On the weekend where we stop as a nation and pay homage to aggression and bravado in sport, it is perhaps fitting that our worship will lift up the ways that aggression and bravado undermine our fulfillment in our most intimate relationships. Despite the fact that rants like Richard Sherman's are entertaining and pump up our ego to gladiatorial proportions, they are universally dangerous when replicated at home. Indeed, a substantial body of research suggests that we need to engage in reconciliation earlier and more often than previously thought. And we don't really want to obliterate the enemy at home like a wide receiver in our path.
For those of us who have to wake up in the morning and develop a tolerable peace with our loved ones and our family, this week we lift up the value in creating 'positive sentiment override' in our lives and in our communities. And then we can vicariously let off some steam watching the world's best offense do battle with the world's best defense in the Metropolis that gave brag and bluster its modern expression.
By all accounts that we've heard, the Progressive Dinner was a success. Thanks to all of our hosts for opening your homes and providing interesting conversation. A shout out to Steph Fisk and her coq au vin which was wonderful. And many thanks to Carol Angle, Tracy Robinson, and Monique Taylor for putting the whole thing together with many details behind the scenes. Also, a tip of the hat to Ed Walter who designed and produced our chic invitations and posters.
I had one of those moments when I realized that the future had arrived at long last, moments we should probably acknowledge more often than we do. I was standing in the middle of the atrium during cocktail hour, with everyone chatting amiably around me. I was shaking hands with a group of gay men and their dates, exchanging pleasantries about the week and the state of our world. For just a moment, I was transported back to 1994 when we voted  to become 'open and affirming'. I remembered wondering at the time, how long would it take before gays and lesbians were just a part of congregational life and the issue would just begin to devolve into a 'non-issue'. Twenty years later, I found myself somewhat grateful for this small parable of normalcy. Who knows, perhaps we are opening a much more productive and hopeful chapter in our lives together? At any rate, I'm happy that our congregation is leading with acceptance and love.
Go Seattle!

The Rev.