Dear Friends in Christ,

Social scientists have dubbed our era “the Age of Anxiety.”  Now some, myself included, suggest that what is upon us, now, is the “Age of Fear.”  

This is because there is so much restlessness in our nation and society regarding our future.  Some have said they’re afraid we’re losing our democracy.  How about you? I admit, I wonder if we are because we are a deeply divided society of great inequalities, a condition that spawns more authoritarian governance.  How about you?

And, now, more leaders and scientists are warning about the dangers of Artificial Intelligence, especially since its development is unregulated by the government.  Even officials of companies have weighed in recently regarding their concerns about some unexpected results of their own profit-motivated research.  They speak of harm to, and even extinction of, the human species.

In the background of both of these fears is concern about advancing global warming and the dangerous consequences it portends for our planetary environment. 

Amidst all of these fears, I wonder:  How are you faring?

I also wonder how our Christian faith may help us with coping, adapting, and addressing these – and all – our fears.  This subject, we’ll be exploring in future sermons during our worship. 

As we do, if you have a particular, unaddressed fear that you’re experiencing, let me know.  For it could be a focal point for one of our sermons.

Meanwhile, Blessings of the Holy Love that, as John writes, Casts Out Fear! (I John 4:18)
Pastor Ed