When I first began writing/sending these weekly emails (after arriving in Colchester 9 years ago), I intended for them to be mostly uplifting in nature. I figured it would be good to share church events and community announcements knowing not everyone makes it to worship in person every Sunday. Weekly church emails are sort of just “good church communication 101” nowadays. And I thought it would be nice to share something hopeful or funny, something educational or inspirational for our congregation mid-week.
In truth, I have been having a harder time writing these Thursday Thoughts lately given the state of the world. Because it’s hard to look around and find much hope these days. It feels like there is more bad news every week and sometimes more bad news every day. Sometimes I feel grief and sometimes I feel anger. Maybe you do too.
This week I wanted to share two important messages that you may or may not have read. We are blessed to be part of two denominations here at Colchester Federated Church (the American Baptist Churches USA & the United Church of Christ). Faithful Christians have been speaking out and protesting the actions of ICE agents in Minnesota. I am linking both messages in full and sharing a few excerpts below.
“A pastoral lament for Minnesota” from Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, Executive Director, American Baptist Home Mission Societies and Judson Press:
https://abhms.org/about-us/news/a-pastoral-lament-for-minnesota
“Mr. Pretti and Ms. Goode were killed because they were bold and courageous enough to publicly say, ‘STOP!’ to the unlawful and violent conduct of federal agents that were violating the rights of others.
Our current predicament is this: the Trump Administration presents a clear and present danger to people in communities across America.
As I lament the deaths of Ms. Goode and Mr. Pretti, I also pray for their loved ones and neighbors who are suffering unimaginable loss, pain and grief. I pray for all the people of Minnesota who are living under siege and under threat by a wicked and corrupt armed force that has been told they may do whatever they want to whoever they want with impunity.
Thankfully, across our nation, Americans of all identities, persuasions, and affiliations are resisting fascism, tyranny, and violence sanctioned by the Administration.”
“Special Statement and Prayer” from Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, General Minister and President/CEO of the United Church of Christ:
“The United Church of Christ joins the faith community in strongly condemning the on-going actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as it continues to bring death and violence to the streets of Minneapolis. The use of lethal force on unarmed and non-threatening individuals continues to result in loss of life and injury. The abduction of people on the streets of major cities, the profiling of individuals, the targeting of immigrants, and the escalation of deportations are violating the human rights of millions. Added to the increased militarization of cities, communities that house some of the most vulnerable now find themselves under siege. It is time to stop the murdering. It is time to stop the violence. It is time to return peace to our nation’s cities.”
God is our refuge and God is our strength.
God is an ever-present help in times of trouble.
Love,
Pastor Lauren
Photo by Zaur Ibrahimov on Unsplash
Thursday Thoughts 1/29/26
Lauren Ostrout ~ on being made well 