Dear Friends,
We write to you on this, the first evening of Chanukah, to give thanks for our long partnership and friendship with the Wood River Jewish Community. Just last night members of that community participated in serving community suppers here at St. Thomas, and their presence reminds us that we have not only shared a building but we are partners in ministry, and in life.
Yesterday, the Anne Frank Human Rights memorial in Boise was defaced by swastikas and threatening signs. Our Jewish sisters and brothers are understandably afraid, angry, and exhausted. The third Sunday of Advent reminds us that we are called to repent for the sins of this world. At this time, let us hold our Jewish friends in our prayers and recommit ourselves to our baptismal vows to “strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.”
May the light of Chanukah and of Christ shine in our hearts and drive the darkness from this world.
In Christ,
Jonah and Kathleen
