PLEASE PRAY FOR ME

Dear Church family,

A few months ago I was invited to be one of the speakers at a special gathering for clergy, from all around the local area, happening this Friday afternoon, September 25th at the Open Door Church of God in Christ in East Palo Alto. I’m really excited about this chance for pastors to engage in the moment we are in, confronting systemic racial injustice in our society today. Two national Christian organizations, Rewire and the Justice Journey Alliance are partnering to build a movement for clergy to to make a public commitment to the Black Church to the struggle for racial equality. We plan to hold an assembly to repent from our sin of indifference and commit to actions to reverse it. This is happening in 20 cities across the country, and 4 cities in the Bay Area (East Palo Alto, San Jose, San Francisco & San Jose).

The name of this gathering is “Beyond Words” which points to the call to make a commitment to build relationships especially with local African American clergy and church. We are also going to be invited to take steps of action toward justice and reconciliation in areas of finances, learning together, and living out anti-racism.

As you may know, our church has been wrestling with the question of “what shall we do?” in this time of grief and lament, particularly in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd. I resonate with the desire of the planners to pursue racial reconciliation together, as a larger beloved community with a sense of common commitment and accountability.

Although this is a clergy-only event, and not open to members of our various congregations, I wanted you to know that it’s happening and what it is all about. And I would like to humbly ask that you would pray for me as I participate; that God would use me in all of who I am to be a catalyst for love, justice and for the Kingdom of God in the Silicon Valley.

Love,
Susan