August 13, 2026

This afternoon, I drove to Bison Coffeehouse to give Loretta, owner, money/gift cards, and donations that y’all have offered throughout this week. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.” These were Nick’s words as he and I unloaded my car full of donations for the Confederated Tribes of Warms Springs. My heart is heartened to share from our generosity. In the storage garage there were other cases of water, blankets, diapers, dog food, and a sundry of items. Nick told me of the overloaded vehicle and trailer that has already been sent to those in need. Loretta mentioned loads have been taken to Spokane, Colville, Klamath Falls and Warm Springs. For now, they are slowing down to evaluate what is most needed. Loretta encouraged me to check back with her in a few weeks to see what other needs might be.
I plan to attend a Zoom meeting on Monday hosted by Sarah Loose, Director of the Climate and Disaster Resilience Program of the Oregon Synod. This will be an opportunity to bring people together for connection, meaning making, and learning about solidarity and action opportunities in this moment. Stay tuned, I will have more information forthcoming.
In the meantime, Bishop Laurie offers, this prayer for all those whose lives have been impacted by the wildfires, and for the firefighters and first responders who have been working tirelessly to bring an end to the fires and relief and care to those affected. O' God, our refuge and strength, our help in times of trouble. We lift our prayers to you now that your creation is suffering. Have mercy on the lands ravaged by fires. Calm the winds that fan the flames, and send rain to the parched lands. Comfort all who have had to leave their homes; give them solace as they wait for news. Give peace to those under evacuation alerts. Bless all those who help and support the evacuees. Protect all those who are fighting the fires, and keep them safe in difficult circumstances. Protect all whose health is at risk because of the smoke. Heal the people, heal the wildlife, and heal the land. God, in your unending mercy, we ask you to hear our prayers. Amen.
Currently, I am listening to the book, The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee. The section I was listening to as I drove home from Bison Coffeehouse spoke of the challenges of unionizing. She was at the Nissan auto plant in Franklin, Tennessee. To avoid going to deep into the story, the one phrase that caught my ear was, “No one fights alone.” There is truth on so many levels in these four words. Together, as a community of faith we are supporting people with food insecurity through our donations to Hunger Fighters, the Backpack Snack Program and the 24/7 Little Cupboard. When we join forces together, we can do more. Our collaborated donation plus what other community members provide make an impact. Even if our effort is more symbolic as is the case for annual givers who are invited to touch weekly the offering plate. (see article below).
Our readings for this week focus on offerings of mercy. We have received God’s mercy and God’s expansive love is accessible for all people. We will hear of Jesus wrestling with a determined foreigner, we will hear Paul’s encouragement that even amid disobedience and turning away from God, the invitation and offering of mercy is present. As we continue our pathway as followers of Jesus may we be the first to show mercy to those we encounter. This is challenging work, especially when we encounter folks who are different from us, and yet, we pray with the Psalmist: “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make God’s face to shine upon us…) Psalm 67:1