In light of recent events...

Crossroads Family and Friends,

Sunday morning, in what probably felt a little different to all of us, we worshipped and fellowshipped in the sanctuary. We were reminded of our 2020 Vision to Love Everybody, Always. We also were reminded that this is not always easy or comfortable. We, as followers of Jesus, are called to love that is different and deeper than what the world often projects as love.

Love Everybody Always is rooted in Jesus and His sacrificial example. We ordinary men and women have the privilege of revealing Jesus through our words, actions, thoughts and lives – in other words, by how and who we love.

Sunday afternoon, a tragedy occurred – a tragedy on many levels. We mourn with the Munoz Family as they try to piece together and grieve the death of their son and brother.

This tragedy struck closer to home than any other national events we might have experienced before – because the pictures, the street, the names, and the uniforms are those from our community. What we have watched transpire across our country had suddenly come home to Lancaster. Yet, it really wasn’t that sudden.

Sunday night, we issued a call to prayer, an invitation to cry out for the welfare of our city and those who live here. For those of you who joined us in person and from your homes, prayer was the first real step that we could take to Loving Everybody Always.

Some of you experienced fear, frustration, and anxiety – especially as the flames were fanned by the rumor mill and people was looking for truth, answers, and justice – but not necessarily in that order.

My heart breaks for those who heard this news and were rocked to their core wondering what happened and will it happen to me. I know my soul knew no peace as I prayed and listened and watched.

It was an all too uncomfortable reminder that not everyone in our community feels safe in the city they call home.

As City Council President Ismail Smith Wade-El noted, we have to look beyond trying to justify or not justify the actions of what occurred.

As the church of Jesus Christ in Lancaster, we have to ask ourselves how do we love our neighbor who is wrestling with mental health issues?

How do we love the family that is at their wits end trying to navigate a system designed to protect the individuals rights and the communities safety?

How do we love those among us who don’t feel safe? What is our response?

How do we love those giving voice to their pain, fear, grief? How do we love those who see this as another example of how the system, designed to protect, failed Ricardo and has been failing others and their families?

How do we love the Lancaster City Police Officer, who had 6 seconds to assess and respond and whose life experienced trauma that many of us never want to face?

How do we love his family, who now must walk with the officer in sorting out the pain and emotions associated with this death.

How do we love our city leaders who are wrestling with systemic issues and with policy and funding gaps that when bridged could lead to different outcomes for other neighbors?

How do we love?

I don’t have the answer to that Crossroads. Not yet.

However, I am committed to listening, learning, and looking for ways that Crossroads may continue to be a part of the listening, the conversation, and, most importantly, loving our city and those in it.

I have found comfort in Jeremiah 29:7 - seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

We are aliens in a strange land, here but for a fleeting moment, charged with Knowing Jesus and making Him known by loving Everybody, Always!

We must continue to pray – for He is the God of the City and He does have greater things planned for Lancaster, and for us.

We must make ourselves available to listen to those who are grieving, whatever their experiences and despite any differing perspectives – because we do not have all the answers, yet we are all here together.

Maybe that means we talk to one neighbor, one friend, one protestor, one homeless person – and listen. Listen for ways that God might use you to bring hope and healing to another.

Love does not boast, gossip, or keeps records of wrongs…. So please, we must refrain from gossip or slander and be seekers of truth, grace, and love.

I am available to talk, listen, weep, or pray – call me, email me, or visit me. I love you and pray for you that the Love and Light of Jesus might shine through us, together.