Response to Supreme Court Decision Regarding Roe v. Wade

June 25, 2022

Dear Ones,
We would like to take a few moments with you as you are processing the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding Roe vs Wade.  We are very aware of the pain, anger, fear and anxiety that this ruling has brought about for many in our church community.  Not only for the ruling that just occurred, but what it could mean for future decisions that may come from the Supreme Court. We are also aware that we are not all in agreement with our feelings and beliefs around this.  

I echo the statement that was released by our United Methodist Council of Bishops: “The issuance of this ruling has denied the sacred worth of women who face the tragic conflicts of life with life that may justify abortion." 

Read the full response here: Roe v. Wade Statement from Council of Bishops

However, there are foundational truths that are found in the scripture that unify us all.  We are told that God is with those who are suffering and is near to the broken hearted.  We also take heart that God’s love is always with us, and we are not left alone.  We know that when one member of the body of Christ hurts, we all feel that pain.  And we are told that when we rejoice, we rejoice together; when we weep, we weep with one another.  These are ALL promises that are found in the scriptures.  They aren’t always easy to live by, but they are always worth trying to obtain. 
 
In the coming days we will have opportunities in our communities to express ourselves via protests, in social media, letters to your elected leaders and in conversations with friends.  Your voice is valuable and necessary.  It is also significant that we do our very best to practice Grace and Kindness while in the midst of our grieving, and heed the calls for justice, however we define that.  
 
Dear friends, this is a great challenge.  A couple of Sundays ago I (Becky) confessed this in my Sunday morning sermon, that wisdom cries out to me to both be Kind and Just.  I find this incredibly difficult, especially in times such as these.   But I also give so much thanks that God continues to pour Grace, Love and Mercy into my life so that I might live faithfully. 
 
I find great comfort in music, especially the hymns and special music of the church.  I have been singing this song in my mind over the last few days:
 
Be Not Afraid

You shall cross the barren desert
But you shall not die of thirst
You shall wander far in safety
Though you do not know the way
You shall speak your words to foreign men
And they will understand
You shall see the face of God and live
 
Be not afraid
I go before you always
Come, follow me and I will give you rest
 
If you pass through raging waters in the sea
You shall not drown
If you walk amid the burning flames
You shall not be harmed
If you stand before the power of hell
And death is at your side
Know that I am with you through it all
 
Be not afraid
I go before you always
Come, follow me and I will give you rest
 
And blessed are your poor
For the kingdom shall be theirs
Blest are you that weep and mourn
For one day you shall laugh
And if wicked men insult and hate you
All because of me
Blessed, blessed are you
 
Be not afraid
I go before you always
Come, follow me and I will give you rest
Songwriters: S.j. / Bob Dufford
 
 
We look forward to seeing you in the days ahead.  Please know that your King Avenue family loves you so much and is keeping you close in our prayers.
 
Shalom,
Pastor Becky and Pastor Andy


Pixabay Image licenced CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication
 

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