We are now over a year into the COVID-19 pandemic. It has impacted each of us in a different way. Some are mourning the loss of loved ones. Others are struggling to make ends meet. Many are lonely, tired, or overwhelmed. Meanwhile, all of us face the realities of racism and injustice that the pandemic has laid bare.
Our clergy have faced the pandemic with courage and ingenuity. We have learned how to livestream worship; we have offered spiritual care by phone; and we have organized food drives. It has not been easy.
As the new Vice President of Clergy for Faith Action, my goal has been to connect with our leaders while also recognizing the demands of ministry. In the last few months, I have had one-on-one conversations with most of our clergy to check in with them and update them on our work.
In addition, I have been meeting regularly with Rev. Sam Domingo, Rev. Neal MacPherson, and Cassie Chee, our new organizer, to discern next steps for clergy organizing. One exciting new initiative is an effort to reach out to early- and mid-career faith leaders. If you have someone in mind, please introduce us!
As a United Methodist pastor, I am celebrating the season of Easter with my congregation. It is a time when we remember that goodness and justice prevail over human brokenness, suffering, and death. As we to return to our community organizing roots, I look forward to welcoming new people to join in our powerful work of living out our faith in the world. Thank you for all you do to make that possible.
Rev. Jessica Kawamura
Wahiawa United Methodist Church
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