Dear Restoration,
The death of of George Floyd is yet one more senseless and unjust loss in our nation, and this one hurts especially because it’s our back yard. George’s death didn’t happen in a place of “other” —it happened in our neighborhood. Fifteen of you live within a five blocks of that intersection. We hear the sirens, helicopters, and megaphones. Maybe you’ve met George before.
Psalm 10:12-14:
Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up your hand; forget not the afflicted.
Why does the wicked renounce God and say in his heart, "You will not call to account"?
But you do see, for you note mischief and vexation, that you may take it into your hands; to you the helpless commits himself; you have been the helper of the fatherless.
Christians believe that every life is precious to God. He sees the death of the afflicted and mourns. We long for the day in which all injustices will be made right, tears will be wiped away, and the nations will be healed. But until then, we renounce wickedness, we lament loss, and we work toward the restoration of all things.
This afternoon, if you are willing and able, we will be gathering at a member’s home for a time of lament and prayer. [Check email for details.] We’ll also be creating space to talk about George’s death and processing together what this means for our community. If there are more than ten who show up, we’ll split into smaller groups. Of course, with the coronavirus situation, if you’d rather stay and pray from home, we completely understand. Do not feel pressured to come.
2019 BCP, p659:
For Social Justice
Almighty God, you created us in your own image: Grant us grace to contend fearlessly against evil and to make no peace with oppression; and help us to use our freedom rightly in the establishment of justice in our communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
May God bless each one of you, his redeemed people, as you contend against evil and pursue peace among the nations.
In Christ,
Rick+
