From the Pastor

Not just mercy; Jesus preached justice

August 1, 2023

The temperature is to be 104° today!. That is not sim-mering, enjoyable summer heat. It’s sweltering. How do we cope with it? We, who have air conditioning hunker down. Retreat inside. Walk the dog early in the morning so he won’t burn his paws on the sizzling sidewalks in the heat of the afternoon.

But what about our friends living on the streets. One woman’s solution was to stretch out under the shade of a tree on the grassed parking strip between the street and sidewalk. She found it relatively safe since it was out in the open, and a relatively cool place to rest. When we drove up Sunday morning and saw her sleeping, we mused, a new form of St. Paul’s hospitality.

But I wonder, where did she sleep last night? Was she safe? And where did she shelter yesterday during the day?

In this sweltering heat, we are putting bottles of water in the blessing box. That is called mercy – helping with an immediate situation. But the water is drunk and the problem of people on the streets remains. Something different is needed.

Jesus preached justice. Justice is more than putting a bandage on a cut that needs medical treatment. Jus-tice ministry is best done as a community. And home
lessness is far from the only justice challenge in our community. What other challenges trouble you?

40+ houses of worship from many faith traditions are coming together to seek God’s word, on this question of what troubles you. In September we will host small group listening sessions and you are invited to come. Share your voice about what troubles you in Wichita. We will be listening. Watch for your invitation.

Sincerely, Pastor Donna