As Superintendent for the Arlington District, I reflect with sadness at the violence of last week and look with concern at the news that is coming out regarding possible violence in the streets of Washington D.C., along with even more violence suspected for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday and the inauguration next week.  As this nation finds itself in turmoil, our local area is doubly affected due to our location and our large population of government employees and others who work in and around our Nation’s Capital.

During the weekend, and throughout the inauguration, I would like to ask you to pray for:

• A peaceful transition of power for our country. I am prayerful that with this transition accomplished, thoughts of violence and retribution may be quelled.
• The law enforcement officers who will be protecting and defending, and pray for them to see and treat everyone they encounter equally, without regard to race or status. As they walk a challenging line, I also remember that I am complicit in the system that has raised up these issues, and will continue to work toward racial reconciliation and justice.
• Only peaceful nonviolent protests without riot, injury or death. Last week was a shame and dishonoring of who we are called to be as Christians, as well as Americans. Many in the group carried flags of Christianity as well as American flags and Trump flags. I will be in prayer over the ways in which my witness has not been sufficient to help people see Jesus without nationality or violence.
• A day of celebration and peaceful, safe activities for the MLK, Jr. holiday. Please consider joining in some of the planned activities in our local churches.
• The ongoing crisis of Covid-19 and that these potential actions do not spread the virus or worsen the work of our front line hospital and medical workers. I also pray for all those currently suffering with this dangerous virus, and I will be wearing my mask and keeping physically distant from everyone as I continue to play my part in slowing the spread of the virus.

I will be praying these prayers at 7am and 7pm over the next several days, and invite you to join me.

In Christ,

Sarah Calvert

Arlington District Superintendent