Today in the United States a new president will be sworn in. After a long and divisive campaign where dozens of people threw their name into the hat to be on their party’s ticket, one person was elected to the highest office in the land: Donald J. Trump.

His election has been met with everything from tears of joy and tears of sadness, with marches in support and in protest. Some people are scared for their future or their family’s future. Some people believe this is the best course of action for the US. Some people are stuck somewhere in the middle.

This day is one that reminds that we are a nation divided and it will take all of us together to find ways to put aside political loyalties for the sake of the common good.

I believe that we as people of faith regardless of church membership or doctrinal beliefs must continue to find ways to bring forth the kingdom of God in the world today.

May we live into our calling as followers of Christ and seek out ways to bring light to those in darkness, feed those who are hungry, shelter those seeking refuge. May we be reminded that we are called to a higher standard of interacting with humanity one grounded and rooted in love, mercy, equality and justice. Anything that is outside or contradictory of these calls is simply insufficient.

I do not know what the next four years hold. I do know, however, that if the Church comes together around the cause of Christ then we will see a transformation of cities, churches, families and lives that we have never seen before. It will take strength, it will take courage, it will take listening to others, it will take unity not discord, it will take growing in our faith and stepping outside of what we are used to. The church must abandon a model that insists on doing things alone; we are all children of God, we are all followers of Christ and we must unite together today to show the nation that though we are different in Bible translation preferences or stances on doctrine we hear the call of Christ to take up our cross and follow him.

Will you join me?

In Christ,

Rev. Evan

A Prayer for the Inauguration 2017

Our nation is divided O God on this day of transition. Remind us that no matter who occupies 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue that you are the creator of life, the giver of love and the source of mercy. You revealed this to humanity through the coming of your Son, Jesus the Christ. Remind us of his call to love all of humanity, to restore those who feel broken and to bring forth a world that embodies your essence.

Help those who face an uncertain future. Direct those in elected positions that you are their guide, their source of being and the one to turn to in times of trouble and confusion. May our elected officials discard labels and set aside deep seeded political grudges and actually come together for the better of all people residing in the United States of America.

We pray this in the name of one who came that we might have life and have it abundantly, Jesus the Christ, the Holy One of God. Amen.

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