Dear St. Lukers,
The Psalmist cried out in Psalm 13, “How Long, O Lord.” As I rewrite this update for the third time this week, continually adding our hearts’ lament and prayers, I find myself pondering these same words. How Long, O Lord.
As news continues to grow regarding ongoing bomb threats being made at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the nation, many of you have reached out to check on the welfare of students at Bethune-Cookman University. First, let me share that the reason the BCU Chorale canceled this week was due to the rise in COVID-19 numbers on campus. But this week as we were discussing their need to reschedule, the students at BCU were also victims of these senseless and racially charged threats.
There are more than 100 HBCUs across the nation. Today, HBCUs serve a diverse student population and the United Methodist Church has a history of supporting 11 institutions through our apportionments through the Black College Fund. St. Luke’s has had an ongoing relationship with Bethune-Cookman University, and have reached out to the President, chaplain, and trustees to see how best we can offer our support and advocacy at this time.
These threats have been occurring throughout January and have escalated this week with the beginning of Black History Month. A time set apart in our national culture to appreciate and celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans into who we are as a nation has been tainted with targeted threats of violence and hate. Bishop Latrelle Miller Easterling, of the Baltimore Washington Conference, shared in her statement of support for the HBCU students, faculty, and staff in her conference:
“United Methodists stand in solidarity with historically Black colleges and lament the violence and hate that threatens them. We also recognize that these threats can traumatize and re-traumatize people, and that the trauma can have profound effect on their lives … Our HBCUs, because of their history, their mission, and the future they offer to all people, are especially sacred places. We abhor the hatred and racism that brings about these recent threats and recommit ourselves to building a culture where learning is treasured, and all people are valued.”
As St. Luke’s, we stand with Bishop Easterling’s statement and invite everyone to be in prayer for an end to these threats. We will continue to support BCU and other institutions as they seek to raise students who work toward a more just and equitable society for all God’s children, and we will continue to work toward being a beloved community where love overshadows hate. In addition to prayers and waiting for our BCU leaders to share how best we can support their campus, you can click here to give a gift to benefit BCU (select Bethune-Cookman Chorale from the drop-down menu). These small actions will help show support and unity during this time.
So, what about this Sunday? We have amazing musicians who have stepped in to lead us in combined worship at 9:15 a.m. Our Sanctuary Choir, as well as our larger Praise Team and choir who premiered on Christmas Eve, will lead us as Pastor Jeremy shares a word about the Liberator Jesus. Pastor Jeremy’s message will reflect the liberating, healing Jesus offered in Mark chapter 5. We will join together in the Sanctuary for a powerful worship service to kick off our Black History Month celebration. Throughout the month in worship and on social media we will be sharing worship videos and celebrating Central Florida Black leaders throughout history to grow in our understanding and honoring our diverse community.
As I write this latest paragraph, more than 3,000 troops are being deployed to surround Ukraine with support. As the world watches, our military forces and their families enter to stand on the line with courage and resilience. We pray for our troops and all our leaders to make choices to de-escalate and bring peace for nations oppressed and under threat. May our prayers as people who follow a Jesus who became a lonely, rebel Messiah, become cries for God’s shalom to be made real throughout our country and world. May our prayers of “how long” be turned into earnest surrender of “use me” to be God’s peace and love in this divided world.
Shalom –
Jenn.