A Message from Pastor Kaji

Dear Church:

Many of you have asked, so let me share a bit about my visit to DC this week. A small group of Black clergy had the opportunity to visit the White House and several members of Congress to do some crucial advocacy for a dear friend of our church who is facing deportation. With a stroke of his pen, the President can change not just our friend’s life, but the course of our country’s – indeed, the world’s lives. Our friend is just that important. 

The road to the White House and these meetings has been so long for our friend. I’ve been walking it with him since around 2009. But for him, of course, it’s been longer. It is time for his ordeal to end. 

While we were there, one of the clergy with us – the Rev. Tony Lee – said something that stuck with me. He said: “our friend has taken his pain and turned it into provision.” Rev. Lee was exactly right. This, and so much more, is why we fight with him to help him to end this painful journey and continue his path to healing. 

Such a journey – pain to provision – is what we will celebrate this week. We’ll celebrate as we vote in our Congregational meeting immediately after church.

And, we celebrate the angel Gabriel’s visit to young Mary with news. Overwhelming news. News that would change her life – and ours. 

As you prepare for Sunday, I encourage you to think of a time when you’ve received life-changing, world-rocking news. Who was the messenger? How did you receive it? Was it painful? 

Have you ever turned pain into provision? Has God?

Let’s reflect on this and so much more. I can’t wait to see you on Sunday. 

Pax Christi,

Pastor Kaji

SCRIPTURE
Luke 1:46–55 (Year B, p. 89)

 Canticle 15, the Magnificat

46 “My soul magnifies the Holy One,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for God has looked with favor on the lowliness of God’s own servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is God’s name.
50 God’s loving-kindness is for those who fear God
from generation to generation.
51 God has shown the strength of God’s own arm;
God has scattered the arrogant in the intent of their hearts.
52 God has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
53 God has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
54 God has helped God’s own child, Israel,
a memorial to God’s mercy,
55 just as God said to our mothers and fathers,
to Abraham and Hagar and Sarah, to their descendants forever.”