January 6, 2021
The Feast of the Epiphany

Dear Ones,

I was in the midst of writing an Epiphany message to you when events began to unfold in the U.S. Capitol. I am not writing to you to give you a news update; that is not my job. I am writing as your rector, your priest and pastor, to offer a message of perseverance, hope, and strength on this extraordinary and distressing day.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry released a statement earlier today that read, in part:

“The events at our Capitol today are deeply disturbing – we believe the actions of armed protestors represent a coup attempt. We are a democracy with longstanding institutional norms that must be honored, foremost among them following the processes laid out in the Constitution and federal statute to facilitate the peaceful transition of power. Today’s protesters pushed through police barricades and forced their way into Congressional chambers and the Capitol building and are now threatening the safety of lawmakers, their staff, and others who work in the Capitol complex. This threatens the integrity of our democracy, the national security of our nation, the continuity of government, and the lives and safety of our legislators, their staff, and all who work in the Capitol.”

I urge you to listen to or read the whole message here. Bishop Megan Traquair has also released a statement, available here.

Tonight at 8:30 pm I will be on the regular Zoom call for Compline. We will pray for the nation, as our faith teaches us to do in times of distress and trouble. Please join me as you are able. I will also be on a call soon with other Davis-area faith leaders; if we are able to offer something in these next few days that will help bring the community together. I will let you know that as soon as possible.

If you are not able to join us on Zoom tonight, know that your prayers are being heard by the God of love, whose justice and mercy must inspire all our own efforts, and are joined to the prayers of countless people around this country and, I am sure, around the world.

We are a people of faith and as such we take the long view, seek out the big picture, and try not to react reflexively to every event or episode that occurs on the world stage. At the same time, we are called to seek and serve Christ in all people, to love our neighbors, and to respect the dignity of every human being. We must not remain silent when people use violence to try to overturn a free and fair election. Christian love does not relieve us of our responsibility to stand up and speak out against wrong actions.

Below I offer some prayers for our country that you may wish to pray tonight or in the days ahead.

Blessings,

Pamela+

Collect For the Nation (BCP pg. 207)

Lord God Almighty, who has made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Collect For our Country (BCP pg. 820)

Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech you that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought here out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in your Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to your law, we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in you to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Collect for Social Justice (BCP pg. 823)

Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart [and especially the hearts of the people of this land], that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.