Dear Incarnation,
I'm writing this week with an assortment of newsy updates and reflections. The first is to say thank you for your outpouring of generosity to our Benevolence Fund. You've already given nearly $20,000 to help those in our community facing financial hardship. This is simply incredible for a church of our size and makeup. I know so many of you are facing so much uncertainty — and yet you have opened your hands in generosity and faith. I'm humbled and awed.
I am reminded of the text we preached for 4 weeks last summer in our Ordinary Church sermon series on Acts 2:41-47:
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone because many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
If you'd like to contribute to the Benevolence Fund, you can give here. If you'd like to confidentially request funds, you can fill out this form, or simply reach out to a pastor.
And another simple way to practice this scripture will happen this Saturday at our "freezer meal bee" (like a quilting bee, but with meal prep). We'll provide the ingredients and kitchen (mine!); you'll show up to cook together and take home a meal for your freezer, either for yourself or to share with someone in need. Space is limited; email Evelyn Yarzebinski to rsvp: eyarzebinski@gmail.com.
***
In other "sometimes-it-feels-like-we're-in-the-book-of-Acts" news, our second monthly Maryland service will happen this Sunday at 5pm at Hyattsville Mennonite Church. Last month was surprising, moving, beautiful, creative, and just really fun (minus the broken arm).
Do you have church-weary friends in that part of Maryland? Consider inviting them to come worship with some of the most welcoming people around. And please continue your prayers for this service, for Katie as its leader, and for our whole church as we discern what God is doing in our midst. Thank you!
***
February has been dominated by other headlines, but . . . it's still Black History Month. Every year I re-up this beautiful reflection by Michelle Strickland, written during the racial turmoil of the pandemic. Her post feels all the more poignant after the death of her grandfather (featured in the photo) in late 2023, who was a groundbreaking, lifelong public servant.
This month, I'm grateful for these words and this prayer from the Anglican Diocese of Churches for the Sake of Others:
Amplifying the voices of our Black brothers and sisters is a step toward the Kingdom vision of racial and ethnic diversity in Revelation 7:9. Together, let’s journey toward experiencing the beauty of God’s desire for diversity among his people.
A Prayer for Black History Month
O God, who created all peoples in your image: We thank you for the diversity of races and cultures in this world. Show us your presence in our Black brothers and sisters, and enrich our lives with their fellowship, until our knowledge of your love is made perfect in our love for all your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
***
This Sunday is World Mission Sunday. Within the Anglican tradition (as in most traditions), the history of world missions is entangled with the painful history of colonialism. And yet our Anglican tradition today is also enriched by the voices, perspectives, and leadership of faithful Christians from around the world. This Sunday, we will celebrate the beautiful diversity of our global church, confess and lament our wrongs, and pray for the healing of the nations (including our own!) as Christ is made known in all places.
Our outreach partners from Five Talents will join our Virginia service, where we'll hear more about their work and have an opportunity to pray for them. After the service, join us over at Leigh McAfee's for sandwiches and more conversation!
***
Finally, last Sunday I preached what many told me was a challenging sermon (!) on the rich and poor, blessing and woe. Several have asked for resources for further discernment around money, so I'm linking a few here (the first two are from stations at our fall church retreat):
***
I know things in our city are hard. Thanks for the ways you are all being faithful in so many ways, despite all that feels hard. I've been listening often to this song lately, particularly thinking of our federal and federal-adjacent workers:
I'm praying for all of us and always here to talk, walk, grab coffee, or pray.
With love,
Amy
Comments