Dear Friends,
Labor Day originated at the end of the 19th century as a way of celebrating and advocating for the rights and needs of laborers—from factory workers to farm workers. Labor organizers would host large picnics and offer speeches on the needs of laborers. The Industrial Revolution had so drastically changed what it meant to “work” over the previous century. Labor unions and advocates were trying to keep up with the quickly shifting needs of the growing workforce.
The needs of our modern workforce is also shifting quickly.
Many are exhausted by both the seemingly constant connectivity and the increased isolation of their work. Last year, Americans over the age of fifteen spent an additional hour alone than they had the previous year. Others are recognizing that achieving their goals requires a “side hustle.” In actuality, this is a glamorized term for a second job. There has been a much publicized workforce shortage in the past few months and little conversation regarding the need of employers to offer higher wages. The real hourly earnings of American employees decreased in the last year and the average hourly wage for American employees is currently just above $11 while the average living wage is over $16.
In her now classic examination of the lives of hourly employees Nickle and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America, journalist Barbara Ehrenreich wrote:
“The ‘working poor,’ as they are approvingly termed, are in fact the major philanthropists of our society. They neglect their own children so that the children of others will be cared for; they live in substandard housing so that other homes will be shiny and perfect; they endure privation so that inflation will be low and stock prices high. To be a member of the working poor is to be an anonymous donor, a nameless benefactor, to everyone else.”
As a people of faith, we are called to celebrate and honor the important work of our sisters, brothers, and siblings throughout our communities.
Lost in my own thoughts and worries, I am humbled when I pause and recognize the work of others that is constantly happening all around me. During my overnight shifts at the hospital, I witness the work of custodians, housekeepers, cashiers, cooks, nurses, techs, drivers, fire fighters, police officers, and retail workers continuing throughout the night.
I am often reminded of one of my favorite prayers from The Book of Common Prayer:
“Watch over those, both night and day, who work while others sleep, and grant that we may never forget that our common life depends on each other’s toil.”
Even as we rest and celebrate this weekend, may we remember that our common life depends on one another—the nameless benefactors and anonymous donors exhausted from their labor. And then, let’s continue the good work advocating for fair wages and access to health care, assisting young people in gaining the resources they need to thrive, and helping our mission partners to feed all who hunger.
Grace and peace,
Rob
Stumbling Upon the House of God
Thanks to everyone who sent me pictures and videos of the places where they’ve stumbled upon the house of God. Here are a few of the places where members of our community have seen a glimpse of the Holy here and now.
Peg Kritzler surrounded by her family.
Rich Winship sailing in Lake Michigan.
John Jacobs exploring nature with his family.
Please keep sending me pictures. I will be including more pictures of the spaces and places where we’ve stumbled upon the house of God over the next few weeks.
Worship Resources for Sunday, September 5th
Please remember that we will not be gathering online for worship this Sunday. Our next online worship gathering will be on Sunday, September 12th. For those who would like to pause on Sunday morning, I encourage you to use one (or more) of the following YouTube links as a jumping-off point for your time of reflection
Watch a very short (five minute!) documentary on Dr, Qing Li and “Shinrin-Yoku,” the Japanese tradition of intentionally spending time in the forest to improve your health, increase your happiness, and gain a sense of calm. What is your favorite activity or place to immerse yourself in? What activity do you do where you can lose sense of time?
Watch theologian Marva Dawn speak about the importance of Sabbath-keeping in the spiritual life. Do you have a Sabbath practice in your life? What does time set aside for rest and renewal look like for you?
Listen to the hymn “Creation of Peace” by United Methodist worship leader Mark Miller and performed the Mark Miller and the New Haven Collective. What are the ways you are creating peace in your own life? How about in the lives of others in your community?
Pastor Rob on Vacation
I am on vacation this week continuing through Tuesday, September 14th. As always, please feel free to call me on my cell phone at 773-251-6561 if there is a pastoral emergency and I will connect you with a colleague if needed. I will respond to all other emails, phone calls, and texts beginning on Wednesday, September 15th.