Friends:
I wanted to let you know about what we’ll be doing in our worship tomorrow.
Some of you may have read or heard about Chicago churches that will be making their own statements that, indeed, black lives do matter by briefly interrupting traffic outside their places of worship. After spending time in prayer and conversation with UVC leaders, I have decided that we will do the same at our site. After communion tomorrow, we will process outside as we sing our final song and will go out on Orleans, essentially blocking traffic for a few minutes. We will continue to sing our final song on Orleans, we will pray and will light our Advent candles, and will receive the benediction and will return inside.
I think this is particularly appropriate for our site as we now worship in the shadows of the former Cabrini-Green housing complex, where many African-Americans have died over the decades because of violence and where there is still tension because of the nature of the changing neighborhood. I know some may be uncomfortable with this action, which I completely understand. I hope you will still worship with us tomorrow as a sign of community and solidarity.
I also hope that this can be just the beginning of our desire to make a difference in this part of the city by listening, being present, and joining our voices with others for community, better opportunities, and justice. “You are the light of the world,” Jesus said. “A city build on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
May our lights shine brightly tomorrow and even more importantly may they shine in the days, weeks, and months to come.
Peace in Christ, Christian