Dear Church Family,

I want to write to you all about the events that happened at the US Capitol this past Wednesday. It has taken me some time to process what we all saw that day.

I generally avoid wading into political events because of the divisive nature of our political culture. As followers of Jesus, our political allegiances come second to our allegiance to Christ our King. So, whether we are a Republican, Democrat, Independent, or hold some other political view, we are all bound together as sisters and brothers through the common grace we have received in Christ. However, because of the Christian symbolism used by some at the Capitol, I feel compelled to address the events.

Like you all, I found myself in shock and sadness at the violence. Regardless of how we feel about the election, as followers of Jesus, we must condemn and reject the violence of this past Wednesday. We mourn the loss of life. We must pray for our country to heal.

It grieved my heart to see images of rioters wearing shirts promoting anti-Semitism and carry images of white supremacy alongside the cross and Christian flag. Let me be very clear: hate, division, and violence are never the values of Jesus. The cross should never serve as a symbol of division nor as a political symbol. Instead, the cross serves as a symbol of reconciliation, reminding us of Christ’s sacrificial love of all people.

This past Wednesday's events have caused me to examine my heart, and I pray that you all would join me in this. I am reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 4 that say,

Conduct yourselves with all humility, gentleness, and patience. Accept each other with love, and make an effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit with the peace that ties you together. You are one body and one spirit, just as God also called you in one hope. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all, who is over all, through all, and in all. (Ephesians 4:2-6)

Included in tomorrow’s service will be a time of prayer for the healing of our nation. Let us all join in prayer together.

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Tom