Rev. Bethany
Russell-Lowe
Mark Belletini’s poem “Election Promises” is one that I’ve found appropriate every Election season I’ve preached. While it’s opening lines might not reflect many voting plans this year, its message rings truer than ever today. He writes:
“I say the polls
are not just open on Tuesday.
I say they are open every day.
Every hour. Even here. Even now…
I’m going to vote, right now,
for the right to dream of a world
where the word politics
doesn’t stop me in my tracks,
and where the word honor still
has a few good meanings left.
I’m going to vote right now
for the power of free people
to actually be free,
no matter who they are,
no matter who has abandoned them,
no matter who hates them.
I actually am going to vote for love,
I am going to vote for truthfulness as the norm,
not the exception.
I’m going to vote for a world
that doesn’t vote for killing, control and swagger,
I’m going to vote for you.
I’m going to vote for me.
Right now. Right here. Silently. But for real.”
I love Rev. Belletini’s words because they remind us that voting is not just about filling in little circles on a ballot, but about how we act, what we do, every single day.
Today, and Tuesday, on November 4thand beyond… what would it feel like for you to vote for your neighbors in need through your actions? What would it look like to vote for the marginalized through your purchasing power? What would it sound like for you to vote for liberation through your words?
This, too, is what it means to live out the 5thPrinciple of Unitarian Universalism. To fight for democracy, equity, and freedom, every day, for me, for you, and for us.
May we continue to fight, each day, for a world free from hatred, oppression, and fear.
See you on Zoom!
- Rev. Bethany
Vespers on Thursdays at 6:30 PM
Every Thursday at 6:30 (please note time change!), Rev. Bethany, guest speakers, and Worship
Associates will lead a 30-40 minute vespers service on Zoom. This is a live service with songs,
readings, and a short reflection from Rev. Bethany or another speaker. Join us!
Baja 4 Election Week Vigils on Zoom
Join the Baja 4 ministers, educators, and musical community as we stay grounded and stay connected-- to each other, to our ancestors, and to the ones who come after us. Come for music, reflection, words of grief and words of care. Come for fellowship. Come because we are stronger together than apart.
Wednesday, November 4
Friday, November 6 at 6 PM
Saturday, November 7that 10 AM
Meeting ID for All Vigils: 939 2634 4716
Thanksgiving Day Gratitude Prayer
3 PM on Zoom
Join Rev. Bethany on Zoom on Thanksgiving Day, November 26
that 3 PM to gather in community and share gratitude for our beloved community. This event will last no longer than 20 minutes and a recording will be emailed to all members soon after the event in case you miss the live gathering. Zoom link:
https://zoom.us/s/7025890260, password: 483148.