Communion

by Rob Hardy

There’s no bread.

The bakers have gone into hiding. 

The seats at the table are empty.

The Twelve are marching with the thousands.

The streets are filled with a new song.

Only Judas sits at Target Plaza, counting his silver, while Pontius Pilate issues a carefully-worded statement.

Meanwhile the centurions have quotas to fill.

But out on the streets there’s a Communion.

Jesus takes the city in his hands and says,

“This is my body, broken for you.”

Rob Hardy

2nd February, 2026

Honoring Black Voices Through Music and Poetry

During our February discussion group, we explored how Black voices have shaped American culture throughout history. Much of our conversation centered on the profound influence Black artists have had on nearly every genre of American music — and how often those foundational contributions have been overlooked, minimized, or erased. We were struck by when many of these works were created and by how powerfully they still resonate today, reminding us that progress toward racial equity has been uneven and incomplete.

Together, we asked difficult questions: Why do societies so often fail to learn from the harms of the past, allowing injustice and division to persist? What is it about fear — of difference, of not belonging — that leads us to construct hierarchies instead of communities?

As Maya Angelou reminds us, “History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.”

Watch this short video from National Day of Racial Healing: Can we end racism? Two African Americans weigh in and share how they are healing.

  

 

(Click on the images above to see examples of their artistic gifts to us)

February is Black History and Culture Awareness Month

In 2026, our RIC team is highlighting a different inclusion and justice topic each month. February is Black History and Culture Awareness Month, and we will gather to celebrate the rich artistic, cultural, and spiritual contributions of Black and African American communities that have shaped our shared life and faith.

At the same time, we acknowledge the painful history of racism, inequity, and oppression in both our nation and the church. We invite you to explore this resource from the National Day for Racial Healing to deepen your understanding of how we arrived here and how we can move forward together toward genuine racial equity.

Have Hope

In the wake of events occurring in the city of Minneapolis, MN we look for spiritual guidance on how to offer support and solidarity for our neighbors experiencing unfathomable fear and injustice.

Reading from Matthew this morning, the Holy Spirit offered this.

Matthew 12:18-21 (CSB) 18 Here is my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. 19 He will not argue or shout, and no one will hear his voice in the streets. 20 He will not break a bruised reed, and he will not put out a smoldering wick, until he has led justice to victory. 21 The nations will put their hope in his name.

I know that verse is directly meant for Jesus. But is it possible for us to recognize other people in that verse? When I read it I also think about Martin Luther King, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Gandhi, and Mother Teresa. They were flawed of course, and not perfect as Jesus; but certainly they had the Spirit of the Lord upon them? And certainly their messages gave hope. I too have hope.

January is Poverty Awareness Month

Our FFF discussion group talked about what poverty is, how it impacts our communities, and ways we can help address our community’s needs. This study guide is a resource you can use to learn and think more about poverty in your own community. 

https://www.inclusive-church.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Poverty-Study-Guide.pdf

Advent brings Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love

During this season of anticipation, take a moment each week to reflect on the themes of Advent - Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Here is a devotional from ReconcilingWorks that you may enjoy. Written by Rev. Liza Hawkins (she/they), this resource offers weekly reflections, prayers, and actions to help you and your community prepare their hearts for the coming of Christ.

https://www.reconcilingworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ReconcilingWorks-Advent-Devotional-2025.pdf

2 Timothy 4:1-5

 
4 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word, be urgent in season and out of season, convince, rebuke, and exhort, be unfailing in patience and in teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths. 5 As for you, always be steady, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry.

NRSVue