Newsletter Thoughts 8/30/2025

Dear Friends,

Happy Labor Day weekend! Or our traditional end of summer… which is a bit crazy

since September and October are often warmer months than are June and July. This is

an example where our cultural traditions don’t always line up with reality. In any case, I

am enjoying the sunshine!

I appreciate that we have a federal holiday that is dedicated to workers. According to

Wikipedia, the day was first celebrated in New York City in 1882. It became a national

holiday in 1894. Unfortunately, not all workers have the opportunity to rest and celebrate

the day. We still have a long way to go to honor all those who labor, whether it is in the

fields, factories, offices, stores, or even homes.

For me, honoring workers is one way that we follow the great commandment to love our

neighbors. But importantly, we do not forget those who are unable to work. Sometimes

our culture forgets this… so that some understand it to be a “Christian virtue” to work,

and thus those who do not work are devalued. To truly love our neighbors is to refrain

from conditions. To truly love our neighbors is to recognize and care for those who are

unable to work, who are underemployed, and those who are unable to find fulfilling jobs.

To truly love our neighbors is to advocate and work together for labor policies that

provide dignity to all workers.

This is a topic where we can easily see the intersection of religion and politics. The

important reminder is that religion is inherently political. What we do and what we

advocate for affects people. But to be partisan is a way to take our eyes off Jesus and

place them on another person. This is harmful. These days I wonder how Jesus might

be inviting us to love our neighbors. I would love to hear your thoughts.

Meanwhile, blessings on your weekend and on your lay-led worship tomorrow.

Peace in Christ,

Rev. Nancy Switzler