Project 2025 Danger 1

 Millions of people along the Gulf Coast and throughout the U.S. Southeast are turning to the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service for accurate information about Hurricane Helene just as they have with tropical storms going back decades. But if pro-Donald Trump conservatives have their way, these lifesaving forecasts could come to a halt next year.  Also, the far right's new authoritarian playbook would leave communities with fewer resources to rebuild after disasters Understand what Project 2025 would do and vote accordingly.

President Biden Speaks at U.N.

 "We must never forget who we're here to represent," Mr. Biden said. "We, the people. These are the first words of our Constitution, the very idea of America, and they inspired the opening words of our U.N. Charter. I've made the preservation of democracy the central cause of my presidency." . My fellow leaders, let us never forget, some things are more important than staying in power. 

"I truly believe we're at another inflection point in world history where the choices we make today will determine our future for decades to come. . . Will we stand behind the principles that unite us? Will we stand firm against aggression? Will we end the conflicts that are raging today? Will we take on global challenges like climate change, hunger and disease?"

UN General Assembly

 The 79th general assembly of the United Nations begins at its headquarters in NYC Tuesday, September 24.  I remember the first in 1945. It was important then and so very important now.  I dedicated one of my books: "To all people who address conflict, not through violence, but through collaborative means of justice, share power, peacemaking, and partnership in interdependent communities locally and globally, particularly the United Nations."

President Biden will rally global action to tackle the world's most pressing challenge, including climate; the opioid epidemic, mobilizing resources for developing countries, managing the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence; and helping end the brutal wars in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, among many other critically important issues.

Fed Cuts Rates

 The Federal Reserve just cut interest rates by 1/2 point. Why do so many people think Trump would be better for the economy than Harris? The Stock Market is up. Gas prices are coming down. The U.S. has out-performed all other countries in recovering economically after Covid. Kamala Harris is intelligent and can be trusted to make decisions for ALL the people.  Trump does not even know what tariffs do to raise prices on imported goods. 

64 and 46

Today is the 46th anniversary of my ordination to ministry of Word and Sacrament. I was called to teach at Yale Divinity School and work with Lutheran Students there.  This year also marks the 64th anniversary of my consecration as a Lutheran deaconess. (I continue to be a member of the Lutheran Diaconal Association.) I was assigned to serve at Ascension Lutheran Church in St. Louis.  I thank God for 64 (including 46) years of being able to serve so many people in different settings. 

No one is eating dogs and cats

 No one is eating cats and dogs in Springfield, Ohio.  Donald Trump's outrageous comment at the presidential debate was hateful denigrating of Haitian immigrants and racist. The ELCA has a church college, Wittenberg, in Springfield, so emailed them in care. I was surprised to receive a response from Wittenberg's president, thanking me for reaching out. The college has talked with city, country, and state officials, including the governor to be of help. He says, "It seems the new residents in our city are not having problems finding jobs and the business leaders I have spoken with appreciate their work and work ethic."  Children in Springfield are afraid because of bomb threats. How do we care for the children? How do we care for immigrants? 

9/11

 On September 11, 2001, 19 terrorists hijacked four commercial airlines which hit the World Trade Center in NYC, the Pentagon, and a field in Shanksville, PA. Over 2,996 people were killed on that day and hundreds more died from the effects in the days and years to come. Fear followed. Now, 23 years later, we again live in a time of fear. We remember those who died on 9/11 and we pray for wisdom in these days. 

The choice

 Tomorrow, Tuesday, will be the presidential debate. Listen carefully and be willing to change your mind. Trump has a loyal following, but hear what he really means to do.  Many lifelong Republicans are now going to vote for Harris/Walz. You do not have to be a Democrat to vote for the Democratic candidates. Voting for the Democrat, does not make you a Democrat.  You are free to vote!  So listen, learn, and then vote.

The Skill, the Strength and the Determination

France and the USA played in the quarter finals of men's wheel chair basketball Tuesday. I'm not going to talk about who won and who "dominated."  It's not about domination; it's watching the strength and determination of those who played. Yes, they make baskets while sitting in a chair.  What skill! And it's about their determination when the wheelchair tips over and they have to find a way to get themselves and the chair back up. That's strength, amazing strength.

 

Burton: A Faithful Pastor

 I give thanks for my husband, Burton, being a faithful pastor for so many years. First Church UCC here in Mason City where he had been interim pastor for nearly two years celebrated him. He has preached in San Diego and NYC. He served Gethsemane in inner city Detroit for almost 5 years. He then served Zion in inner city New Haven, Ct. for seven.  When we were in Dubuque, he served 15 years at Grace in East Dubuque.  He has served as interim pastor in dozens of congregations over the years. At 87, this morning he was bid farewell for the "next chapter of his life."  I give thanks for Burton, faithful to the Gospel, always loving the people.