Election

Dear Friends in Christ,

I know, because you have told me, that many of you are reeling from the results of the recent presidential election, even as I am aware that some of you might be rejoicing. Wherever you fall on this spectrum I wish to remind us all that, whoever is president, God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Last Sunday we celebrated a baptism during our worship, and as we always do at such a time, we reminded ourselves of the promises made at our own baptisms by saying together the baptismal covenant. As so many voices loudly and assuredly promised to continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers; persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever we fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord; proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ; seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as ourself; and strive for justice and peace among all people, and for the earth and all creation, and respect the dignity of every human being, I got goose bumps. I felt the Holy Spirit alive and well, moving among us, within us, and through us.

As people of faith and baptized Episcopalians, however we voted and however we feel, we are called always to proclaim the Good News of God in Jesus the Christ through our words and actions, and to live according to our baptismal covenant. We do not do this alone. We do this as a community of faith, called by God to be the Episcopal branch of the Jesus movement in east Contra Costa County, and yesterday you did just that.

Yesterday, almost twenty people generously and graciously gave of their time to provide the warm and enthusiastic St. Anna's welcome I know and expect for Bp Austin Rios and his wife Maleah. Bp. Austin was so impressed by the spirit and faith of this congregation, and by the way we are embracing the Gospel message and reaching out to our community. Congregations like ours are one of the reasons he is so excited to be our Bishop and bring the possibilities of this diocese to fruition and give him hope for the future of our Church and the world. You are a light that shines brightly when our world most needs it and I am so proud to be your vicar. I appreciate you all from the bottom of my heart.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Jane