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“To follow Jesus in the season of Lent is to walk with those who have been denied their dignity and fight for a justice that restores all people to the fullness of God’s image.” – James Cone

Last Sunday, on Transfiguration Sunday, we had the joy of welcoming nine new members into our church family. It was a sacred and celebratory moment, one that reflects the growing, vibrant spirit of our community. Every new member is a reminder that God is still at work, drawing people from all walks of life together through love, justice, and radical welcome.

Last Sunday, on Transfiguration Sunday, we had the joy of welcoming nine new members into our church family. It was a sacred and celebratory moment, one that reflects the growing, vibrant spirit of our community.

In the 45 days since Inauguration Day, we have witnessed overwhelming changes in our federal politics. Since taking office, President Trump has released dozens of executive orders that step well beyond his legal authority as president. These orders violate the free speech of NGOs, the civil rights of vulnerable communities, longstanding privacy laws, and laws requiring the administration to release already-appropriated funds.

Lately, I have been saddened by the daily representations of newly elected leadership whose brand or reputation is fear-based. I struggle to comprehend the need to bully, intimidate, and belittle when other tactics, even heart-centered ones, might yield equivalent results through civil behaviors.

Ash Wednesday Service will be held on 7:00pm. Ash Wednesday is considered to be the first day of Lent in the Christian liturgical calendar, a time that spans 40 days leading up to Easter.

Holy Covenant,

I am overjoyed to share that our Endowment Team has agreed to award two additional grants from the Pilgrim Legacy Fund, each in the amount of $25,000, to churches in Asheville, North Carolina, that have been profoundly affected by Hurricane Helene.

“Transformation happens when we move through the fear of change and into the fullness of who we are meant to be.” – Gloria Anzaldúa.

Holy Covenant,

Earlier this month the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI), which is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to conducting independent research at the intersection of religion, culture, and public policy, released its report on Christian Nationalism across all 50 States. The report is eye-opening and highlights the prevalence of Christian nationalism across the United States.

“We must love ourselves enough to believe in our own worth and the worth of those who challenge us. In the face of hate, we must respond with a love that is not passive, but transformative. Love means seeing beyond the veil of fear and misunderstanding and remembering that each person is a sacred being of divine light.”

– Alicia Garza, who is LGBTQ+ advocate, activist, and co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Movement.