Digital Worship for June 21, 2020

“And the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, and said to her, ‘What troubles you, Hagar?'” (Genesis 21:17)

The story of Hagar, the slave of Sarah and the mother of Abraham’s first-born son, is devastating. Born in Africa, she gives birth to Ismael, but is banished after Sarah sees Ismael playing with her son Isaac. Hagar wanders into the wilderness until their water runs out. Then she sets Ishmael aside so she does not have to watch him die, and gives up.

But God does not give up on Hagar. Nor on Ismael. An angel comes from God and shows her that water is nearby, and she and her child are saved.

We have seen the devastating impact that this coronavirus has visited upon communities of color. And we have witnessed the uncovering of blatant and more subtle forms of racism all around us. Our community is dedicated to extending ourselves individually and collectively to challenging that racism in whatever forms it presents itself. May God give us the courage, honesty and resiliency that will take. And may God not give up on any of us.

K