February 4, 2026
The two feet of snow that fell 10 days ago is still as powdery as on day one. I avoided going out for almost a week, but in the last few days I finally set about breaking trail through the meadow where I usually walk. I knew it would be arduous, but I was not prepared for how difficult it would be to wade through such deep snow.
Breaking trail was slow-going and it was exhausting; it was an uphill slog, resistance felt with every step forward. And…let’s be honest, Friend…we find ourselves breaking trail in everyday life. Many are facing crises in personal lives. All of us are facing crises in our civic lives as we bear witness to a plethora of breaches of trust, order, and rule of law. Illegal searches and illegal detentions are stoking a culture of fear the likes of which we have not seen in our lifetimes. Correcting the course is like breaking trail…slow-going, exhausting, an uphill slog with resistance at every step.
I imagine Jesus and his new disciples felt the same way. They faced resistance on every level of their culture and yet the revolution they started is still unfolding today. They did not give up, even under dire threat of persecution and even death. I pray we will not be deterred, either. So, if you have the chance in conversation to remind someone that, unless we are of American Indian decent, our ancestors were all immigrants or to pass along the statistic that 7 out of every 10 people detained have no criminal record, please speak up. Speak up for the truth that equal protection under the law for ALL individuals ensures a safe society. Speak up for the fact that there may be illegal acts, but no person is “illegal.” May we speak up when we can; may the Holy Spirit guide us in what we say. Jesus said that how we treat one another matters. Jesus said: “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me…Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of my brethren you did it to me.” -Matthew 25
From Quaker Philip Gulley:
“The work of justice is a long game, just as our labors today will not result in victory tomorrow. Just as our nation’s moral poverty did not materialize overnight, neither will it be solved overnight. But it will be solved. Every day the weight of judgment falls more heavily upon [the perpetrators of injustice]. They are creatures of privilege and ease, unaccustomed to struggle, so ultimately will not bear the strain. They may have the guns, but we have the guts. They may have the prisons, but we have the persistence. They may have the money, but we have the morality. They may well have the Goliaths, but we have the Davids, and we know, don’t we, who beat who.”
HERE is a copy of Rev. Leaf Seligman’s sermon from this past Sunday. Thank you, Leaf!
Jesus said, “Feed the hungry” and we are taking it to heart!
Here is the report from the recent shelter meal that Dublin and Harrisville provided to the 100 Nights Shelter in Keene:
On behalf of our church communities, Yummy and Bev “delivered two huge pans of hot Sloppy Joe mixture, two large pans of the best-looking salad I have ever seen, 72 large hamburger rolls, and 70 individually bagged portions of delicious looking homemade cookies to our friends at the Shelter. The dining room was unusually full – shelter from the cold ! The staff has it down to efficient science – the coffee pots were perking, and a smiley young man was taking charge of getting the Sloppy Joe pans into the steam trays, salads on the counter, and I am not sure where the buns and cookies fit in, but do know they were placed where they make it all wok! The dining area is spacious, with lots of natural light. Very homey and inviting. Many of those seated gave us grateful smiles when we brought their supper into the kitchen. They thank you all, and both churches thank you all.”
Church Supper last night was packed, I heard. Thank you to Outreach and all the volunteers that helped to feed our community.
REQUESTS FOR ITEMS TO HELP IMMIGRANT FAMILIES IN KEENE
*2 chests of drawers needed, one for an adult and one for a 12 year old child. They are currently using cardboard boxes.
*2 area rugs, approx. 8×12
Please contact Eric Swope at 603-903-3522
Over 40 clergy members attended the press conference that I helped to organize last week. Read more about it HERE.
This Sunday 11-1
The 7th Annual Chili Cook-Off in Harrisville at the Brick Church
Come and taste a dozen or more chilis, vote on your favorites, and buy some pints of homemade chili to take home if you wish.
Please join me in a spirit of prayer.
God, grant us courage for the living of our days. May we be a light in the darkness. May our voices call for fairness, kindness, and the recognition that all people are created in your divine image. Move us to heal broken relationships in our lives. Move us to extend ourselves beyond our comfort zones that others may be comforted. Move us to heal our own hurts so that we will not hurt others. Move us towards wholeness, I pray, in Christ’s name. Amen.
“May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your whole spirit and soul and body be sound.” -1 Thessalonians 5:23
With faith,
Traceymay
603-715-0990
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