Greetings Beloved,
Grace, peace, power and love in the name of the One who can do all things but fail, Jesus Christ!
As this long election season draws to a close, I want to thank you for your participation in the democratic process. No matter who you voted for, it matters that we participated together as citizens in this record voter turnout. As Lutherans we know that God is active caring for our neighbors through our government officials. Our prayers are with our current president and administration, as well as with President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris, that they may govern with the best interests of all Americans at heart. We also congratulate the Vice President-elect on her historic election as the first woman, of South Asian and Black descent, ever to hold this high office.
I also offer words of encouragement for all of us who have been dismayed by the sometimes bitter actions of our fellow citizens during this time. Please know they do not define us. We continue to pray for calm and order during this time of transition for our nation.
In this anxious and challenging time, I pray that you will find comfort in the words of the psalmist:
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
“Come and see what the LORD has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Psalm 46)
In these turbulent times, I choose to believe that God is our “ever-present help.” I pray that you will also find solace in the words of your favorite scriptures.
Now that most of the votes are counted, and the decision made by America’s people, what is next for us in Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod? We continue “doing more together than we can alone” to bring light into darkness, hope into despair, love to trump hate, and healing to the hurting. We are disciples of Christ, claimed in His blood on purpose for a purpose to build up the Kin-dom of God, to be the beloved community. We are SEPA strong. Let's go to work together, doing God’s work with our hands.
Peace and blessings,
+ The Rev. Patricia A. Davenport
Bishop
