For Such a Time
In the book of Esther, Mordechai persuades Esther to take a moral stand that required great courage and considerable risk. He said to her, “For if you keep silence at such a time as this, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another quarter, but you and your father's family will perish. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14 NRSVUE)
Throughout history, people of faith have made choices and taken moral stands. Their courage opened new futures not just for the institutional church, but for people everywhere. Moral stands were taken for the reformation of the church, the translation of the Bible into common languages, the abolition of slavery, the ordination of women, marriage equality, and other important issues.
In each generation the church is challenged to live out its vocation by making choices and taking stands. Often, we cannot fully see the consequences of our choices. Sometimes, like Esther, we wonder, what is the cause for which we have come to this place in our lives.
The climate crisis facing all humanity is a complex set of choices that require us to act as a moral force in our community. We must do more than simply say that all Creation belongs to God. We must live that truth in ways that invite others to participate in the care of creation. Whenever we examine the issues of the climate crisis, we discover that every justice issue has a connection to climate justice.
This weekend, we have an opportunity to consider the choices that are before us, our church, and our community in a Climate Revival. On Saturday, November 5 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, UCC climate activist and pastor Rev. Dr. Jim Antal will join with a panel including Seth Vidana, Climate and Energy Manager for the City of Bellingham and Keah Calluccie, Multifaith Program Manager with Earth Ministry/Washington Interfaith Power & Light to explore the choices before us in our community. On Sunday November 6, during our 10:00 am worship and the after worship Going Deeper discussion, Rev. Antal will explore the connections between our faith and the moral choices of creation care.
Our congregation has a long tradition of carefully considering and making moral choices. Our forebears did not take becoming an Open and Affirming Congregation and a Just Peace Church lightly. In these decisions we were led by faith and responded to the God’s call for our congregation.
We have a unique opportunity to continue the good work that has already been done in our congregation and to consider what may be the most important moral choice of our lifetimes. If we do not act, God will continue to bring deliverance, but many creatures could perish. Who knows? Perhaps our church’s history has brought us to this point for just such a time as this.
I pray you will join us this weekend for these important events in the ongoing story of First Congregational United Church of Christ of Bellingham.
Blessings!
Ted Huffman
