Well...it's here: Election Day. As we heard on Sunday though (click here to listen to Sunday's message), the voice of Christ's people, the Church, does not end once we've cast a vote. In many ways, it begins today. Our prayer must continue, even (or especially!) if the candidate for whom you voted is not elected. Click here for the prayers that we prayed on Sunday.
For we who have been born in this country and have grown up here, it's sometimes easy to forget the extense of our opportunity. The world is watching, including our brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the world. I was moved by this note to Pastor Tim Keel from a friend in Kenya.
And finally, below is a reading from Dr. Tom Barnard that I thought follows up Sunday's message very well:
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And How Should We Proceed?
Tom Barnard
On Wednesday morning, November 5, 2008, Americans will awaken to a new day and a newly-elected national administration. After what seems to be years of campaign-ing, a new administration will be poised to lead our nation for the next four years. A tie vote in Tuesday's election is unlikely. What is likely, however, is a record turnout of registered voters—some are predicting the largest of any election in the history of the Republic.
If I were asked to submit a biblical theme for the new administration to consider adopting
for the next four years, here is my suggestion: "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up: do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert, and streams in the wasteland." (Isaiah 43: 18, 19)
Abraham Lincoln came into office in turbulent times. Changes were needed. The nation was divided over issues beyond slavery, but that issue was high on the list of concerns that would nearly cripple the nation during his first term. Lincoln wanted Congress to move beyond the ways of past administrations. Here are a few of his words that still echo in the hearts of historians: "The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present…As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves…."
Well before his election to the presidency, Lincoln had developed a philosophy of leadership that would come to characterize his administration. In what would later be remembered as the "House Divided" speech (in 1855) Lincoln said, "If we could first know where we are, and whither we are tending, we could better judge what to do, and how to do it."
Part of knowing where we are is knowing how we got here. History is full of excellent illustrations. One of the most significant historical developments of the Twentieth Century was the rise and fall of the former Soviet Union. Historian Alexander Solzhenitsyn, reflecting on the sad realities of history in his native land, wrote:
Over half a century ago, while I was still a child, I recall hearing a number of older people offer the following explanation for the great disasters that had befallen Russia: "Men have forgotten God; that's why all this is happening." Since then I have spent well-nigh fifty years working on the history of our revolution; in the process I have read hundreds of books, collected hundreds of testimonies, and have already contributed eight volumes of my own toward the effort of clearing away the rubble left by that upheaval. But if I were asked today to formulate as concisely as possible the main cause of the ruinous revolution that swallowed up some sixty million people, I could not put it more accurately than to repeat, "Men have forgotten God; that's why all this happened."
Whoever wins Tuesday's election can learn a lesson from once formidable adversaries like the former Soviet Union. God grant that it never will be said of America that we have forgotten God. Let our voices be heard from sea to shining sea: "God bless America."
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Thanks, Dr. Barnard. (And I'd also add, let the prophetic voice of the Church be heard from sea to shining sea: "America...bless God!")
North Street is Now Podcasting
Digital recordings of the weekly spoken word are now available via podcasting. As we continue to work out the kinks, please let us know how things are and are not working for you (e-mail Jeremy). For direct links to the weekly recordings (to listen on your web browser), click here. If you subscribe to podcasts via iTunes, simply search for "North Street Community" in iTunes and you should be able to find the podcast. If there are other podcast grabbers out there that you would like us to use, please e-mail Jeremy at the above address link. Stay "tuned" for more options as we develop this opportunity. But of course, be reminded: the Body of Christ is at her best when we're in the same room together. These recordings are best for those who've been out of town or want to invite friends or family to listen to the spoken word. :-)
***NOTE: No Wednesday Evening Activities***
Many are out of town (including Pastor Jeremy) on Wednesday and others can't be there. So there will be no Wednesday Evening activities (dinner or scripture study) this week, November 5th.
Worship Planning
Pastor Jeremy will be in northern Vermont (away from electronic communication!) for a couple of days seeking God's direction in worship and scripture planning for the next few months and the next liturgical church year (Revised Common Lectionary Year B). Would you pray for him as he does so? Thank you.
Harvest Dinner
Our monthly 3rd Sunday gathering to fellowship potluck will be a harvest dinner on November 16th right after we worship together. The potluck organizers have put together a great plan and menu for the day. Click here to the right to see what you can bring and e-mail Carol N. to let her know. Or you can sign up on Sunday.
...on the calendar
As always, use our online calendar to stay informed.
...on the calendar
As always, use our online calendar to stay informed.
