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A Little Beacon of Hope

This is a letter we received here at the church from one of St. John’s neighbors. We are sharing it on the E-vangelist because this letter is written to you and because it’s so important for you to know what a difference you are making by being a part of this faith community. Every donation you make, every hour you spend, every talent you share with St. John’s: THIS is the impact you are having.

Dear Rev. Craig and the St. John's community, I wanted to take a moment to write to you, not as a parishioner, but simply as one of your neighbors. I have watched St. John's be an extraordinary neighbor to our community, and I don't think I've ever properly said thank you. You have opened your doors and shared your space when people needed somewhere to gather. You have loaned tables and chairs. You have fed people. You have welcomed people. You have made room for people who needed a place to be. Those things might sound like small acts on their own, but taken together, they say something profound about who you are. And what has always struck me most is that you don't just talk about welcoming people. You do it. You make room for people of different races, religions, backgrounds, circumstances and walks of life. You seem to understand that loving your neighbor is not an abstract idea. It is something you actually practice. That is why it breaks my heart to know that St. John's was targeted for doing exactly that. I hope you know that there are people in this neighborhood who see what you do and are grateful for it. I am one of them. I live close enough that I see the church building regularly, and I have to tell you that simply seeing it at the end of my block has become a little beacon of hope for me. It is reassuring to know that there is a place nearby where kindness is not conditional, where people are welcomed, where people are fed and cared for, and where the words "love your neighbor" seem to mean exactly what they say. Your letter to the congregation speaks so clearly about St. John's commitment to welcoming, loving and serving all of your neighbors. From where I stand, those aren't just words. I have seen you live them. Please know that I support you, I stand with you, and I am deeply grateful to have St. John's as a neighbor. Whatever comes next, I hope you will remember that your kindness has not gone unnoticed. You are a pillar of this neighborhood, and for many of us, you are a reminder of what a community can and should be. Thank you for continuing to leave the light on.

You can read the Rev. Dr. Craig Lemming’s letter to the congregation in response to recent articles about DHS surveillance here.

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