election day communion

I'm a liberal. There, I said it. I believe in taxes and the welfare system and equal pay for equal work.

But I also believe, maybe even more, in bridge-building. I believe that elected officials are trying to do the right thing, no matter how broken they or the system are. I believe voters have much in common and much to commend them no matter which party they identify with. I believe each major party (and the minor ones as well) have nuggets of truth. And I believe we often use those nuggets to bludgeon each other.

I believe we are made by God for connection and relationship. And I believe that connection-building with folks we really, really disagree with is holy.

I believe this Election Day we--liberals, conservatives, independents, and non-voters--will be faced with a choice beyond that of party affiliation. I believe we will choose between fear and hospitality, as my friend Aaron Klinefelter has written. I believe we have an opportunity to choose not only the candidates we believe in but also the way of living Jesus asks of us. I believe my conservative brothers and sisters have something to teach me and that God loves them just as much as me.

Therefore, I believe I will talk to them, inquire about what they hold dear, and listen for understanding. I believe I will vote. And I believe I will pray with my brothers and sisters with whom I may or may not agree. Join us, won't you?

Election Day Communion
November 6, 7:30pm
Cincinnati Mennonite Fellowship (4229 Brownway Ave.)

something to remember

Purloined from The Rev. Roger Greene:

Regardless of who wins the presidential election today, in a few months, we will be living under a new administration. As Christians, we have been living under a new administration for 2000 years.