Three Things I Want to Lift Up
First of all, the “Monumental” Choice is facing American voters in the 2024 presidential election. As I write this Pastoral Letter, more than 55 million people have voted early in the run-up to Election Day on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. The choice is monumental. It will define us for years. The rest of the world is holding their breath and watching us because who becomes our next president will be consequential for the world.
Which direction do we take? Let us think deeply and prayerfully before we make this fateful decision, because our well-being and that of our nation and the world depend on that vote. To put it simply, I believe there are two stark choices before us: the dividing force and the uniting force, the authoritarian world order and the democratic rule-based world order. I want our beloved country to choose a course of direction that upholds the democratic ideals of the founders of our republic and policies that will lead to a better future for our posterity.
Secondly, we voted unanimously at the Leadership Council, after a 3 months process which involved our neighbors, to be part of the solution in providing shelter for the unhoused people in Watsonville. I’m so proud to witness our faith in action. Sam Altis, Director of the Association of Faith Communities (AFC) and Cristina Gomez-Hernandez, Staff of AFC, made their presentations and even came to preach at our worship service. Here was the result of our vote:
7 days/wk. overnight Safe Parking, 6 pm – 7:30 am (up to 7 cars)
1 day/wk. on Tue. for Shelter only in social hall, 5 pm – 8 am (up to 20 people)
This program will not start until AFC has 7 operational locations in Watsonville.
Before the programs begin, we plan to schedule a meeting with our neighbors to explain our participation in the program and to answer questions/concerns.
Finally, our 175th Church Anniversary Celebration with our new Bishop Sandra Olewine is set for Saturday, October 16, 2027 at 11 am with lunch following.
Your servant in Christ,
John
