Election Overload

So the election is six days away. How is everyone holding up?!

The author Anne Lamott wrote last week: "OH GOD, MAKE IT STOP, LORD. Right? Are we all crazy enough yet?" Indeed.

This election season has been so jaw-droppingly surprising and horrifying that most days I wonder how our country will ever recover. I pray fervently that now through January 6 will be downright boring: free from violence and chaos.

It sounds like the worst kind of platitude to say "trust in God" in such a time as this. But other than doing what we can to further our values of love, compassion and justice, we DO need to trust in God. So whatever happens in the next few weeks, may we seek to rest all our anxieties on the One who is eternal and steadfast, on the One who loves us each beyond measure, on the One who is leading us to wholeness, on the One who can see well beyond our limited knowing. God be with us.

To help us move through the next week, here are some resources that may provide some courage and solace:

Interfaith Election Prayer Gathering: Sunday, Nov 3 at 6:00 pm

Gather on the green across from West Parish with Renee and other local clergy to pray for a smooth election process and for peace.

Election Day Prayer Service and Vigil: Tuesday, Nov 5, 4:00-6:00 pm Hosted on zoom by UCC national leaders, this hour-long contemplative prayer service will be followed by breakout rooms for discussion or pastoral care.

Election Night Vigil: Tuesday, Nov 5, 7:00 pm - 1:00 am

Led by the Brothers of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist (Episcopal) in Cambridge, MA from their chapel; watch on livestream. "In the face of anxiety, uncertainty, and exhaustion around the 2024 Presidential Election, we invite you to join the Brothers in prayer to God our Creator and Governor for unity, guidance, and protection. The vigil begins at 7:00 pm and continues until the final polls close at 1:00 am." 

Vote Faithfully Sermon by the Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, UCC Minister and President.

Threshold Moments: A Ritual for Voting. From the UCC, a step-by-step guide to move through the actual voting process with prayerful intention.