Dear Friends in Christ,
Well, that’s a mouthful. It is called the “theology of election.” It’s deep in our Protestant origins. That is, election is very, very important to our identity. Much more so than elections. So this November when the daily news is saturated with the latter, the Good News asks us not to forget who we are and whose we are. We are people of grace. And hope. And love.
Now if you want to know more about Calvin, including how he thought that it was and is God who helps us to choose a life of faith, hope, and love (it’s called divine intervention to guide our ethics), you can find plenty online. What I hope we find and hear and share in church is that ours is a God of love and purpose and holiness — which is why the ancient doctrine can still inspire our ethics and choices and missions and conduct. Also a mouthful.
Meanwhile, to reduce 3,000 pages to a line or two, God calls us and helps us to love our neighbors, ourselves and our creator, and, our conduct affects how we approach all of life, including elections. Because November is so saturated with their news. And we want to remember God’s idea of election, first and foremost.
But look back a bit before we go forward. Jut this October we lifted up eight languages at our World Communion table, a symbol of who we are at NHCC, and who God has created us to be in our diversity and inclusiveness. Our Deacons began a new, monthly practice of inviting broad, detailed, and specific prayers in worship, and it was very, very moving. We’ll do it again. Then on Reformation Sunday we celebrated the Sacrament of Baptism for two beloved teens, and then the Rite of Confirmation for nine of them. (We’ll welcome four new members on All Saints Day too, right after All Hallows Eve: Halloween.) That is, we are alive with hope and Spirit.
Recently we’ve gathered towels and sheets for those in need, soon Thanksgiving meal kits. And as we take our journey to the manger and the newborn, we’ll think about the newborns and their mothers in at our partner hospital, Konbit Santé in Haiti. In other words, all the theology above comes down to how we care for each other, pray together, and serve God’s children.
Another inspiring event comes up soon: the Rev. June Cooper will lead worship for two weeks this month while I am away. A series of circumstances have put me behind in taking leave or vacation, and — joyfully — I know someone who leads trips to Japan (our colleague Yoko), and I’ll go there for two weeks as the leaves change. I will see shrines and temples and lots of ramen. I’ll visit Mt. Fuji, sacred to many in its own way. So I’ll catch up on my sabbath, my rest, and get to see things I’ve never before seen.*
I’m here for All Saints, and back to start Advent, committed to Konbit, and excited about Lessons and Carols. I’m using my election, trusting that God helps us to choose a life of mission, and I’m acting on that from the voting booth to the foot of Mt. Fuji. That is, I take my faith and ethics and hopes with me wherever I go. Thanks be to God.
I look forward to seeing you when we sing “Come thou, Long-Expected Jesus,” when we read texts that say “comfort, comfort o my people,” and when we help newborns in Haiti. I look forward to our mission and ministry together. For God calls us and saves us with holiness, and purpose, for sure. Like Calvin said.
* I’ll be gone for three Sundays, approved by our Deacons, and since several people have asked: no, I don’t get a discount, but an adventure.