apoc · a · lyp · tic (ə-pŏk″ə-lĭp′tĭk), adjective — relating to or predicting the end of the world; forecasting the ultimate destiny of the world; foreboding imminent disaster or final doom.

Wildfires, hate crimes, political polarization, rising inflation, violence against immigrants and people of color, people having to make choices about whether to get health care or food, angry gestures and mean speech, these are terrible days.

Selfless acts between neighbors, sacrifices for those in need, letting someone merge in traffic or go first in line, sharing food, volunteering at church, the food bank, our public schools and polling sites, generous giving, encouragement, and positive words, these are beautiful days.

Tonight, three people were killed and five more were injured in a mass shooting at Bite of Seattle, a 3-day festival at the Seattle Center that draws several hundred thousand visitors every year. This is not the first nor the last time we’ll have to talk about gun violence in our community this year. Isn’t it time for us to make the commonsense changes that most experts and the majority of our citizenry agree could make a difference?

“Surely, I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope!” — Jeremiah 29:11

This is not the first, nor the worst, time that Christians have stood on the edge of the abyss of anxiety and pain in the world and wondered what to do. Apocalyptic is a Greek word from the Bible that is used most often in beautiful-terrible times like ours when believers try to show up for one another and, together, figure out what is asked of God’s people. Apocalyptic can be a discouraging word but for Christians it’s an honest and realistic assessment that is grounded in hope.

This summer, we’re focusing in worship on Biblical practices that shape us and have the power to change the world. I wonder, in times like this if God might want us to…

…be more kind to one another and ourselves,

…be more generous in sharing and giving our time and resources,

…encourage, bless, and praise one another,

…get curious about, respect and honor, those whose ideas and culture are different from your own,

…love, forgive, and reconcile quickly and completely,

…say “I’m sorry,” and “I love you,” more,

…eat together, share our tables and our stories,

…work for change and hold our leaders accountable to work together for the good of all,

…recognize that we’re all in this together, all on the same team, all one family!

These are just a few ideas to get us started. I wonder what the Holy Spirit is placing on your heart to be and say and do right now that will make a positive and Godly difference in your life and in our world. Let’s keep this conversation going! I’d like to hear from you. Let’s also invite others to join us. We can talk about and work on difficult and important issues together. I believe in us!

Remember, what you think shapes what you say and do. What you say and do shapes who you become. Who you are shapes the culture around you. I know that it seems like a small thing, but a changed heart really can lead to a changed world. Our lives are the only thing we can control and our greatest witness to the mercy and justice and love of God in this world.

I love you, church! I’m praying for you!

Pastor Jim

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