Dear Friends, 

I am writing this as I leave the clergy conference where I have been listening to Dr. Ellen Davis speak about the nature of hope. Dr. Davis is a professor of Bible and theology at Duke Divinity School and pointed out the communal nature of hope and faithfulness in scripture. Our discussion was robust as we discussed the many issues in the world that can cause us to lose hope. Dr. Davis pointed out that, in scripture, words like "righteousness" are about the community. Righteousness is about right relationship with God, others, and creation. In those relationships, we find hope and know God with us. 

Relationships aren't easy. We see that in one-on-one relationships and globally. We especially see that recently in the Israel/Gaza war. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry recently issued a powerful statement about the war. I have given permission for a local group to gather at St.James to prepare an art installation that represents the over 4000 children killed. I know that this raises questions for some about whether such demonstrations represent all children killed and some who rightly acknowledge that children are suffering in other wars too. Speaking about these things makes us uncomfortable and I believe that we should be uncomfortable about such tragedies. 

We also cling to hope. We don't use hope to gloss over pain and discomfort. This is the kind of issue that can often leave us feeling that we will say the wrong thing. Yes, we will probably get it wrong. At the same time, we will faithfully proclaim that we are connected to the Palestinian children who have died, as well as the Israelis who have lost loved ones, and pray for the release of hostages. I encourage you to click the link above to read a more eloquent statement from our presiding bishop. 

While we will name injustice and call for peace, we also express hope by coming together to pray and worship. Working to feed our neighbors right here is a part of living with hope that is grounded in our connection to each other. Even gathering for a potluck or pancakes is a way of living together as a community to nurture hope and then share it with others. 

Serving with you gives me hope as seek to share the love of Christ. 

Peace, 

Fr. John Mark