Friends,
You are undoubtedly aware of the pain gripping our country in the wake of the utterly senseless death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The protests that continue are a response of people of all backgrounds, who are angry at the failed state of racial relations in our nation and policing practices that frequently alienate and divide.
The response of our federal government has been, to say the least, inadequate, and at most dangerous and incendiary. Healing, not hatred, is what we require of our leaders.
I believe we know that while there has been unjustifiable, horrible looting and property damage in some cities including Philadelphia, we also know that the vast majority of people attending these protests only seek peace and constructive change. While a few are dedicated to chaos and destruction, the vast majority are dedicated to fairness and justice.
God’s vision for humanity is fairness and justice. Therefore, your pastor and session invite you to join with other members of our community to faithfully respond to God’s call for light in the face of chaos by attending one or both of these events:

• A standing protest Rally at Collingswood High School Friday from 4:00-5:00pm
• A march gathering at the corner of Haddon and Collingswood from 5:00-7:30pm

Some people may be seeking spiritual resources during this time. I invite you to go to this website and participate in the  21 Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge:
https://www.eddiemoorejr.com/21daychallenge
to learn more and pray more about how Christians can respond.

Please remember your Covid masks!

In these troubled times, it is comforting to know that:

God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
    though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,    though the mountains tremble with its tumult.”

(Psalm 46:1-3, NRSV)

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bob