Our January theme is “Practicing Resistance,” which we’ve had arguably too much opportunity to do lately.
We will have another opportunity to practice on January 17, the Saturday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther Kng weekend, when our congregation will join with other Milwaukee congregations to learn the strategy and tactics of non-violent civil disobedience. We align ourselves with the long tradition of faith communities raising moral voices for justice and not complying with injustice, weaving our power with our neighbors of faith in Milwaukee.
Resistance is also spiritual practice. You might be resisting the slide into despair, or resisting the spiritual harm caused by systems of oppression. While there are times we must accept realities we cannot change (the choices our loved ones make, for instance), we can still engage our spiritual muscle to resist falling into despair.
Joy is itself a powerful act of resistance, and there is much to be joyful about this month. We will celebrate our dear Jean Johnson at her retirement recognition on January 18, and celebrate the close of most Forge Our Future pledges with cake in coffee hour on January 11. We will also begin the visioning process for the next 7 years of First Church ministry with our Board of Trustees’ Ends Process!
In joyful resistance, Jennifer
Rev. Jennifer Nordstrom, Senior Minister