A few days ago, on the first night of Hanukkah, people celebrating their faith with pride were attacked.  

As partners in faith, we stand in unwavering solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters. We recognize the pain and suffering and affirm our commitment to peace, understanding, and mutual respect.

Our shared humanity and faith call upon us to support one another, to reject hatred in all its forms, and to work together towards a world where all can live in security and harmony. We stand against antisemitism and pray for strength, comfort, and enduring peace for all people. May the light of Hanukkah guide and bless us all. 

–Neighbors For Peace, Southborough

Please join us tonight at St. Marks Church at 7pm for our joint Blue Christmas Service

Recent events prove that this is not a time that feels celebratory for many folks. After the violence in Australia, Providence, California and so many other places, folks are heavy-hearted and grieving right at the time we wish they could feel Advent JOY. Sometimes, to feel better, it’s good to have some time for reflection. Blue Christmas does exactly that, with contemplative readings and soothing messages for what ails us during this special season.

You don’t have to be blue to attend a Blue Christmas Service. In fact, it’s great to have folks who aren’t grieving to come together to support those who are. You’ll hear poignant readings, sing lovely songs, and spend time in congregation with other Christians, neighbors and friends.

Thanks to Dr. Safdar Medina for the lovingly crafted statement from Neighbors for Peace, above.

The world needs us to stand together against the kind of violence perpetrated against our Jewish brothers and sisters at Bondi Beach. Speaking to a Jewish friend of mine recently, she acknowledged the continual state of violence against their people.

No one group can stand up to this type of violence alone. We must recognize we are knit together in Dr. King’s famous “web of mutuality,” and we all must stand for one another. As Christians, the call at Christmas is clear: our savior, born meek and mild, came to us as a defenseless child to remind us that it’s up to all of us to protect each other.

May it always be so.