A Word with Our Bishops
Sunday’s scripture comes from Isaiah 43:
Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when through the rivers, they won’t sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you won’t be scorched and flame won’t burn you.
Goodness. As we enter this new year, many are indeed walking through fire- some literally. It has been devastating. It is hard to read this scripture from the prophet Isaiah when much of southern California is literally burning, scorched, burnt by the flames. It’s hard to read this passage when there are many others who are not in the evacuation zone but who fear for their humanity, livelihood, and basic human rights.
Still, we are reminded through the prophet that God is with us; God calls us by name. We are God’s beloved. Thus, when the storms rage or fires burn, we know that we belong to God and are held close in God’s love. This means we are held close to one another, close enough to hold and help each other: through fire, through flood, through threat, through it all.
Welcoming the Stranger
The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church has shared a poignant pastoral letter addressing the plight of migrants, immigrants, and refugees in the United States. They have implored each congregation to hear these words as we are reminded of our shared faith commitment to embrace the stranger and to be the light of Christ in challenging times. It begins:
Jesus said, “When you welcome the stranger, you welcome me….” Matthew 25:35
At no time has the church in the US had a greater opportunity to welcome Jesus among us as he journeys with migrants, immigrants, and refugees than today. We your bishops are clear that the situation these beloved of God face as the Trump Administration comes to power threatens their humanity, livelihood, and basic human rights.
Please read the full letter from the Council of Bishops here.
Devastating Fires in California
Amidst concern for our immigrant neighbor, our neighbors in southern California are suffering tremendous loss. Countless homes, businesses, places of worship, and communities have been evacuated, caught fire, or burned. Among them, two United Methodist churches: Altadena UMC and Community UMC of Pacific Palisades.
Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank of the California-Pacific Conference shared this video update yesterday.
Today, the California-Pacific Conference shared the following for those asking how to help:
“We are so thankful for the outpouring of support. Many of you have asked how you can help support relief efforts, and as evacuations continue, the fires still burn, and hundreds of thousands remain without power, the best way to help right now is through monetary donations. We've set up a special fund for the Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund, where you can contribute directly towards relief and recovery from the effects of the winds and firestorms this week: www.calpacumc.org/donate
Two immediate needs are for high-capacity generators and bottled water. If you are local and have access to those, please contact Rev. Dr. Denyse Barnes at dbarnes@calpacumc.org to coordinate.”
As we think on the many needs across the country, UMCOR’s U.S. Disaster Response and Recovery Fund is also a place where you can give toward all emergent and ongoing disaster recovery.
I am thankful for each of you and the ways in which your hearts expand to hold more hope and more sorrow, and for the ways in which your hearts move your hands to action. We are a beloved people whose hands are always extended to the beloved around us; thanks be to God!
Peace,
Pastor Karyn
