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Churches live in purple spaces: a reflection
Wisconsin Conference UCC Conference Minister Franz Rigert offered his thoughts on election eve:
Many of us are anxious as we await the results of the 2024 election. We worry about the outcome -- and about the potential for political and social unrest that could ensue. Some of us fear that our democracy hangs in the balance.
Yesterday, I saw a yard sign that read: “YOU are our neighbors. No matter who you vote for, your skin color, your faith, or who you love, we will be here for you. That’s what community means. So, let’s be neighbors.”
Loving our neighbors near and far is the great commandment and the heart of the Gospel. This fall, at Redeemer UCC in Sussex, the Rev. Julie Eklund preached a sermon series titled “Red and Blue Make Purple.” She invited the congregation to engage in “purple” relationships through these five biblical values: kindness, compassion, humility, respect and love.
Earlier this year, the Rev. Stephen M. Fearing a Presbyterian pastor and hymn writer, set these compelling words to familiar hymn tune:
“Churches live in purple spaces, faithful from the left and right;
Christ made known in many faces, each beloved to God’s delight.
Though we’ve stumbled, sometimes falling, grace is ne’er beyond our reach.
Bless us in our sacred calling as repairers of the breach.”
Whether we are delighted or disappointed by the outcome of the election, we will still be united in God’s love, and God will still expect us to love one another. As Paul wrote in Romans 8: “Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Not hardship or distress. Not sword or peril. Nor things present. Nor things to come.” And not even an election.
Come what may, our work of ministry carries on. We are called to be bridge builders and grace givers. Let’s pray for calm and practice peace. Let’s be humble and gracious in winning and losing, knowing that we are all on this journey of life together. Let’s be patient in waiting and conscientious in remembering that with freedom comes responsibility. Whether it’s the freedom of God’s abundant grace or the freedom of this messy democracy, our response is important.
This second verse of “Churches Live in Purple Spaces” reads like a benediction:
“Jesus calls us to uniting; where there’s hate, we’ll love instead.
Though we’re broken by the fighting, we’ll respond by breaking bread.
When we’re taught to fear our neighbor, we’ll tune out the hurtful lies.
Giving God our faithful labor, we’ll see Christ in others’ eyes.”
Be well, friends, and God be with you.
Franz
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