As we move through the days after Thanksgiving, many of us are still reflecting on moments shared around tables, on couches, or even comfortably on floors surrounded by food and loved ones. Let us continue to celebrate the rich tapestry of our community, woven with diverse threads of culture, belief, identity, and expression. Let us give thanks for the abundance in our lives—the relationships, experiences, and blessings that sustain us.

Yet, as we pause in gratitude, let us also remember those who are struggling—those who face empty plates, lonely hearts, or the burdens of systemic injustices and oppression. May our hearts remain open to their needs, and may our hands be ready to extend compassion and support. Thanksgiving reminds us of the abundance in our lives while also calling us to embody God’s vision of justice, love, and equity for all—a vision that leads us into the sacred season of Advent, beginning this Sunday.

Advent is a season of anticipation and preparation, a time filled with hope and the promise of what is to come. As we prepare to light the first candle of Advent, we will be reminded that God’s light is already breaking into the world, bringing hope even to the darkest places.

As we prepare for this holy season, let us renew our commitment to caring for God’s creation and celebrating the radical love that connects us all—person to person, community to community, and humanity to all of creation.

May this Thanksgiving weekend not only fill you with joy and gratitude but also inspire you with a renewed sense of purpose as we enter Advent. Together, let us prepare our hearts and lives for the hope, peace, joy, and love that Christ brings into the world.

In Gratitude and Hope,
Rev. Dr. Katrina Roseboro-Marsh, Executive Director

TheOpen and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ

Here is a video of a full worship service where coalition executive director Rev. Dr. Katrina Roseboro-Marsh preached at David’s United Church of Christ in Canal Winchester, OH.

Family, 

First, I want to thank those who have offered their time and energy to prepare us for yesterday’s election, alongside those who worked the polls; thank you. Second, thank you to those who have been bold with sharing your values and ethics of Love and God-given rights for humanity. I promise you it hasn’t fallen on bad ground. Sometimes a seed needs to go a little deeper to take root and sprout, and that takes more time.

For us all, it is my prayer that you allow yourself to just BE today, whatever that might feel or look like to you; perplexed, disappointed, questioning, teary, sad, curious, hopeful, uncertain, and the list goes on. Take care of you by first being honest with yourself. And lastly, I woke with the chorus to a Sweet Honey and The Rock song playing in my head and I want to leave it with you. It says, “We who believe in freedom cannot rest. We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes.” Today we feel. Tomorrow, we grab those feelings along with our Love rooted values and ethics and we don’t rest until all of us have the same rights, opportunities, honored dignity, and true justice for every human being. As they say in my childhood Baptist tradition, please pray for me as I pray for you. And remember, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight” (Hebrews 4:13); “God knows every prayer spoken, and God hears the cries of our hearts” (Psalm 34:17). Let’s rest today and catch our breath. See you in the field of this Justice work tomorrow.

Blessings,

Dr. Katrina, Executive Director of the Open and Affirming Coalition

Dear ONA-UCC Family and Siblings in Christ,

November is quite a powerful month! We have observances of Youth Homelessness Awareness Month, National Adoption Month, Transgender Parents Day, National Native American Heritage Month, National Epilepsy Awareness Month, Trans Awareness Week, Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Transgender Day of Remembrance/Resilience, COPD Awareness Month, Veterans Day, and the United States Election Day to name a few.

Tomorrow is it…Election Day, a day filled with both hope and uncertainty. As those of us who did not vote early prepare to cast our votes, let us remember the words of Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”  

This election season has been particularly challenging, with divisive rhetoric and harmful stereotypes aimed at marginalized communities, including our siblings in Puerto Rico. Let us stand in solidarity with them, celebrating and honoring their invaluable contributions to our society by voting with love that upholds the denominations stance, “1 John 3:18 to “let us not love with words or speech, but in action and in truth,” by “voting with love”. May we reject any language that seeks to belittle or marginalize anyone or any group or community, and instead affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every individual and their right to God’s true Liberty and Justice for ALL.

Let us face tomorrow with fortitude and tranquility, leaning into our community for support and remembering why we do this work, Jesus Justice work. Voting is very much a part of this work. Every act of justice and kindness, every bold stance for inclusion, helps shape a future where all of God’s children are truly affirmed, loved and celebrated. So, in the midst of uncertainty, let us lean into community, checking in with ourselves and each other, offering each other support and encouragement to go to the polls. Let us move forward and show up at the polls with courage and compassion. Let’s remind ourselves why we do this Jesus Justice work, which includes using “Our Faith, Our Vote” to be a part of building something beautiful that reflects the love and grace at the heart of who we are, which is also the reflective and tangible heart of God working through us.

As people of faith, we are called to be builders of justice, peace, and unfailing love, regardless of who wins or loses. Our purpose is intertwined with and transcend the outcome of any election. This is not just about tomorrow’s results. As Christians we are called to be rooted in God’s Love and God’s truth as we live inclusively, love radically, and stand firmly in our faith each and every day.

Remember, you are loved, your presence is valued, and together, we are unstoppable. With deep gratitude and love! Vote God’s heart of Love.

Blessings,

Rev. Dr. Katrina Roseboro-Marsh

Executive Director Open and Affirming Coalition United Church of Christ