By Ellen Di Giosia
During the course of this election season, the airwaves have been filled with divisive rhetoric, accusations of illegal and immoral behavior, and a shocking coarsening of political discourse. At times, it has felt like America has completely abandoned civility. If you like to peruse Facebook for cute pictures of babies and puppies, you also have to dodge auto-playing videos of crude and hateful speech. And having a fruitful discussion in the comments section? Well, we all know how that goes.
Early voting is underway, and on Tuesday, November 8, the election will finally come to a conclusion. Some of my Woodland friends will vote for Republicans, some for Democrats. Some may vote for Libertarian, Independent, or Green Party candidates. We disagree on many things – the role of government, tax policy, foreign affairs. But Woodland Baptist Church is full of good people, people I admire and love and trust. There is no reason to let political differences poison our fellowship. And the most fitting way for us to demonstrate our unity is to gather around the table that matters most, the communion table.
Woodland is joining a movement of 300 churches around the nation in observing Election Day Communion. We do not come to the table of Jesus because we cease to be Democrats or Republicans there; we come to the table of Jesus because he is not Democrat or Republican. Our allegiance is first and foremost to the Kingdom of God, as revealed in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
Join us after the polls close on November 8, at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Invite others to come and participate, too. If America feels fractured, let the Church be the place of wholeness and peace.