A legacy which we have inherited... Martin Luther King Day January 19th

Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.  Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

We have inherited a legacy-- a legacy put into motion, imprinted and left behind by Martin Luther King, Jr.  The work of Dr. King during the civil rights movement challenged us to work towards an end of peace, reconcilation, fairness, equality and justice.  His message to be doers of justice and to err on the side of peaceful resolution to bring the kingdom of God into reality has been a compelling and challenging call.  So... as we approach January 19th, this holiday set aside, marked and commemorated to reflect on the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr-- we must recognize that it is a time to move forward and join in carrying the torch that Dr. King had begun and left to be shared in.  

It is really easy to look at MLK day as just another holiday and break from work and regular life.  We generally look forward to the holiday as a bonus and lean more towards the mere celebration of another three-day weekend.  As great as it is to be able to bask in the luxury and priviledge of taking another mini-holiday the reality is that we, especially as the body of Christ, need to stop, reflect and grapple with the work and life of Dr. King.  His exhortation and encouragement to the church to align ourselves with the mission of the gospel to bring freedom and good news is one that we should strive to understand.  I challenge you to join your church as we take time together to look at the implications of Dr. King's work on our faith, on our mission to be the church and on our call to be peace makers and reconciliators.  

All over the country people will be gathering to remember together the history in time where Dr. King brought light to the great chasm between the 'haves' and 'have nots', as well as look at our current context and wonder have we made any progress together to bring this mission to a fuller, more complete reality?  We are lucky to live in a city where a larger event will take place.  We will be participating in that event and join with our neighbors in rally and march.  Consider joining us on January 19th at Quest Church @ 10 am.  We'll be carpooling together to the rally at Garfield High.  At noon people will begin marching from Garfield High to the Federal building downtown.  Then we'll gather together as a group for lunch and small group discussion at the church.  

This is an important time and I hope that you'll join us, as we forge a collective memory of Dr. King and look at the point in history we are now in-- the inauguration is the next day and this will be a great time to look at where we are at today.  Would Dr. King feel satisfied with the progress that has been made?  Would he consider his work completed or near completion with the election of Barak Obama, our first African-American president?  I don't know, but good questions to wrestle through together.  Let's process this as community! 

Please register with Pastor DeAnza at deanza@seattlequest.org or the church office at office@seattlequest.org if you plan on participating!  I look forward to marching with you!

Peace,

Pastor DeAnza