August 6th, 2024
Hello Keystone!
I have been your transitional pastor for just over a month now, and I am alternately tickled, humbled, enchanted, and inspired by the work the Keystone congregation has been doing for the past 25+ years since Rich Gamble stepped into the role of pastor. It has been a delight starting to get to know each of you, and I hope to continue forming relationships within this loving community of activists.
Most especially, I have been awe-struck by the work you do as you seek to transform society and live into what the Christian scriptures call the zoon aionion, the Messianic age, the Realm of God, the Kingdom of Heaven. This work is slow, painstaking, and often exhausting as we encounter what Paul refers to as the “Powers and Principalities.”
Jesus calls them “The World.” Theologian Walter Wink calls them “The Powers.” Today’s activists call them “Systems of Oppression.” Philosopher bell hooks uses “White Supremacist Capitalist Patriarchy.” Here at Keystone, we use the term “The Domination System.”
Whatever names we use to describe them, we can often feel tired, depressed, and overwhelmed. Homelessness, poverty, violence, racism, and environmental devastation are rampant. How can our sock donations, our phone calls, our flyers, our marches make any difference? Shouldn’t we just sit down and give up?
Over the next month, I will be preaching a sermon series called “What Else is There to Do?” which will address the ways in which we can be encouraged, energized, and inspired to continue on the difficult Way of Jesus. This week, we will encounter the Prophet Elijah, who experienced deep discouragement; next week, Holy Wisdom, the divine feminine Who nurtures us; and finally on September 1st, the Voice of the Beloved, Who calls us deeper into Love.
I hope you will join us!
Many Blessings,
Adina Meyer
Keystone Transitional Pastor