A Message from Pastor Kaji

October 17th,2024 Categories: Weekly Letter

Dear Church:
 

In this third week of October, we are getting very close to election day. Here in New York, early voting begins October 26. I would like to invite all of us to make sure that we each have a plan for election day. If you are eligible to vote, please be sure to check your polling place. If you can, vote early. Or if you prefer, vote on election day. (This is what I usually do.) Or if none of these work for you, you can request an absentee ballot. Finally, if you are not yet registered to vote it’s OK. You can check your voter registration status or register here. https://elections.ny.gov/voter-registration-process. Let’s keep our souls on the rolls and take our souls to the polls! 

This week, a text comes from the Book of Psalms. I love it because it spans the range of emotion. As you read it, which part of the Psalmist’s reflection resonates most with you? Remember that the psalms are songs, prayers, the language of liturgy aimed at God. What part of this psalm do you want to sing to God?

Know that this Sunday will be a Sunday of rest for me. I give thanks to the church leaders who will lead worship in my absence. Meanwhile, Stephanie Wilson has graciously recorded my sermon for this week, so you will have my reflections on this beautiful Psalm along with some questions to spark discussion among you.

God bless you all!

Pax,

Pastor Kaji

SCRIPTURE

Psalm 3:1–8:

1 HOLY ONE, how many are my enemies!
    Many are rising against me.
2 Many are saying to me,
   “There is no help for her in God.” Selah
3 Yet you, SAVING ONE, are a shield behind me,
    my glory, and the lifter of my head.
4 I cry aloud to the FAITHFUL ONE,
    and she answers me from her holy hill. Selah
5 I lay myself down and I sleep;
    then I wake for the WELLSPRING OF LIFE upholds me.
6 I do not fear ten thousand people,
   all around, set against me.
7 Rise up, MIGHTY GOD!
   Save me, my God!
   For you smite all my enemies on the cheek;
   you break the teeth of the wicked.
8 To the HOLY ONE OF OLD belongs salvation;
    upon your people be your blessing! Selah