Washington, D.C., in the 1950s was an entirely different place than it is today. Although the Capitol was air-conditioned, in the heat and humidity of the late spring and coming summer, most buildings weren’t. And although public schools were integrated shortly after the Brown decision, DC was still a largely segregated society.
There were churches, of course, that defied the old segregated way of life, but they were relatively few. One such church was First Congregational. Established just after the Civil War, it had an association with Howard University and its heritage of serving the newly freed slaves with educational programs.
The building I worshipped in and where I was married during the early 1960s has been replaced by a new worship space, reflecting a new kind of relationship between clergy and parishioners. Although DC has radically changed, it still is a voice for justice and peace in our tumultuous world as all churches should be in the spirit of Christ.
Prayer for the Day
Transfiguring God, open us to your Spirit and broaden our vision,
Empowering us to be truly your people in the world;
Enabling God, let us not shirk from what is required
But that through your Spirit we experience your power.
Inflame us with a passion for your righteousness and mercy
So we open our hearts to the world around.
In the name of the One who opens us to the world.
Even Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
The great awareness comes slowly, piece by piece. The path of spiritual growth is a path of lifelong learning. The experience of spiritual power is basically a joyful one.
M. Scott Peck, psychiatrist and writer (1936-2005)
I do not understand the mystery of grace – only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.
Anne Lamott, American writer
I hoped for the Lord, my being hoped, and for God’s word I waited.
My being for the Master – more than the dawn watchers watch for the morning.
Psalm 130: 5-6 (Trans. Robert Alter)