thriving. A way that values our differences and honors our identities. A way grounded in love of neighbor and love of self and love of all life. Another way is possible, and even in the midst of this heartbreak, we must embody it to survive.
How will we do it? We will care for our neighbors and ourselves in ways both new and familiar. We will care for our neighbors and ourselves as if our lives and theirs depend on it, because they do. And we will each find our role, our place, our lane in the moments and days that unfold in front of us, asking and answering the question: What can I do—what is the thing that I can do? in this moment, on this day, with humility and courage.
As you ask and answer this question for yourself, here are some of the actions that the Sanctuary and Resistance team recommends:
- If you are at risk, what can you do that helps you feel and be safer? Are there trusted people you can ask to support you with what you need? The ministers at church are here to support you and connect you with resources.
- Come to church in whatever way works for you. Our presence (online and in person) strengthens one another in small groups and on Sunday mornings.
- Connect with your neighbors in whatever way is available in your neighborhood. This could be neighborhood associations, mutual aid groups, rapid response networks, Signal chats…. Get to know your neighbors to keep each other safe.
- Check with the PTA and/or social workers at your local school to see what they need: rides, building patrol, etc.
- Unidos MN offers trainings for legal observers. See the schedule at Training — Monarca.
- MUUSJA (Minnesota Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Alliance) offers online Hands-on Solidarity trainings, with Concrete Ways to Respond to Immigration Enforcement. There are several happening in the next 10 days.
- Wear a whistle and know how to use it (short tweets = ICE is nearby, long tweets = they have taken someone). The whistle is also a visible symbol that you are an ally.
- Check in with people doing direct resistance work—what do they need? Meals, childcare, gas money, rides? Love and support?
- Connect with the Sanctuary and Resistance committee at monthly meetings—visit their table at the February 1 Sign-Up Sunday, or at monthly Wednesday Community Dinners.
- Participate in the upcoming training, “Center Down Rise Ready in the Time of Monsters.” Feb 4, 5-7:30 pm, location TBD. Led by Lena Gardner.
- Share food and financial resources with Calvary Food Shelf (a partner faith community in South Mpls Immigrant Coalition group since 2017; right near George Floyd Square and Powderhorn) and with Joyce Uptown Food Shelf.
- If you have extra room in a closed garage, especially in the suburbs, offer to store an immigrant’s car. Many are not driving, but parking in open lots or on Twin Cities streets targets them and makes their location vulnerable.
- Make signs at church on Sunday. Some folks’ mission is to go to protests; others can support them by making signs.
- Support mutual aid to those most in need MN Together and Fams Helping Fams.
- Share your financial resources with any of these organizations:
- Sign up for the communications of any of the above organizations; they need volunteers. Asks pop up very quickly. Recently we have heard requests for: protecting schools, driving kids to school, delivering groceries, approaching local businesses about protecting their employees, and many more.
- Deepen your spiritual practice and do not neglect your joy!
Remember, each of us contributes in our own way and that way will change day to day.
You are loved. You are needed. And we will make a new way forward together, practicing the ways of love and justice that will make us and this world anew.
In gratitude and solidarity,
Rev. Jen
