On March 7, Bishop Mariann gathered online with federal workers and their loved ones to offer spiritual support and mutual strengthening during this time of chaos and uncertainty for people whose livelihood is one way or another tied to the US government. While the scope of job loss and threatened job loss impacts communities across the country, our beloved DMV is at the center of it all. In addition to the gathering with Bishop Mariann, the diocese, with your support, will be offering practical and pastoral support to those affected.
During the online gathering, we followed a format inspired by the Being With course. We split into small groups with trained facilitators and shared something from the “heart of our week.” We contemplated four wonderings:
- We sometimes call government workers “civil servants.” I wonder what that term means to you.
- I wonder if there is something you are really good at or something people you have worked with would identify as your particular gift.
- I wonder what helps you to remember who you are when a crisis hits.
- Tell about a time when you have found strength you didn’t know you had.
After powerful small group conversations, we reconvened to hear a word from Bishop Mariann and pray Compline together. The goal of the evening, organized by the School for Christian Faith and Leadership, was to connect the current crisis with the depth and strength of our faith and to make sure that no one goes through this alone. For congregations who would like to organize similar events, we offer a Leader’s Guide with a host script and the text of Bishop Mariann’s reflection.
The challenge to the federal workforce is ongoing. We will need ongoing spiritual support and solidarity as the impacts reach further and further into our communities. In addition to the essential spiritual care and community that comes from our congregations, EDOW is responding in two ways.
- Through the School for Christian Faith and Leadership, we are convening a working group to plan future events and sources of mutual support and spiritual formation. Reach out to School director Anna Olson if you’d like to be a part of that group.
- EDOW has organized an Emergency Relief Fund—seeded from Bishop Mariann’s discretionary fund and open for donations—to respond to immediate economic and humanitarian needs resulting from cuts to the federal workforce and federal funding, as well as increased targeting of immigrants for detention and deportation. The fund will be accessed through our parishes. Clergy and congregations will receive a letter from the bishop with the full information about how to submit a simple application for funds.
Almost all of us know people who are impacted in one way or another these days. This crisis is an opportunity for Episcopalians to be good news to our neighbors, walking with those who are suffering the most and drawing on the hope and courage that is the hallmark of people of the Resurrection.
