Friends,

I've got lots of half-written newsletters these days; there is so much going on. But I'm lifted up by the note from our local Indivisible Group: they had ten times the number of people show up at protests last week. People are being present. It gives me hope.

It's still a roller coaster of "oh no" and "great". I'm trying to be here in the moment.

-Liz

Be Church by Being Present Now

Perhaps the most important thing we can do right now is to be present. This means many different things in many different contexts.

The point of marches and vigils is most significantly presence. It is to show up. Showing up signifies support of people, of ideas, and of the theory that the majority wants our nation to be one of care for one another. In my area lots of stand-outs are on overpasses, so we are not engaging with many other people, we are simply showing that we care.

When they can't stand out, my parents have made a point to drive by a gathering they agree with. They honk as they go by, or hold signs to the window, when it's warm enough they roll down the windows and shout encouragement. Another simple way to be present now.

Someone on facebook proposes barbecues in the neighborhoods where ICE is present. This would be the ultimate in "showing up", I think. Roll out grills and paper plates. Provide food, see the people in the neighborhood, and build community that crosses previous barriers. Have a party! This is great for people who aren't protestors. Come for the dinner, stay for the dancing!

Now is the time to be present.

I like a creative sign, but the best ones express our willingness to be present. There is a lot we are against, but most important is that everyone is God's child, that we welcome the stranger, that everyone deserves health care. That we want to follow our constitution and the biblical witness.

If we can't go outside to be present, we can write, record, post on social media, in letters to the newspaper, in blog posts and emails and signs on telephone polls. "All are welcome here" and "we want a diverse neighborhood" and "Love Wins".

Presence is also interpersonal actions. Check on people you see and ask if they are okay. Stop and listen to what is happening in their life. This includes immigrants, but also people mistaken as immigrants, and people who care about immigrants, and people who trans and who have loved ones who are trans. It includes everyone right now. Tension is high, the risks of being present have been made clear.

Now is the time to be present.

Check-in with family and friends and co-workers. Say out loud that the world seems out of control, unsafe, and out of balance. Listen to others and look for ways to support one another.

Now is the time to be present.

Show up for yourself as well. Take the time to notice what is beautiful, what is delicate, what is fine. Take time eat well and to exercise. Take a few deep breaths. Be present to yourself.

Now is the time.

What is happening in your congregation? Reply to this email to let me know what's happening. ​
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A group of monks are walking from Texas to Washington DC in order to promote peace. They are being present.

The Rap Artist Foosie was at Wild Goose Festival. I had a hard time deciding which song best fit the idea of being present. This one is kind of about not being present. The hope is in the line It works when you work it. (3:37)

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