March 5, 2008       Wednesday Lenten Sermon,      Primary Night at Grace

Dear Friends in Christ,

Last night we made the evening news on channel five, and I'm still processing all that has happened. There were more than 2,000 people mostly outside the church at 7:00 P.M. and a smaller crowd inside in the narthex and fellowship area. The elections and caucus didn't finish until after midnight. The voting didn't end till about 9:00 P.M. because of the long lines. And more people came people for the caucus that was supposed to start at 7:00 P.M. At first, the crowd was fairly orderly. But by 8:00 P.M. many people were getting tired and impatient. Many needed to use the bathroom. I really couldn't blame them. I called the police and they came and remained in our parking lot for most of the night. I’m sure their presence helped keep a sense of order amidst the chaos.

There is some good news. We survived, and there was no damage to the building or grounds. Many of the voters thanked me for our "hospitality," although we really couldn't handle the needs of so many people waiting for hours in the line. And we can rest assured that voters in this area have seen what we look like on the inside. And to that extent, we accomplished our stated purpose, "boldly reaching out to plant the seeds of Jesus Christ's love."

I'm also glad that there were so many people who wanted to vote and caucus. It shows that many people in our area can be energized to participate in this democracy. But I estimate that more than a thousand people left last night very disappointed in the way this election was handled.

I have many concerns. At 4:00 P.M., the election judges and I were well aware that there were going to be far more people than "normal," and that upwards of 1,000 was possible. I called Great Commission, and Pastor Brown graciously gave permission for them to move the caucus to their facility, which is much larger. However, the election judge called his superiors, they could not permit them to move the caucus.

So I’m wondering. I’m wondering what went wrong in the election here. I’m wondering if people who did not get the opportunity to vote will become disenfranchised with our election system. I’ll be asking those questions to those who planned and governed this system. I believe that in our democracy, I am bound by my duty and love of our country to raise the questions, and offer to help the democratic process as I am able. I’m wondering, about these things.

But there are some convictions of which I am certain. As a Christian, I know that by my baptism that I am called to be a small part of the body of Christ in the world. I know that when Jesus asked questions of the authorities, he paid a heavy price. I am convinced that Paul was speaking the truth when he said that we are baptized into his death; we are also baptized into his resurrection. I am certain that Christians are called to seek justice and work for peace in the world. I am certain that it’s no accident that I serve a congregation that says our purpose is “boldly reaching out with open hear ts to plant the seeds of Christ’s love.”

So I don’t ask much of you tonight. All I ask is that you pray for me. Pray also for our beloved country. I will never tell you how to vote, but I will tell you should vote. That’s a gift God has given us in this democracy. I don’t ask much, but I also have an invitation to follow Christ, and a promise to give you.

If you hear the call of baptism into our Lord, I invite you to join with those who work for justice and peace in our world. That’s the invitation. It might not sound like much, but I assure you it’s more than enough. It’s enough because we know that no matter what happens to us, God is with us, is even willing to die with us so that we can live in Him for all eternity. That’s more than enough for anyone. Thanks be to God! Amen.

Amen!