Poems, Bells and Milestones

Jeff Barz-Snell

What an intense few weeks it has been, and what a challenging few weeks it will be.  Between presidential politics and spiraling COVID cases, it feels like our attention has whipsawed from screen to screen.  Maybe that is why I was so taken with the poem read at the Inauguration, and I know I am not alone.  Twenty-two year-old Amanda Gorman stepped up to the most prominent podium of the land and delivered her poem to a national audience hungry for hope, possibility and life.  The Hill We Climb may very well become the most memorable moment from a day – and month – full of highs and lows.

But while democracy can be periodically delayed,
it can never be permanently defeated.
In this truth,
in this faith we trust.
For while we have our eyes on the future,
history has its eyes on us.

During this time when emotions are raw for many of us, it was so very inspiring to see and hear the latest generation of Americans step up and sound the values that we hold so dear as a nation.

This week also marked the tragic milestone of 400,000 American now having perished from COVID-19.  On Tuesday night, churches all over the country were invited to toll their bells in solemn observance.  We here at First Parish Church did just that, tolling our bell 200 times.  We recorded a video of the event and share the 1.5 minute piece here.   

This Sunday we turn our attention to our traditions and community.  Sarah Napoline and I will share preaching duties.  Then later on Sunday afternoon, we are cosponsoring a community forum online with our State Senator, Michael Barrett.  For more information or to register for this Zoom-based program, check out the program listing on our website.

See you around church,

Jeff