Senior Pastor & Teacher

South Euclid United Church of Christ

Office: 216-791-5200
Email: Pastor@eacc-ucc.org

Beloved,

In times like these, words are hard to come by.  I turn to scripture when I know not what to say.  The prophet Habakkuk, in the first chapter of his book, made this powerful cry:

"Why do you make me look at injustice?
     Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?
 Destruction and violence are before me;
     there is strife, and conflict abounds.
 Therefore the law is paralyzed,
     and justice never prevails.
 The wicked hem in the righteous,
     so that justice is perverted." (Habakkuk 1:3-4)

Last evening, we heard the news that Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson will not be charged in the death of Michael Brown.  This ruling was heartbreaking for many because Michael Brown was unarmed on August 9^th when he encountered the officer.  Yet the autopsy revealed that Brown was shot more than 6 times. 

I received numerous messages from many who call South Euclid United Church of Christ home and from others within the Cleveland community.  Most shared their utter disbelief and were longing to process their thoughts and feelings.  Many expressed moral outrage.  Some said they are fearful of heightened racial tension - or a trajectory of violence. The question was asked over and over, "Is there a 'safe space' where this community can process its anger, grief, shock, resentment or any other emotion which may have come from last night's decision?"

Today from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., South Euclid United Church of Christ will provide such a space for families, children, teens, parents, community members and clergy to come together and share. The church is located at 4217 Bluestone Road in South Euclid.  We invite you come, seek God in prayer, share respectfully, and know that you are not alone in your longing for clarity, courage and call for justice.  As a multicultural/multiracial congregation, steeped in a denomination committed to social justice, we cannot afford to shy away from matters like this which serve as the conduit to an even more divided nation.   Let us pray together.

In that same chapter of Habakkuk, the Lord replied to the prophet's inquiry saying,

"Look at the nations and watch-
     and be utterly amazed.
 For I am going to do something in your days
     that you would not believe,
     even if you were told."  (Habakkuk 1:5)

While many questions remain about the next steps to happen in Ferguson and beyond, I believe God wants us to gather, in a safe space, and know that we are not alone in our feelings.  We invite you to join us.  Like Habakkuk, let us place our concerns before the Lord and trust that God will answer.

Called for the Purpose of the Kingdom,

 

Rev. Courtney Clayton Jenkins
Senior Pastor & Teacher
South Euclid United Church of Christ