A note from Pastor Travis 5/19/22

Dear FUMC Family and Friends,

As I wrote in a recent E-News article, I attended my first Boston Marathon this year. The section of the racecourse where I was standing was just a few miles before “Heart Break Hill.” Soon the runners passing by me would have to climb that hill which has thwarted so many runners’ dreams over the years. I assume that many if not most of the runners were aware that they were approaching that part of the course. I can only imagine what they must have been feeling. Some were probably “setting their jaws” to the task and others probably were dreading the next stage of their race. There was a woman standing across the road from me cheering on the runners. She was offering words of encouragement and holding a sign that read, “We can do hard things.” I have thought a lot about that sign over the past few weeks. People’s resilience over the last few years of the pandemic has shown that indeed we can do hard things. 

Serving God in the world is challenging. It is difficult to stand up against hate, homophobia, and racism. It is heartbreaking to see children hurt by people’s prejudices and to hear the violence of political rhetoric. Yet, some of us stand in a place of privilege and that gives us power. We have voices that can be heard and influence to help make a difference. 

The Gospel calls us to use our privilege and our power to stand for justice and to stand with the oppressed. Our call to discipleship refuses to allow us to ignore the situation. It is hard and we often get discouraged by how little progress is being made. However, we can do hard things. 

I give thanks for this congregation. We have heard the call of Jesus and have responded. We speak up, using our privilege to make a difference. We work in our communities for justice and we take a stand in our denomination for what is right. In the coming months and years, we will continue to work for a more just nation and Church. There will be times when we will be discouraged and there will be setbacks. However, I do truly believe that the moral arc of the universe bends towards justice. I believe it because God is with us. This work isn’t ours alone. So, I think I would like to edit the words on the sign: “Through the presence and power of God, we can do hard things.” Or, in the words of St. Paul, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Peace and Grace,

Pastor Travis