This Week.

“So whatever your politics, however you have or will cast your vote, however this election unfolds, wherever the course of racial reckoning and pandemic take us, whether we are in the valley or the mountaintop, hold on to the hope of America. Hold on hope grounded in our shared values and ideals. Hold on to God’s dream. Hold on and struggle and walk and pray for our nation.” – Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, November 1, 2020

Last week, on Tuesday, October 27, I clicked on the video of the Birmingham City Council meeting. One of the first things they did that day was honor Martha Mae Ophelia Moon Tucker (pictured above in 1963). Ms. Tucker will retire as the chief inspector of her polling place tomorrow, after serving as a poll worker for 57 years. 

When she registered to vote in 1963 the first question that was asked of her was if she could spell her name. That was just the first of the ridiculous questions that she had to answer. But she stayed the course, answered them all, and registered to vote. She then signed up to be a poll worker and has worked every election since then. She has also voted in every election since 1963 too.

Yesterday, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry gave a wonderful sermon. It is 27 minutes long, and worth every minute. You can listen to it here. As he concluded, he reminded us that we are to hold on to God’s dream “and struggle and walk and pray for our nation.” 

Tomorrow is the day that many of us have been waiting for and dreading. I hope you vote tomorrow. If you have already voted, I hope you remind someone else to vote. Even if you think the whole system is broken, I want you to vote. I want you to vote because Martha Mae Ophelia Moon Tucker knows that voting matters, and she struggled and worked for 57 years so that everyone can vote. 

And I want you to pray. We can’t hold on to God’s dream if we aren’t listening to what God has to tell us. Below you will find this week’s schedule and the opportunities that we have to gather for prayer. 

I also want you to take care of yourself. Between the election and the pandemic, there is plenty to be anxious about. So wash your hands, wear your mask, and be kind to yourself.

I hope to see you on campus or at the student center this week. Come by and say your prayers or just have a chat.

– Kelley

SCHEDULE

Tuesday

• 11:45 a.m. Worship at BSC
  I will be on campus at 10 am, come by and say hello. Then join us IN THE CHAPEL for a short service of prayers, scripture, and Holy Communion.
• 3-6 p.m. Drop-in Hours at Trinity Commons
  Come by for a chat or just to take a break.
• 6:30 p.m. Election Day Evensong
  Join us at St. Andrew’s (or on Facebook) for a special service of prayers for our country. More info

Saturday

• 11 a.m. Kelley’s Ordination to the Priesthood at St. Andrew’s
  While in-person attendance will be limited, the service will be live-streamed. More info

Sunday

• 6 p.m. Worship at Trinity Commons & Zoom
  Join us for Church in the chapel. Sunday Supper following the service. Wear a mask and invite a friend. You can also join us via Zoom.