From the Pastor - November 2016

Dear Trinity Friends,

Every four years, the people of our nation have the responsibility of electing a president.  Ours is not a tradition of divine right.  We must choose our leaders. 

“The strength of a political system,” according to our Social Principles “depends on the full and willing participation of its citizens.”¹

As you prepare for this exercise of conscience through participation in the election, I would invite you to include prayer.  Not the kind of prayer that asks God to favor one candidate over all others, but rather the kind that lifts up the common good. 

During the last presidential election, Bishop Ken Carter wrote the following prayer:

“Almighty and gracious God:

You are the source of every blessing,
the judge of every nation
and the hope of earth and heaven:

We pray to you on the eve of this important national election.

Call to mind the best that is within us:

that we live under God
that we are indivisible,
that out of many, we are one,
that liberty and justice extend to all…

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
for the facing of this hour
and the living of these days.”²

In the midst of a nasty campaign, our faith can put a few things into perspective.  God’s purpose is accomplished through the events of history, and God has chosen us to play an ethical and moral role in fulfilling God’s will.  Therefore, may we seek wisdom and courage as we vote.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Brian C. Smith

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¹ The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2012. Nashville, TN: United Methodist Pub. House, 2012. ¶164B. 135.
² Ken Carter. "A Prayer for the U.S. Election." General Board of Church & Society. November 2, 2012. Accessed October 17, 2016. https://umc-gbcs.org/faith-in-action/a-prayer-for-the-national-election.