In this refulgent summer, my family has traveled through 10 states and over 2,000 miles. Along the way, we saw great sand dunes, deep dark canyons, and some of the highest snow-capped mountains of the Rockies. I was also able to visit relatives in Europe and see medieval walled cities and the stunning new architecture of Berlin. However, after all that traveling, especially with a one year old, it is good to be here in Canton with its deep lush green colors, nearby waterfalls, Eastern-style full day rains (you don’t see those things New Mexico), and with all of you. My family and I are enjoying more walking, more quiet, more family time, and the gentler pace of the North Country.
While in Europe, I read about police killing African American men, non-violent protests, and the ambush and assassination of police. More recently, my hometown, Milwaukee, has been in the news with another killing by police followed by riots. Black Lives Matter is a national movement and is here to stay. As I ponder what our country and police departments need to do be doing and how as a church we should respond, I am confronted with my own inner struggle with racism. I know white people, like myself, have a lot of soul work to do.
Along with those reflections, I have been developing some routines and processes here, learning the uniqueness of this church, leading parts of Sunday worship, and meeting with many of you. My first service in the pulpit will be September 11th. This service has been traditionally called, Homecoming, Ingathering, First Sunday, and/or Water Communion. For simplicity’s sake, I am calling it Ingathering and during that service we will have water communion. It is a first Sunday and a homecoming in many ways, not only for me, but a new academic year, and a new church year with new members. We gather together in newness. In water communion, we may bring water from far or near but we empty our individual containers into a singular vessel. We are all a mysterious one. In a country full of division, may we, in our own small way, be a force for unity.
Blessed Be, The Rev. James Galasinski