This past Sunday, as we woke up to the news of yet another deadly shooting, this one in Dayton, Ohio, some began to get ready for church for the first time in a long time. Others were preparing for church as was their habit. All were arriving at their destinations with a heaviness of heart.  All were tired and sad and angry that they had to pray again over mass shootings. Some were asking, “Why does God allow so many bad things to happen?” Others were asking, “What can we, as people of faith, do to stop this violence?” 

I said on Sunday, that it has become more and more difficult for us to have conversations with those who think differently from the way we think.  If, however, we, as people of faith, want to be a part of stopping the violence, we must be able to talk with one another.  We have to go further than professing our belief in the equality of race and gender; we have to speak out and together take the next practical steps, whether that is mission work, protest, or other action.  As Jessica Aziz of Grace Avenue UMC, Frisco, says, “We must have face-to-face sacred conversations and spark those throughout North Texas, especially with people who are different from us, whomever we encounter in classrooms, at work or on the streets.”    

I eagerly anticipate being a part of those face-to-face sacred conversations here at FUMC Plano, and learning how best to give feet to those sacred conversations.  I hope to begin some of those sacred conversations with those of you who sign up for “Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?” beginning September 8, at 6 p.m., and later in November and December, when we tackle the question, “Why Is It So Hard to Talk About Race?”

Being here at FUMC Plano is, as I knew it would be, a blessing and an opportunity to serve. I am grateful to be in ministry with you,

Judith Reedy
Associate Pastor