A Prayer for Election Day
Almighty God, you rule all the peoples of the earth.
Inspire the minds of all women and men to whom you have committed the responsibility of government and leadership in the nations of the world.
Give to them the vision of truth and justice, that by their counsel all nations and peoples may work together.
Give to the people of our country zeal for justice and strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will.
Forgive our shortcomings as a nation; purify our hearts to see and love the truth.
We pray all these things through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Campaign for Kindness
Belittle. Reject. Blame. Attack. Win at all costs. These seem to the dominant values we see today. As red and blue yard signs spring up all over our yards and neighborhoods, maybe we can provide something else. What if we were kind, compassionate, humble, respectful, and loving? Never-mind winning an election, could that change the world?
Is it possible that the values of Christ transcend our political posturing and partisanship? Can we come together to find common ground, shared values, and build community based on kindness? We can disagree with people and still respect them, see their humanity, and try to understand their story.
If you believe that there is another way, then consider joining this movement. “Do Unto Others,” is not just a pithy statement. It is a part of the foundation of the Gospel that includes loving your neighbor, loving yourself, doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly.
In the last month churches in the area came together to learn “Skills for Disagreeing Better.” This workshop helped people learn to communicate with and listen to those with whom we disagree. It was a powerful workshop that had practical steps to help communicate with compassion and respect.
A few weeks later many of those churches came together for our “Packing for Peace” event. This was a gathering to put aside our political discussion to affirm the thing that holds us together: Service. At the Packing for Peace, we packed hundreds of rice packet meals that will feed over a thousand people a meal of flavorful, protein-packed, nutriticious rice and soy meals.
The National Movement
This is about more than Two Rivers Church. The Campaign for Kindness started in Kansas City, Missouri, and is spreading across the nation as more and more people search for ways to reach across political divides.
- In Bloomington/Normal, several churches came together for a Rally for Kindness that saw several politicians from both sides of the aisle attend. READ MORE HERE
- Campaign for Kindness is a national movement. There are ways that individuals, organizations, churches, and others can be a part of it, even if you never come to Two Rivers Church. READ MORE HERE.
- FIND RESOURCES HERE. Scroll down for study guides, printable handouts, social media messages, and more.
- Scholars and others are concerned about the growing political polarization in our country. Watch this engaging video by John Schreiber, PhD, about what happens in our brains when we add politics. The polarization is scary, but his research has also found hope. WATCH IT HERE.
How can I get involved?
- Order a 18×24 yard sign by calling 309-788-9384
- Gather with other like-minded folks who are dedicated to kindness, including worship at 9:30 on Sundays.
- Reach out to a family member or friend with whom you disagree. Write a note, card, or letter expressing yourself, but also expressing a desire to remain in relationship.
- Read Healing the Heart of Democracy, by Park Palmer.
- Serve others at our Saturday Community Meal. Every Saturday, we serve around 60 people a hot lunch at 12:00 p.m. It takes a group of kind people to welcome and encourage this community.
- Drop off items in our Little Free Pantry. In our north parking lot, there is a Little Free Pantry (and there are several others around the Quad Cities, including St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rock Island). A
