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16 July 2024
Romans 14:19 (NKJV)
“Therefore, let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify (build up) another.”
Dear MCC family and friends,
Here we are, days later, still trying to make sense of the senseless violence that occurred in Butler Pennsylvania U.S.A. at a political rally where a gunman was killed after taking the life of a political supporter and injuring three others, including ex-president Donald Trump. As horrific and tragic as this act was (and it was), if we are honest, we must acknowledge this event does not stand alone or reside in a vacuum. We may be in shock but likely not surprised.
Difference is by divine design. Yet some differences are being treated as ‘less than’ and even perceived as a threat. It seems there are many among us who have lost the ability to see the divine, the good, and the humanity in one another. And, this has unleashed incivility, harm, and violence. Deadly violence. Opening wounds that will never truly heal.
As we get ever closer to the U.S. presidential election in November, we can anticipate the political divide will widen and the intensity and passion around our deeply held beliefs and differing opinions will only grow. In this precarious and even perilous time we, the MCC Council of Elders, invite you to join us as we stop to ground ourselves in faith, pray without ceasing, and pursue those things that will bring peace, within and without. Let us, together, strive in all ways possible to further the Kin-dom of God by looking for common ground and creating an atmosphere of mutual respect.
This is a perfect time to state clearly that we are called to boldly stand against injustice wherever and whenever we perceive it and to prophetically call out oppression. To quote the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “There can be no justice without peace, and there can be no peace without justice.” For MCC, this is our faith. This is our hope. This is our calling.
All life is precious and sacred. This country has spent much time, money, and energy tearing down one another---now is the time to choose a different path -- that builds up one another -- on our way to November (and beyond). The current path is way too costly – with violent rhetoric and acts that cause loss of life physically and spiritually; life that is, without exception or condition, precious and sacred.
This is what love asks of us and what God (who IS love) makes possible…with our help.
Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream (Amos 5:24) and may we be among the helpers.
The MCC Council of Elders:
Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston, Moderator
Elder Hattie Alexander-Key
Rev. Elder Mark Byrd
Rev. Elder Nokuthula Dhladhla
Elder Velma Garcia
Rev. Elder Rich Hendricks
Rev. Elder Aaron Miller
Rev. Elder Elaine Saralegui Caraballo
Rev. Elder Stuart Sutherland
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