November Chimes
November 2024
Dear siblings in Christ,
For the past six weeks, our Adult Sunday School class has been doing a series on Faith and Civic Life. This study, produced by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (our national church body), is part of a larger effort to create a new social statement—a guiding theological document—on the topic of civic engagement. Although this study first came out in early 2023 and doesn’t directly address anything specific about this year’s election, it has provided us with a framework to examine why and how a Christian is called to participate in public life, including in political matters.
The discussions in our group have been thoughtful and challenging, centering around what it means to live out our faith actively in all aspects of life. One of the study's key points, especially meaningful as we approach Election Day, is that participation in politics—voting, advocating, and engaging—is not separate from our faith but a significant expression of it. In our voting and other civic actions, we bring our values and convictions to bear in the world around us, reflecting what we believe about God’s purposes for justice, compassion, and peace.
This year’s election season has stirred up a variety of emotions—anticipation, hope, uncertainty, and, understandably, some anxiety. During times like these, it’s natural to feel pulled into the tension. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to approach this season with a spirit grounded in faith, love, and compassion.
At the heart of Christ’s teaching is the commandment to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This principle applies not just to our personal lives but also to our public actions, including our civic duties. Voting, for example, is an opportunity to consider and care for our neighbors, to reflect on the broader needs and dreams of those around us. It is a way we live out our calling to seek the common good and to extend our commitment to compassion and justice.
In this season of heated debate and strong opinions, let us remember that every person—regardless of their background, opinions, or political alignment—is a beloved child of God. It can be challenging to embrace this truth when opinions differ and tempers flare. But as Christ’s followers, we have the responsibility to engage with respect and kindness, even when we disagree. Imagine the witness we bear when our words and actions promote understanding rather than division, compassion rather than criticism. We don’t have to avoid difficult conversations; instead, we are called to engage with a spirit of grace, reflecting Christ’s love in how we listen, speak, and act.
As Election Day approaches, I encourage you to take time in prayer. Bring your hopes, concerns, and decisions to God, seeking wisdom and discernment. Pray for our nation and our leaders—those who serve now and those who will serve in the future. And let us all remember that our ultimate hope, and our ultimate unity, is found in Christ, whose love transcends all earthly systems and whose kingdom endures forever.
With grace and peace,
Pastor Laura