How are you holding up, Good People?! Because it's A LOT.
Legal residents - green card and visa holders, and there are reports of even U.S. citizens - have been detained and imprisoned. Multiple countries have issued advisories about travel to the United States, warning of "arrest or detention." Our nation's top leaders sent chats about military operations on an unsecured network to the wrong people. There's now a 50-50 chance of a recession. Today the President stated that "We need it. We have to have it" - meaning Greenland - and tomorrow the Vances and the White House National Security Advisor will travel there for a "friendly" visit. The U.S. plans to end funding for its global vaccine program which could "result in the deaths of over one million children." And more tariffs will be announced at 4 pm today.
Just like last week - and the week before, and the week before - I could go on and on about the astonishing events of the past few days. The assaults on the rule of law, decency, free speech, public health, higher education, environmental protections, civil rights and our international partners are simply astonishing.
But I suspect that none of you want to hear about the latest astonishments EVERY SINGLE WEEK. And yet - Good People - what to do?! It feels neglectful not to mention it. It feel overwhelming to mention it. What is our calling as a church? What are we to do as followers of Jesus? How can we protect those who are vulnerable to arrest, harassment, hunger, job loss and despair?
Let me know your thoughts! What do YOU need in this time? What would you like to see West Parish doing or being or offering?
Of course, I hope you will join us for worship and for our opportunities for stillness in these remaining Lenten weeks. If nothing else, we can support one another in finding some life-giving peace in the chaos.
