Bishop Wells Message to Us All

Bishop Wells message to us 

Election Day 2016 +1  

“Tomorrow is a new world.” David Brooks, columnist

God’s beloved People,

Ps 18:2:  The Lord is my rock, my fortress*, and my deliverer,
my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield,
and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

John 6:67:  So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?”  Simon Peter answered
him “Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.  We have come to
believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”

I offer these words in order to confirm our ultimate allegiance.  I pray you have “offered to Caesar what is Caesar’s,” and are now ready to reconfirm the ultimate leadership of Jesus, the one in whom we place all our trust.

Beyond this singular trust that we share as the Church, ours is likely to be a very confused country over the next months.  We will see volatility in the stock markets, deep uncertainty among enemies and allies around the world, and a combination of real hope among those who voted for change and deep dread among those who see basic human commitments at risk.

If we could be certain that this situation would lead to new and more faithful dialogue among citizens we might all learn something.  But we have yet to confirm we’re ready or able to talk with one another so deep is the division.

So beyond these realities as citizens, what shall we say as the Church, how shall we frame our resolve to bear Christ into this world when the stakes are so high?  Beyond the Church, how will
you, as a follower of Jesus, respond?

First, I pray we will follow the non-violent path that has marked the church from the beginning.  Let us be leaven and light and grace when others around us want to strike out in frustration.  I think it’s time we sponsor non-violent trainings and learn, in community, about the triggers that predictably ignite anxious people, including ourselves.

Second, fears were raised over the willingness of a candidate to accept the results of the election.  How will those who feel they’ve lost accept the will of the electorate with the kind of grace expected of their opposition candidate?

Third, some of us will need time to absorb these realities.  Can we offer this grace in community with patience for all?  Some are going to need time to flash and express their exasperation and anger.  How can we help them do this safely?

Fourth, each of us is called by God with gifts for service in the Body of Christ and gifts for service in the world.  I think it’s time for us to take one another more seriously and that means listening, appreciative inquiry, and curiosity about fears and hopes.  If we could achieve this skill in the Body, how might we offer it to others seeking safe community?

Fifth, I join you in prayer for our country.  Several model prayers are included in Evangelical Lutheran Worship.  I commend them to you and your congregation.

Finally, we are called by a graceful God to a justification that is beyond our deserving.  That’s true for everyone that God seeks today.  We are also called to “stations,” that is, those places where we are called in vocation.  For pastors that means “collaring up” and doing the work of a pastor/minister.  Wherever you are called, please show up and do the work of God in your station, whether as parent or grandparent, as working adult, student, or a retired volunteer.  Let us serve the world that God loves!

May God grant us wisdom, patience, and resolve.
Bishop Martin Wells

*Here are the new words for Ps. 46 (“A Mighty Fortress”) that pastors/ministers sang at Convocation.

God Alone be Praised
Oceans rise, the coastland trembles;
mountains melt and dry earth crumbles.
All the world with longing groans.
Love abides; this gracious promise
is our help, our hope and solace.
God’s strong word is solid ground.

Nations rage, the empire falters;
seeking refuge, exiles wander.
Walls and weapons rise from fear.
Through this wilderness a river
flows to heal and bless us ever.
God the crucified dwells here.

Come and see; God’s mercy gathers
all that sin and grief have shattered.
Life from fields of death is raised.
Peace, be still; let prideful thunder
yield to songs of joy and wonder.
God and God alone be praised