Roots

Message for worship at West Richmond Friends, 16th day of the Eleventh Month, 2025

Given by Nathan Sheets

Luke 21:1-19

It’s a joy to be with you all again this Sunday. It’s been a few months since I stood here in this

capacity, at that time just weeks after my dad (Michael) had passed away. I can say my family and I are managing well, and I remain convinced the divine has been extremely present through all the transitions our family has undergone these past two years.

As a reminder, and introduction of me (and us); After more than a decade living in Los Angeles, my family, Rebecca, Nico and Johanna, moved ‘here’ to my hometown of Richmond.

I currently spend much of my time working at Earlham as in the office of institutional advancement; our kids attend the Friends School, and we live on College Avenue.

We are, now indeed, LOCALs.

A couple other less important things about me: I have a masochistic obsession with Cincinnati sports, I love the poems of Carl Sandburg, Ross Gay, and Anne Sexton AND,

within the last year or so I’ve also become an obsessive birder thanks to Earlham’s long history of ornithology…to the extent now where I hound anyone who will listen about whichever recent species I’ve identified.

Anyone see those hooded mergansers at Spring wood this week?

And, I am now hoping to join you in a part-time pastoral role, supporting Elizabeth, the rest of the ministry team, and the rest of the meeting.

Much of my time in this role would be in supporting the committee work of the meeting, representing West Richmond in the larger community, and helping in a number roles with Worship on Sundays.

It is truly an honor to be considered for this role, and (again) to be here, welcomed in such a supportive, welcoming community.

Today, I’d like to talk again about Community. Last time, in May, you may remember that I attempted to heighten our sense of impermanence and relationship.

If you remember, as I reflected on the loss of my father and on the reality of our collective and inevitable short-time-on-earth, I echoed the words of Jesus in the Gospel of John; YOU WILL NOT ALWAYS HAVE ME.

Hopefully a reminder both of our common mortality, and a reflection for all of us, to be more present to friends, family, and fellow travelers on this journey of life.

In today’s Gospel we hear Jesus foretelling of terrible things to come;

But what stands out to me in this Gospel, are not the wars, famines, earthquakes, and plagues to come

What I hear for us today, is: more about the opportunity for us as Christians to support those around us.

These things, Jesus says, will give us “opportunity to testify”

“for I will give you words and wisdom”

Much of Luke’s teaching is more focused on serving the poor and the oppressedthan temple building or apocalyptic imagery; literature from the time used to depict terrible things, many scholars believe these text were written to encourage trust in God.

Either way, inevitable and tragic persecution or hardship is an opportunity to testify through our actions and intentionality, our alliances, where we (or don’t) spend our money – but most importantly in that how support one another with the faith that assures us and helps us remain steady knowing of God’s faithfulness.

Being steady for those who cannot be. Sharing this. Remaining assured of God’s faithfulness by embodying this, for those who are affected.

As you know, Earlham is at a critical moment; Years of unbalanced budgets are now coming to a head, and difficult decisions are coming.

Recently, I learned of a close Co-worker who has decided to leave; the stress and uncertainty of the situation is just too much. And as someone who pours their whole selves into the place, she has made great sacrifices to advance Earlham and its amazing uniqueness; but the current and impending trouble has become too hard.

Also recently (I felt moved to send a note of encouragement which led to an exchange with Paul Sniegowski, Earlham’s president.

I noted my appreciation for his steadiness; of its importance with so much uncertainty among the faculty and staff. He, rightly, in response noted that while being present, transparent, and steady (as I put it) are all part of his role it is remembering the ‘fundamental worth of each individual’ that remains central to him.

Pope Francis wrote: ‘Human beings have the same unbreakable dignity in every age of history, and no one can deny this conviction or to act against it.”

Pope Francis wrote often on this topic, as President Paul put it: The Fundamental Worth of Each Individual.

Not all crisis are wars, famines, earthquakes, and plagues -- we see plenty today with recent events and oppressive actions in our country.

Small things for us, may be big for others;

And I often wonder: what is our call in this as Christians?

A word which demands action that I’ve come to love, is accompaniment.

Accompaniment in response to the brokenness or (as Rufus Jones writes) Moral Evil in the world.