In Pastor Joanne’s sermon on May 5th, she reflected on how we, as a community, can get through this next election over the next six months with our differences across the table, “living in faith, living in hope, living in love.” The scripture reading was Matthew 5:38-48 and it was read from The Message. We invite you to read it.

Pastor Joanne’s notes:
Six ideas to get through this together.

1. TEST IT.

Is it true? Is it just? Is it wise? If you don’t know look it up. There are many fact-finding apps and agencies.

1 John 4:1-3 ESV

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 ESV

But test everything; hold fast what is good.

2 Timothy 1:7 ESV

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Whom does it harm?

2. TURN IT OFF.

Ken William’s Monkish Morning: a blog or on Facebook. Doctor says diet and exercise. Ken says a NEWS diet, and exercise of the mind… goes back to one.

Also, turn down the talk and turn up the listening.

3. PRAY ABOUT IT.

Pray about all of it, pray about the particulars of it.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Pray about individuals and situations. Pray for yourself that you will remain in faith with hope and love.

Pray the serenity prayer. Pray the Lord’s prayer, pray your own prayer. Just pray.

4. [Reading part of the blog she received on particulars] Referring to Sarah Bessie, a blogger, spoke of… “observing and paying attention to the particulars.” Speaking of particulars: be on the lookout for beauty. Whatever is… think on these.

Be on the lookout… turn it around with love.

Philippians 4:8-18

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

5. REMEMBER THE TABLE of Christ:

We are all invited to the table to remember Jesus. The invitation goes forth from Christ himself. It has nothing to do with political affiliations, race, socioeconomic status, or gender identification. We are invited to the table to claim and remember Jesus who creates of us one family. Unified in the Spirit.

6. ASK FOR HELP/support/a listening ear if you need it.

We recommend you listen to this SERMON in its entirety.