LEARNING
We are committed to helping others grow and develop holistically.
We also encourage learning at all ages.
One should never stop expanding their mind, no matter how much time goes by.
PASTORAL LETTER
June 7, 2020
Dear friend,
As we are aware, the killing of George Floyd has sparked outrage and the ongoing demonstrations revolving around race and police relations.
The crisis began when an officer was filmed engaged in police misconduct, which led to the death of Floyd and the outrage of an entire nation.
As Christians, we pray for the healing of our nation, for better policy outcomes that address racism and unprofessional police behaviors, and for the safety of the scores of first responders who risk their lives to protect the general public.
As Christians of a Reformed background, we also turn to scriptures to help us grapple with tragedy. In our devotional remarks, we will discuss the weighty subject of the Trinity, and we will explore how this classical Christian doctrine can help us see the work of the triune God (Father, Son and Holy Ghost) in action. The doctrine of the Trinity teaches that God created the world, has redeemed the world, and will bring ultimate justice to the world.
Here is the link for this week's devotional: https://youtu.be/W-4TBsQIDsI
Does this mean that we will solely pray and blink idly before social problems, waiting for God to do for us in the world what we have been called to do as individuals and as a church? Not at all.
We, the Rhinebeck Reformed Church, publicly condemn behaviors that mistreat others and that treat others unfairly. As a matter of fact, we have been addressing hateful aggression during our past lecture series titled, The Rise of Hate: a Jewish and Christian Response, and we held an educational event at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, where the author of The War Before the War: Fugitive Slaves and the Struggle for America's Soul from the Revolution to the Civil War discussed the debasing nature of slavery and how the social and legal ramifications of slavery continues to afflict the African American community and our society till this day. The author said, quoting Emerson, “history doesn’t repeat itself, but it rhymes.” The author’s words, as expressed in his lecture and in his book, have proven to be prophetic.
Furthermore, our congregation demonstrates its faith commitment to social justice by providing an annual scholarship geared to acknowledging and celebrating students who express a commitment to promoting tolerance and social justice in our society.
Granted, we are mindful that more needs to be done, and we look forward to partaking in the struggle to promote the just treatment of all of God’s people. We will be discussing some ideas at the Consistory level on Tuesday. We look forward to sharing those ideas with you, and to learning from you what else can be done and should be done to promote a just community.
Blessings!
Pastor Luis
LUNCH & LEARN
Led by Dr. Bruce Chilton of the Bard College
Sponsored by
the Rhinebeck Reformed Church and
the Jewish Federation of Dutchess of County
Time: 12:30 - 1 p.m. lunch
1 - 1:45 p.m. lecture
1:45 to 2 p.m. questions and answers
Please contact the church to RSVP for this free event.
The Lunch & Learn series is temporarily postponed
due to concerns regarding COVID-19.
See our LUNCH & LEARN page
for video lectures from Dr. Bruce Chilton!