Kindness Everywhere

November is always busy at church as we remember loved ones who are now with the Lord on All Saints’ Sunday, dedicate our financial pledges on Celebration Sunday, rejoice for everything God has given us on Giving Thanks Sunday, and delight in the Reign of Christ on the final Sunday of the month. We have a full slate of activities every weekend at St. Mark. The building will also be busy throughout the week with preschool activities, classes, and choir opportunities for all ages. Tuesdays are normally pretty quiet around here, but we will have plenty of our neighbors onsite when Gleason Hall becomes a polling place for the national, statewide, and local election on November 6.

I believe it is so important to take part in this process, and I am thankful to live in a country governed by the will of the people. We will not agree on every candidate, party, or issue, but I believe our strength is in our diversity and not our homogeny. The Presbyterian Church has a Book of Common Worship; we do not have a Book of Common Opinion. God alone is Lord of the Conscience, and reasonable people can reasonably disagree. That’s true in the sanctuary, the session room, and the ballot box.

I am weary of the constant attack ads, the retreat of many into political tribalism, and the complete lack of civility in public discourse. My hope is we can all be salt and light in this challenging season. It’s important to vote our values, but to live out our values in the world is far more needed. I have learned it does no good to be right if we are not righteous; it honors God little to be powerful if we are not kind. I encourage you to begin every November morning singing/reading the words to the timeless hymn, “This is My Father’s World.”

This is my Father’s world:
Oh, let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
 God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world,
The battle is not done:
Jesus who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and Heav’n be one.

God is good all the time. May we seek kindness everywhere we go and live out kindness in everything we do.

 In Hope and Confidence, Pastor Dave