Pastor Rodrick Echols on Faith & Politics

September 23, 2020 (Laguna Beach, CA) – While public discussion of political issues can bring out the best in us, such as creative new ideas or effective problem-solving, the opposite is also true. From the public dialogue around health care and immigration reform to equal justice and climate change, it is all too easy for anger and frustration to get the best of us. Yet, if we avoid these conversations, we miss a deeper understanding of the issues and possibilities.

People of any faith participating in the public square are called to a higher standard of engagement and interaction with neighbors, friends, and fellow citizens – especially those with whom we may disagree on any issue. We can choose compassion, respect and hope over animosity and bitterness. We can choose to listen, learn, and build up rather than attack or dismiss.

Please join Pastor Rod on YouTube (Neighborhood Church Laguna Beach) at 10AM PT for a 5-part series on Faith & Politics in October:

· October 4: World Communion Sunday

Topic: Was Jesus Political?

· October 11: The Heart of the Matter

Topic: Integrity in Discourse

· October 18: Blessing of the Animals

Topic: Care for All Creation

· October 25: Halloween Sunday

Topic: Put Fear in Its Place

· November 1: Vote Faithfully

Topic: Serving the “Least of These”

About Neighborhood Church of Laguna

Neighborhood Church is a community of curious and creative spiritual seekers, committed to embodying progressive faith and practice led by Pastor Roderick Echols (pictured). It is an open, welcoming and affirming spiritual center in downtown Laguna Beach at the intersection of St. Ann’s Drive and Glenneyre Street.

Members and friends re-claim their Christian faith as a journey honoring many paths and offer Neighborhood Church as a sacred gathering place for active wisdom and spiritual exploration. The community strives to love kindness and to do justice for all people. While of many minds in spiritual belief, Neighborhood Church is one body in loving service to others and in joyful worship of the One who made us.

Since COVID-19, services and community activities are held online via Zoom or at Neighborhood Church Laguna Beach YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVb9uzcbIP_tYSA5KKbhhDg)

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