Partners in ministry,
Doubtless you are disturbed as I am by the apparent murder of George Floyd, especially after the Ahmoud Arbery and Breonna Carter deaths. Frankly, what with 100,000 deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic, and a disproportionate number of those among persons of color, I think there is too much death around us at this moment in time not to have a Cross Walk this year. You might recall we cancelled the Good Friday Cross Walk due to fears around the pandemic.
Now that we are all getting back out there, I propose we do a Cross Walk this Sunday, May 31, 2020 at 1 pm beginning from the steps of First Congregational, Darien and ending at St Luke's Episcopal. We will observe safe practices of social distancing. Everyone who participates is expected to wear a mask. Instead of handing the cross from one person to another, the one who carries it will lay it down for the next person to pick up. I will bring wipes to clean the cross between our turns carrying it. I will provide gloves for a further degree of safety for us pilgrims.
Also, invite your people to bring a small Bible with them. Maybe bring a small towel also as the cross will feel sharp upon the shoulder without the heavier coats that we wear in the spring.
Our churches, our town, and our nation feel anguish in this moment. Anger is understandable but staying angry leads to attacks and violence. Perhaps we can help our people move from anger to sorrow and lamentation. We already had so much pent-up grief before this agonizing and violent course of events. We know how dangerous unprocessed grief is. Helping people to grieve is right in the wheelhouse of our calling as Christ's church. There is no way around all of this pain; the only way is that of Christ straight through it. The Cross symbolizes that as well as the powers taking the lives of God's children who count ever less in the schemes of this world.
At the very least, I ask you to mention this at your virtual services on Sunday, and invite your people to join us. At most, I invite you to cast your lot with us and join us. My wife and I both have shoulder problems. We need your help for that reason and other more profound reasons.
Let me know if you can be with us and how many might you bring. God bless you all in this tough time to do ministry in any case. Thank you!
Peace in Christ,
Dale Rosenberger
The Reverend Dale Rosenberger, Senior Minister
The First Congregational Church of Darien,
UCCDarien, Connecticut 06820
203 655-0491 x. 101