I thought I would post on here the article I wrote to the parish in our weekly e-news Epistle. Following this article is a link to our YouTube channel where you can watch sermons. I pray all this may be a blessing to someone out there!

From the Rector’s Desk

A long and contentious election season is now behind us. I know this newsletter finds some of you perhaps despondent, angry and / or confused, and finds others perhaps delighted, excited, and / or relieved. It is the same whenever our nation goes to the polls to select our President and other leaders.

I do think the disunity in our nation takes a toll on all of us. We as beloved disciples of Jesus can lead to a better way. I want to suggest a few things:

Take care of yourself. If you need some time, take some time. 

Be gracious winners and losers. You may be tempted to gloat or tempted to lash out. Consider this in conversations and in social media posts. Be gentle. Be loving. Be like Jesus!

As beloved of God, we have so many more things in common with one another than we have that separates us from one another. Jesus said, “a house divided cannot stand”, and while I don’t think he was talking about presidential elections, I do think he was talking about the body of Christ.

There is a reason Jesus’ last commandment to his disciples was to “love one another as I have loved you”. I think he said it, right there at the end of his earthly life, because he knew first of all loving one another that way is imperative to bringing the Reign of God near, and secondly because he knew it would be hard. Remembering how important Jesus thought these sometimes challenging and even courageous acts of love will be, our mandate as his disciples is clear.

In closing I will share with you the blessing former Presiding Bishop Michael Curry always uses, the first part is identical to the one I use myself, the second part lines up perfectly with his Way of Love theology:

Go forth into the world in peace

Be strong and of good courage

Hold fast to that which is good

Render to no one evil for evil

Love God, love your neighbor, love yourself

And the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be upon you now and always

Fr. David

The St. Simon’s on the Sound YouTube channel can be found at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/StSimonsontheSoundEpiscopalChurch

To find previous sermon (full services in fact) recordings, click the “Live” button, the sermons are listed from newest to oldest.

The sermon from November 10th starts at about 17:40 into the video for that day.