Dear friends,

I know you must feel as devastated by the unexpected and incomprehensible result of last night’s Presidential election as I do. I feel shock, anger, fear, and so much more. Like you, I’m still processing what just happened and wondering what the real consequences will be. Whatever they are, we shall face them, and, when necessary, challenge them together.

For now, I’d like you to know about two immediate responses happening this weekend.

Firstly, this Friday, November 11^th, we will have a support gathering for our members at our church from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. This will be an opportunity to come together to share our feelings in a safe and supportive environment. We will use the Native American talking stick ritual to help us create a space in which we can speak our truth without fear or judgment. If, like me, you feel a need to be with members of your church family at this time, please plan to attend this gathering.

Secondly, we are postponing our scheduled intergenerational service until next Sunday, November 20^th, in order to further use our sacred time together to address and process the election results. My friend, Dr. Bill Miller will be present to help lead us in a few familiar civil rights songs, and I will offer a sermon entitled, “Here We Stand: A UU Response to the Election.” Things may feel dire now, and our outlook for the immediate future may be dismal, but we have been here before, and we can and shall meet injustice and adversity as we always have, by continuing to uphold our values and principles in all places at all times.

I hope to see you this Friday for our special gathering, and during our services this Sunday,

Take heart,

Todd

Rev. Dr. Todd F. Eklof
minister@uuspokane.org
502-299-6408