Plainville United Methodist Church - CT Live

06/14/2026

3rd Sunday after Pentecost ~ June 14, 2026
GATHERING TO WORSHIP GOD
(We gather as the community of faith to give God praise)

WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS (*) Please stand as you are able

CENTERING WORDS
When fear and despair try to run the show, hope and faith bring us back to God, whose love is stronger still.

PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP Charlotte Stack
Leader: We gather to give thanks for the works of the Lord
People: and remember God’s wonders of old.
Leader: In times of trouble, we cry out to God,
People: longing for our souls to be comforted.
Leader: When our spirits are weary,
People: we reach for God’s arms.
Leader: Even when we don’t feel courageous,
People: we need to receive God’s peace.
Leader: Keeping God’s deeds in mind,
People: we carry them in our hearts.
Leader: For God’s ways are holy,
People: and God’s grace is great.

*OPENING PRAYER (Unison) Charlotte Stack
Blessed God, thank you for blessing us in your myriad ways. Thank you for trusting us to be your people, to shine with your love, and to work for your justice. In this time of worship, guide and strengthen us, that we may go forth to bless your world fully and abundantly. In your blessed name, we pray. Amen.

*HYMN “Shine, Jesus, Shine” TFWS No. 2173
Refrain: Shine, Jesus, shine, fill this land with the Father's glory, blaze, Spirit, blaze, set our hearts on fire; flow, river, flow, flood the nations with grace and mercy, send forth your word, Lord, and let there be light.
1. Lord, the light of your love is shining in the midst of the darkness shining; Jesus, Light of the World, shine upon us, set us free by the truth you now bring us. Shine on me, shine on me. Refrain

2. Lord, I come to your awesome presence from the shadows into your radiance; by the blood I may enter your brightness, search me, try me, consume all my darkness. Shine on me, shine on me. Refrain

3. As we gaze on your kingly brightness, so our faces display your likeness; ever changing from glory to glory, mirrored here may our lives tell your story. Shine on me, shine on me. Refrain

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison) Nicholas Piscitelli
Loving God, we yearn to be close to you and to dwell in your ever-present love. Be with us when our yearning seems unsatisfied. Great Healer, bring us the help we most need. Wipe away our fears. Comfort us in our regrets. Forgive our mistakes. Strengthen us with healing and hope. Draw us so close to you, that we may never question your presence or have reason to be afraid. Amen.

WORDS OF HOPE AND ASSURANCE Nicholas Piscitelli
Before faith, we were locked away in our fear. But faith is ours through the grace of Christ. In this grace, we are no longer chained; we are no longer bound by demons, regrets, or sin. We are freed with love, freed to love, and freed to be loved. Amen

TIME FOR YOUNG DISCIPLES Pastor Kim
(Youth Excused for Sunday School)

*PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST

HEARING THE WORD OF GOD
(The community of faith hears the Scriptures read and receives teaching)
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (Together) Caitlin Tellier
"God of All Power, open our ears, our eyes, and our hearts with a spirit of wisdom and revelation. Help us to hear your voice, to see your ways, and to receive with joy your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen."

RESPONSIVE READING: Psalm 148 (Hymnal Pgs. 861-862) Caitlin Tellier
OLD TESTAMENT READING: Isaiah 12:1-6 Matthew Corriveau
*GOSPEL READING: Matthew 5:1-14 Maggie Stack

*THE GLORIA PATRI No. 70
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.

SERMON “Remembering Forward” Pastor Kim

*HYMN “Praise the Source of Faith and Learning” TFWS No. 2004
1. Praise the source of faith and learning that has sparked and stoked the mind with a passion for discerning how the world has been designed. Let the sense of wonder flowing from the wonders we survey keep our faith forever growing and renew our need to pray:

2. God of wisdom, we acknowledge that our science and our art and the breadth of human knowledge only partial truth impart. Far beyond our calculation lies a depth we cannot sound where your purpose for creation and the pulse of life are found.

3. May our faith redeem the blunder of believing that our thought has displaced the grounds for wonder which the ancient prophets taught. May our learning curb the error which unthinking faith can breed lest we justify some terror with an antiquated creed.

4. As two currents in a river fight each other’s undertow till converging they deliver one coherent steady flow, blend, O God, our faith and learning till they carve a single course, till they join as one, returning praise and thanks to you, their Source.

RECOGNITION OF GRADUATES Lisa Levesque
High School Graduates
College Graduates
Scholarship Recipients

RESPONDING TO THE WORD OF GOD
(The community of faith responds appropriately to hearing the Scriptures)
Celebrations and Prayers of the People (Joys and Concerns)
Following each Celebration say, “Lord, we give thanks”, and after each
Concern, “Lord, hear our prayer.”

THE LORD’S PRAYER Pg. 895
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And, lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom
and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
You can submit offerings via bank bill pay or send checks to Plainville UMC,
56 Red Stone Hill, Plainville, CT 06062.

*DOXOLOGY: “Praise God” Pg. 95
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

*OFFERING PRAYER
Faithful and loving God, bless these gifts with your faithfulness and love. Bless our lives to be faithful and loving. And bless our world with your promises of faith, hope, peace, and love—
knowing always that the greatest of these is love. Amen.

*HYMN “This Is My Song” No. 437
1. This is my song, O God of all the nations, a song of peace for lands afar and mine. This is my home, the country where my heart is; here are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine; but other hearts in other lands are beating with hopes and dreams as true and high as mine.

2. My country’s skies are bluer than the ocean, and sunlight beams on cloverleaf and pine; but other lands have sunlight too, and clover, and skies are everywhere as blue as mine. O hear my song, thou God of all the nations, a song of peace for their land and for mine.

3. This is my prayer, O Lord of all earth's kingdoms: Thy kingdom come; on earth thy will be done. Let Christ be lifted up till all shall serve him, and hearts united learn to live as one. O hear my prayer, thou God of all the nations; myself I give thee, let thy will be done.

*BENEDICTION Nicholas Piscitelli
Leader: Go in the hope and promise of God.
People: We will share God’s love and grace.
Leader: Go in the wholeness of life with Christ.
People: We will share the good news of Christ’s healing.
Leader: Go in the power of the Holy Spirit.
People: We will share the Spirit of peace with the world.

*SUNG BLESSING “Spirit of the Living God” No. 393
“Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.”

POSTLUDE
We pray this time of worship has refreshed your spirit.
Please, come and stay with us a while during our Fellowship Time.
God’s blessings be yours to share!

06/07/2026

05/31/2026

Trinity Sunday ~ May 31, 2026
GATHERING TO WORSHIP GOD
(We gather as the community of faith to give God praise)

WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS (*) Please stand as you are able

CENTERING WORDS (Psalm 16)
In you I take refuge. In you I find life. May I keep you always before me.

PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Who is like our God in glory and strength?
People: The voice of the Lord thunders over the waters.
Leader: Who is like the Lord in power and might?
People: The voice of God breaks the mighty cedars.
Leader: Who is like the Holy One in awe and wonder?
People: The voice of the Almighty shakes the wilderness.
Leader: God sits enthroned as King forever.
People: Worship God in holy splendor.
Leader: Come! Let us worship the Lord.

*OPENING PRAYER
Holy Wisdom, Spirit of truth, your glory is written across the starry heavens; your wonder is etched in the earth and seas. Who are we that you care for us so deeply? Why do you love us so completely? Raise your clarion call once more. Speak to us this day, that our lives may be steeped in your wisdom, and our path may be marked with delight in your goodness. Amen.

*HYMN “As a Fire Is Meant for Burning” TFWS No. 2237
1. As a fire is meant for burning with a bright and warming flame, so the church is meant for mission, giving glory to God's name. Not to preach our creeds or customs, but to build a bridge of care, we join hands across the nations, finding neighbors everywhere.

2. We are learners; we are teachers; we are pilgrims on the way. We are seekers; we are givers; we are vessels made of clay. By our gentle, loving actions we should show that Christ is light. In a humble, listening Spirit we would live to God's delight.

3. As a green bud in the springtime is a sign of life renewed, so may we be signs of oneness 'mid earth's peoples, many hued. As a rainbow lights the heavens when a storm is past and gone, may our lives reflect the radiance of God's new and glorious dawn.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Lord, we are often slow to trust your grace. Distracted by the sufferings of daily living, we are compelled by the whims of grievance. Thinking our strength is sufficient for any task or trial, we are brought to our knees. When we think we can do everything ourselves, forgive us. When we ignore your nudges toward spiritual growth, correct us. Pour your Spirit within us again, that we might feel your love and remember who and whose we are. Amen.

WORDS OF HOPE AND ASSURANCE
Friends and family of Christ, the Holy Spirit remains our counselor, our advocate, and our comforter. Jesus Christ has restored all life to God. In our faith, we are justified and made whole. Amen.

TIME FOR YOUNG DISCIPLES
(Youth Excused for Sunday School)

*PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST

HEARING THE WORD OF GOD
(The community of faith hears the Scriptures read and receives teaching)
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (Together)
O God, come to us, and among us; come as the wind, and cleanse us, come as the fire and burn, come as the dew and refresh; convict, convert, and consecrate many hearts and lives to our great good and to thy greater glory; and this we ask for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

OLD TESTMENT READING: Exodus 33:17-23
*GOSPEL READING: Mark 10:46-52

*THE GLORIA PATRI No. 70
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.

SERMON “Being There for Grace” Pastor Kim

*HYMN “My Hope Is Built” No. 368
Refrain: On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking sand.

1. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name. Refrain

2. When Darkness veils his lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace. In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil. Refrain

3. His oath, his covenant, his blood supports me in the whelming flood. When all around my soul gives way, he then is all my hope and stay. Refrain

4. When he shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in him be found! Dressed in his righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne! Refrain

RESPONDING TO THE WORD OF GOD
(The community of faith responds appropriately to hearing the Scriptures)
Celebrations and Prayers of the People (Joys and Concerns)
Following each Celebration say, “Lord, we give thanks”, and after each
Concern, “Lord, hear our prayer.”

THE LORD’S PRAYER Pg. 895
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And, lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom
and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
You can submit offerings via bank bill pay or send checks to Plainville UMC,
56 Red Stone Hill, Plainville, CT 06062.

*DOXOLOGY: “Praise God” Pg. 95
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

*OFFERING PRAYER
Spirit of the living God, you offer us rich blessings and a church family to guide our way. We are your children, eager to show you our gratitude and our love. May this offering be a sign of our commitment to live as brothers and sisters of Christ. Bless our gifts this day, O God, that others may be blessed by them. May they help those in need be born anew in your Spirit and blessed in your holy name. Amen.

*HYMN “Here I Am, Lord” No. 593
1. I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry. All who dwell in dark and sin my hand will save. I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright. Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send? Refrain

Refrain: Here I am Lord. Is it I Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.

2. I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people’s pain. I have wept for love of them. They turn away. I will break their hearts of stone, give them hearts of love alone. I will speak my work to them. Whom shall I send? Refrain

3. I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame, I will set a feast for them. My hand will save. Finest bread I will provide till their hearts be satisfied. I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send? Refrain

*BENEDICTION
Leader: Who will go to serve our God?
People: Even when we feel fearful, we will go to serve the Lord.
Leader: Who will go to serve our neighbors?
People: Even when we feel unworthy, we will go to serve our sisters and brothers.
Leader: Who will go to serve our world?
People: Even when we feel unprepared, we will go to serve God’s people.
Leader: We are your servants, Lord.
People: Send us.

*SUNG BLESSING “Spirit of the Living God” No. 393
“Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.”

POSTLUDE

We pray this time of worship has refreshed your spirit.
Please, come and stay with us a while during our Fellowship Time.
God’s blessings be yours to share!

05/24/2026

Day of Pentecost ~ May 24, 2026

GATHERING TO WORSHIP GOD
(We gather as the community of faith to give God praise)

WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS (*) Please stand as you are able

CENTERING WORDS
In rushing wind and tongues of fire, the Church is born through the power of the Holy Spirit.

PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: In rushing wind and tongues of fire …
People: the Church is born.
Leader: In courage found and faith renewed …
People: the Church gains strength.
Leader: In visions seen and dreams made real …
People: the Church blesses the world.
Leader: In hopes rekindled and fears released …
People: the Church leads the way.
Leader: In rushing wind and tongues of fire …
People: Come, Holy Spirit, come.

*OPENING PRAYER
God of wind and flame, ignite a fire in our hearts and fill us with your courage and power. On this day of Pentecost, may our young people see visions and our elders dream dreams. Blow open the doors of our shut up hearts and send us into the world to spread the good news of your saving love. Amen.

*HYMN “O Spirit of the Living God” No. 539
1. O Spirit of the living God, thou light and fire divine, descend upon thy church once more, and make it truly thine. Fill it with love and joy and power, with righteousness and peace; till Christ shall dwell in human hearts, and sin and sorrow cease.

2. Blow, wind of God! With wisdom blow until our minds are free from mists of error, clouds of doubt, which blind our eyes to thee. Burn, winged fire! Inspire our lips with flaming love and zeal, to preach to all thy great good news, God's glorious commonweal.

3. Teach us to utter living words of truth which all may hear, the language all may understand when love speaks loud and clear; till every age and race and clime shall blend their creeds in one, and earth shall form one family by whom thy will is done.

4. So shall we know the power of Christ who came this world to save; so shall we rise with him to life which soars beyond the grave; and earth shall win true holiness, which makes thy children whole; till, perfected by thee, we reach creation's glorious goal!

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
O God, you are our help and our hope. In times of trial, keep us from falling into temptation. In times of need, help us reach out for aid and lean on prayer. Show us that others need our help, our hope, and our prayers. Strengthen our resolve to offer those gifts where they are most needed. When we become lost, welcome us home with mercy and grace, that we may do the same for others. In hope and gratitude, we pray. Amen.

WORDS OF HOPE AND ASSURANCE
God searches the heart and the Spirit helps us in our weakness. Rejoice, sisters and brothers in Christ, God’s steadfast love endures forever.

TIME FOR YOUNG DISCIPLES
(Youth Excused for Sunday School)

*PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST

MUSIC ANTHEM: “America the Beautiful” Choir

HEARING THE WORD OF GOD
(The community of faith hears the Scriptures read and receives teaching)
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (Together)
God of All Power, open our ears, our eyes, and our hearts with a spirit of wisdom and revelation. Help us to hear your voice, to see your ways, and to receive with joy your truth. . Amen.

NEW TESTMENT READINGS: Acts: 2:1-21
1 Corinthians 12:4-11

*THE GLORIA PATRI No. 70
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.

SERMON: “Pentecost: Crash Course on Spiritual Power” Pastor Kim

*HYMN “Spirit Song” No. 347
1. O let the Son of God enfold you with his Spirit and his love. Let him fill your heart and satisfy your soul. O let him have the things that hold you, and his Spirit like a dove will descend upon your life and make you whole. Refrain

Refrain: Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs. Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.

2. O come and sing this song with gladness as your hearts are filled with joy. Lift your hands in sweet surrender to his name. O give him all your tears and sadness give him all your years of pain, and you'll enter into life in Jesus' name. Refrain

RESPONDING TO THE WORD OF GOD
(The community of faith responds appropriately to hearing the Scriptures)
Celebrations and Prayers of the People (Joys and Concerns)
Following each Celebration say, “Lord, we give thanks”, and after each
Concern, “Lord, hear our prayer.”

THE LORD’S PRAYER Pg. 895
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And, lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom
and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

CELEBRATION OF MAY BIRTHDAYS Pastor Kim

OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
You can submit offerings via bank bill pay or send checks to Plainville UMC,
56 Red Stone Hill, Plainville, CT 06062.

*DOXOLOGY: “Praise God” Pg. 95
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

*OFFERING PRAYER
Merciful God, the blessings of Pentecost continue to birth hope for the future and offer blessings for those in need. May today’s offering bring love and hope to those who have yet to touch the holy wind and sacred fire of your Spirit. Amen.

*HYMN “The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve” TFWS No. 2241
1. The Spirit sends us forth to serve; we go in Jesus’ name to bring glad tidings to the poor, God’s favor to proclaim.

2. We go to comfort those who mourn and set the burdened free; where hope is dim, to share a dream and help the blind to see.

3. We go to be the hands of Christ, to scatter joy like seed and, all our days, to cherish life, to do the loving deed.

4. Then let us go to serve in peace, the gospel to proclaim. God’s Spirit has empowered us; we go in Jesus’ name.

*BENEDICTION
Leader: In rushing wind and cleansing fire, go forth in the power of the living God.
People: We go as children of God.
Leader: In courage found and strength renewed, go forth in the power of the eternal Christ.
People: We go as heirs with Christ.
Leader: In visions born and dreams restored, go forth in the power of the Holy Spirit.
People: We go as new creations in the Spirit.

*SUNG BLESSING “Spirit of the Living God” No. 393
“Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.”

POSTLUDE
We pray this time of worship has refreshed your spirit.
Please, come and stay with us a while during our Fellowship Time.
God’s blessings be yours to share!

02/02/2026

An Open Letter to the People of the New Hope Episcopal Area The New England & New York Annual Conference

I write these words tonight, Jan. 24, 2026, with a very heavy heart.

Her name was Renee Macklin Good. She was fatally shot while in her SUV by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer on January 7 in Minneapolis, MN. She was 37 years old.

His name was Alex Jeffrey Pretti. While attempting to assist a woman who had been pepper sprayed, he was shot today by federal border patrol officers. He was an ICU nurse at a Veterans Administration hospital in Minneapolis, MN. He, too, was 37 years old.

My heart is heavy tonight, as it should be, that family members have lost loved ones and lives have been ended prematurely. My heart is heavy tonight, as it should be, because these two fatal shootings should have never happened.

But the heaviness in my heart tonight is more grevious because, in all likelihood, in just a few days or weeks, there will be another name on this list. And then another. And another.

Should I write a letter every time this happens? Perhaps I should. But letters penned from the comfort of my home seem all too shallow and ineffective. The words quickly fade as the stories of unjust and unnecessary acts of violence continue all around us. There must be something more.

Last week I had a conversation with Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. Our conversation centered on all that is going wrong around us but, more importantly, we talked about how we might find creative ways to unite church and state to mobilize our people and meet the needs of the most vulnerable. It was a necessary conversation, and we pledged to have more—quickly. It was a good meeting. But there must be something more.

Not long ago I found myself in a conversation with another high ranking and experienced politician. We expressed mutual frustration over the very loud silence and ineffective pushback by politicians who oppose what’s taking place in our country. I posed a critical but simple and genuine question: Where will the difference be made?

Their answer was also very simple and genuine: If we wait for high-ranking politicians to try to institute the changes necessary, we will find ourselves simply waiting and becoming more frustrated by the silence and the inaction. The answer, they said, is in a movement from the bottom up. The real change will happen when people in towns and communities and municipalities say, “Enough is enough,” and rise up to show how much they want to see a different country, a different world.

Tonight, I write an open letter to the people of the New Hope Episcopal Area, the churches, the clergy, and the laity of New England and New York. This is not a statement or a position paper. It is a challenge.

Some of us are protestors. Some of you do it well. It comes naturally to you to participate in organized protests. It is an important action, and it is time for towns and communities to show how many of us are unhappy with the way things are. Training in non-violent resistance is critical and approaching protesting with the right objective in mind is essential. We must bring the core values of who we are as United Methodist Christians, finding ways, clear and intentional ways, to protest in love. Anything less than that is just what some are hoping for – chaos, unrest, and a reason to limit our rights and freedoms. If you protest, do it the right way and consider doing it now. But it’s not enough.

Some of us are providers. Some of you do it well. It comes naturally to you. In nearly every town in this Northeast corridor there is someone who is afraid, so afraid that they do not come out. They are not working or grocery shopping or attending school. They fear their home will be invaded and are terrified every time a whistle blows. They need someone to know their name, someone to have empathy, someone who is willing to help provide for their basic needs. Someone to be a friend. These personal connections offer a sense of hope amid great fear. Every church has some capacity to collect food, cook food, deliver food, take a child to school, check on a neighbor, and make a difference. If you are a provider, provide, and consider doing it now. But it’s not enough.

Some of us are community organizers. Some of you do it well. It comes naturally to you. The ability to pull communities together from different denominations or individual agencies is of critical importance in these days of uncertainty and fear. To embrace the concept that we are stronger together is to pool our passions and our resources in a way that will provide a greater impact for the people who need it most. The need is glaring in some settings, more subdued in others, but it is present everywhere. If you are a community organizer, organize, and consider doing it now. But it’s not enough.

Some of us are pray-ers. Some of you do it well. It comes naturally to you. Believing in and evoking the presence of God during times when there are few or no answers is of critical importance. In my last local church, one of our most influential leaders suffered a crippling stroke. When I visited with her, she lamented over how she would not be available to our church in what was a critical time for leadership. In our conversation I reminded her that perhaps her role was changing and that she could become our chief “intercessor” in prayer. She had the capacity to pray us through. And she did. I am convinced that her prayers bolstered and blessed the leaders of that church at one of the most important times in our history. If your gift is praying, it is time for you to pray, intentionally pray, and consider doing it now. But it’s not enough.

All of us are residents of the United States of America. Those of you that are happy with the current state of affairs will not appreciate this letter. Perhaps you have already stopped reading it.

But for those of you who are not happy with the way things are going, it is time for us to do something that is of critical importance. Whether we are Democrat or Republican, progressive or moderate or conservative it is time to declare that something is not right in our country.

Any time that anyone anywhere is shot, whether by an ICE official or a mass shooter, something is wrong. Any time injustice emerges, pain is inflicted, harm is done, there will be debate and disagreement. But here’s the bottom line: If you do not agree with the current direction of our country, dividing ourselves politically and theologically will not help. We must demonstrate to ourselves and to the world that different people who think differently can work together for the common good. As residents, it is time for us to say, “Enough is enough” and pull together to make a difference now when a difference is desperately needed.

Throughout this letter I have said that any particular step by itself is not enough. It’s not enough because we need everyone’s gifts and abilities to impact the change we long for.

Protesters criticize those that pray and those that pray criticize those that organize. Providers are called naïve and politicians are accused of being cynical. And I believe that’s just what some want – disagreement, chaos, and disunity. As long as that continues internally, the change so many of us long for externally will never take place.

Please do not point the finger at those who respond in different ways. Point the finger at the problem and stay centered on the issue. Focus intentionally on how your gifts can be used in collaboration with others to get the job done. That’s leadership. That’s focus. That sets the stage for making a difference. That’s embracing the reality that none of us can solve this alone. But together we might just stand a chance to recreate a “more perfect union” that, as the founders of our country wrote, “would establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.”

That’s not unlike what Jesus himself prayed, “The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one. I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:22-33)

Hearts are heavy this night. But in the midst of our heaviness, let us band together as one body, bound in purpose, conviction, and love to make the difference we can make.


The Journey Continues, . . .


Thomas J. Bickerton
Resident Bishop, New Hope Episcopal Area