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During this time of the pandemic I try to keep my ear to the ground for the tender spots in members’ lives. Where have there been job losses? Who has health worries? Who is lonely? I see pockets of challenges, and, too, I see the beauty of a caring community rising to meet needs during these times of unforeseen stress.

As I listen, one topic of worry which prevails is the upcoming election. Across the community I hear: Will we be able to vote? Will our votes be counted? Will the results be honored? Is there hope we can solve issues in a polarized country?

The stress around the election feels broad and, frankly, well-founded.

While our shaken confidence in the post office feels recent, our waning trust in the democratic process is not new. Four years ago I wrote a sermon about democracy (and religion) which began, “Do you trust democracy? In your bones, do you trust it? Do you trust yourself and your fellow citizens?” It was the summer of 2016 and there was a profound angst about democracy in the air then.

I was reminded of this sermon when it was selected in early 2020 for publication in the UU Church of the Larger Fellowship’s monthly magazine, Quest. When I asked if the sermon still seemed relevant, the editors reassured me that my message linking democracy to our UU principles had value four years later.

The sermon is a reminder that democracy beats other governing alternatives, and that in order to survive democracy needs citizens to engage. (Click this link for that Sermon) https://www.questformeaning.org/quest-article/the-heart-of-democracy/

I repost this sermon in hopes that each of us will take the time to name what we value most about democracy, and then to use those values as an incentive to engage with heart and soul in the election before us. Our faith calls us to do so.

On August 26, 1920, after 72 years of grassroots organization, clever advocacy, and relentless agitation conducted by three generations of U.S. women, the struggle was finally won and the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution was certified. The amendment states: “The right of citizens of the United States shall not be denied or abridged in account of sex. “

Eight days earlier, on August 18, Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the amendment, making it the law of the land once certified. (In 1920 there were only 48 states, so the magic number for state ratification was 36!)

On this coming August 26 buildings and landmarks all over the country, including the Library of Congress and the National Archives, will light up in purple and gold in honor of the suffrage movement. Purple, gold, and white were the colors used by suffragists for their costumes and campaigns.

The League of Women Voters of Kent County has planned an event to celebrate the 100 years: They have rented the Chester River Packet for an evening sail. They will attach banners to the sides of the packet, touting women's right to vote in this country as they cruise down the Chester, wearing white and waving to onlookers. If you live on the river, keep an eye out on the 26th around 6 pm so you can cheer them on as they come into view! Jane Hardy

For all of you hoarders of grocery receipts from Redner's, help has arrived! While the church is closed as a collection point, Upper Shore Aging is still serving seniors and welcomes your receipts.  You can deliver in person by driving up to the Amy Lynn Ferris Center and calling someone to come out and get your collection (410-778-2571); or you can mail them to Upper Shore Aging, 200 Schauber Rd., Chestertown, MD 21620.

Thanks go out to Margo Long from the Social Concerns Social Justice Committee for making this happen!

Rev. Sue Browning, and the Pastoral Care Associates: Kevin Brien, Gayle Folger, Nancy Holland, and Vida Morley

or for more information, contact:

Jan Whitney (Office) p: 410-778-3440 | e: uuofchesterriver@gmail.com