CIOP

A New Way

With a Thankful Heart

Two years ago, we began a pandemic journey that
has changed our lives.  We have faced unprecedented
challenges and we struggle with substantial losses of
life and of livelihood.

We are tired of this, and we are grieving.

During the past two years, we have relied on and continue to rely on the dedication of those who keep our communities viable and safe. We recognize the essential workers who help us live our daily lives – the health care workers, grocery store employees, farm workers, maintenance workers, teachers, librarians, hotel workers, city staff, etc. The Church in Ocean Park appreciates the Santa Monica Fire Department, the County Health Department and code enforcement for working to keep the food we purchase safe and keep our beaches, businesses and Pier strong and healthy.  The City of Santa Monica has made critical decisions and provided supplemental programs that have helped residents remain in their homes and have helped businesses stay in our community. In February of 2020, when we suddenly hunkered down at home, learning how to navigate our new personal situations, our city officials, our restaurant employees and our community volunteers were also pivoting to a continually changing reality. Even while navigating their own changing personal situations, they continued to also look out for us. And they haven’t stopped.

Thank you,

Mayor Sue Himmelrich, Mayor Pro Tem Kristin McCowan and other City Council members.

Thank you,

business owners and employees

Thank you

to all our essential workers.

And thank you,

members of the community for stepping up to help your neighbor: for bringing groceries, for sewing masks, for sharing information and vegetables, for giving virtual hugs and for really listening to one another.

That’s what we need to strengthen. 

While this country is more and more polarized,

while people are strengthening the walls between them, let’s strengthen our listening instead.  At The Church in Ocean Park, we understand that your voice is just as important as any other voice. The world is polarized in separate camps to the detriment of all of us. 

Let’s be different.

Our separate camps have their role, but they also contribute to a great amount of harm, pain and suffering. In our separate camps, false stories and negative exaggeration about those we disagree with quickly spread. This is what fuels Hate groups. Hate groups develop, feed and expand through polarization. It can be traumatizing and deadly. We don’t need to live this way. 

We can be different. We can be the best of who we are.  We each have different lived experiences and different perspectives, but we have some shared values. We don’t want people to be mistreated, and we do want to be safe and we want businesses to thrive. We care about our neighbors and we help each other out. Let’s live out of our values. Let's live out of our gratitude. Let's be the best version of us as a community.

When polarizing and “othering” is the norm,

reaching out a virtual hand, may be the most courageous thing we can do. 

With Appreciation,

Rev. Janet

#ConnectedbyHeart

#NotStoppingTilYouRFree

#InThisTogether