“Takin’ It To The Streets”

As we approach our “MLK Sunday Worship Service”, on January 18th, when we will commemorate the humanitarian contributions of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., you may have noticed that our communities are still “takin’ it to the streets”.  Through our shared grief and collective devastation, I cannot help but notice that this civil unrest seems to be the “American Way”.  Further, that publicly demonstrated resistance is still quite necessary to protect human rights, after all these years of constant struggle and inhumane public policy.

Last Sunday, as I left the church after our morning worship service and a productive post-worship meeting with the Board of Worship and Christian Education, I encountered a sign-carrying crowd, of all ages, on the corner of Centerway and Crescent...“Stop Deporting My Neighbors”, “Freeze All ICE Raids Now”, “GOOD Trouble in a Great Country”, “Justice For Victims”, “She Was GOOD”, “Justice for GOOD-Renee Nicole”, “ICE Out Now!”, “ICE Out For GOOD!”  

As I am “new-ish” to the community, this large Sunday demonstration in Greenbelt’s center caught me by surprise. The message is clear from our Greenbelt neighbors.  How are you coping in the midst of this series of daily tragedies?

I am prayerful that your faith is not failing as you fight the GOOD fight, in whatever ways you are able. Seeing this public gathering in Greenbelt, where I have never seen a crowd, my mind drifted back to the 1970’s Doobie Brothers, “Takin’ It To The Streets”. I am providing the youtube link to the scenic video/ complete with lyrics for you to take a break from doom scrolling, if you need one. https://youtu.be/5AxfVpU0IEs?si=SsNdierAJjX-xnAX

If you were around during the 1960’s and 1970’s, dancing is strongly encouraged!  Not because this is a joyful moment in any aspect, but because the body must do something with the excess adrenaline and stress hormones. Dancing is an outlet, an appropriate expression for whatever is coming up for you as you assess, take direct action, pray and resist isolation from the community. We are still here and able to resist.

Corner of Centerway and Crescent, Sunday January 11, 2026

Your prayers, along with any direct action, do make a difference in the life of our community and our broader society. Please join me in praying that our hearts and minds will be open to discerning and following in the ways of Jesus, in our churches and our nation, even as we act strategically, with compassion and wisdom…

This year the MLK Sunday falls on January 18th, the Second Sunday After The Epiphany.  Our Opening Hymn is  “Lift Every Voice and Sing”. We will sing a congregational hymn:  “Here I Am, Lord”, along with our Pulpit Hymn: “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”.  We will conclude with our Closing Hymn: “This Little Light/This Joy I Have”, all eight verses! 

I am prayerfully confident this will lift our spirits as we commence proceedings for the Greenbelt Community Church Annual Meeting. We will elect a slate of leaders for our 2026 ministry programming, officially accept our 2025 Annual Report and conduct essential business of the Church.  Let us reflect upon the Light within each sentient being and embrace our congregational joy that is rooted in God’s steadfast love.

We welcome our Scripture Reader, David Alexander, who will be reading from Psalm 40:1-11. We will enjoy the blessing of hearing from our “Young Disciples”.

The Greenbelt Community Church Choir will offer an anthem as we welcome back our Director of Music, Dr. Wei-Der Huang. Our deepest gratitude is expressed to Susan Breon who has directed our GCC Choir over the past couple of Sundays. Thank you, Susan. I will preach on the topic of  “The Lord’s Emissaries”, as inspired by Isaiah 49:1-7.  By the grace of God, we are pressing on, Church!

I am, also, reminded of an old hymn that encourages in the midst of turmoil and seemingly endless strife, “I’m Pressing On The Upward Way“, with the following lyrics:

“I’m pressing on the upward way. New heights I’m gaining every day. Still praying as I onward bound. Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.” –Johnson Oatman, (1856-1922)

Come, let us worship together. Go gently, beloved.

See you on Sunday,

Pastor Aubra