Dear Beloved Church Family,

We rise today to face a nation that is divided and bruised.  Some people are rejoicing this morning, some are shaken and stunned, all are wounded by a campaign that was bitter and painful.

 As people of faith, we are called to hold onto our vision of a world at peace, a country that values each individual and embraces diversity, a people who show compassion and a commitment to justice, and land where we are all safe and able to live with dignity.

 We have today what we had yesterday, last week, and last year: we have our belief that God is near and will walk with us through the challenges that lay ahead; we have our community that will help us amplify our voices for fairness, inclusion, kindness, and love; we have our faith that is rooted in reconciliation and hope; and we have our ability to act so that we can create the world we dream of.

 Today and in the weeks and months ahead, do what you do well: hold one another close; listen for messages from God; pray for guidance about what is needed to mend and repair this beautiful but divided nation; and speak about bridges, open hearts, goodness, and your hopes for our country.