Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance! (Jude :2)
Thank you for the privilege of serving alongside you as pastor! What I communicated last month, remains true this month too… Over the next several months (and years) I hope to visit with each of you and look forward to knowing you more. I hope to make several home visits each month, visiting with any family who welcomes me to do so. If there is a convenient time for me to come by or meet up with you at a local eatery, please let me know.
-Pastor Bree (email: [email protected] or cell:360-989-4906).
As I write this column it has been less than a week since the events in Charlottesville took place. Now, days later, my heart is still heavy. I suspect yours might be too.
Racism, anti-Semitism and white supremacy are sins. It is heart wrenching to bear witness to injustice. All people are created in the image of God (Gen 1:27), all are loved (John 3:16) and all are to be loved (Mark 12:31). O, that all of humanity (including myself) would live in and live out these truths every day.
As angry and sad as I have been at people who I see harming others, I know that as an educated and employed caucasian female I lead a life of privilege. I have resources and opportunities many others do not. I am insulated from the pain of others and it is far to easy to simply go on with life as if all is well in our nation. All is not well. Apathy and denial of reality are also sins.
May the Prince of Peace stir within all of us a desire and ability to see all of humanity as bearers of God’s image who are loved by God. May God who makes all things new, continually reform us and shape us, spurring us to live in and live out love.
You are beloved of God! –Pastor Bree Truax