God's Purpose

There has been a lot happening this week. I don't know what happened to the quiet, laid back summer we had planned! There is an old Yiddish proverb that says, "We plan, God laughs." Wow! Is that true, or what? I feel like God is getting a good chuckle right now! Let me give you a quick rundown on the last seven days.

Last Thursday I cleared out my office. Before any rumors start, no, I'm not going anywhere! The repairs to the sub-flooring in the Education Building are progressing well and next week they will move on to demolishing and rebuilding the floor in my office and the area just outside my office so we needed to clear everything out. So, now I am office-less. For the next month or so, I will be working at the parsonage. If you need to meet with me, reach out to the church office and Heather will set up an appointment for you. My temporary meeting space is Jones Hall. 

This past weekend ICE and Border Patrol activity increased exponentially in Key West. Let me just say that the people who are living in fear and those who are being taken are our neighbors, friends, co-workers and fellow church members. Whatever your opinion on the current immigration situation, the truth is that people are suffering and living in fear every day. As people of faith, our hearts should break for those who are struggling. As you all know, I work very closely with Key West Immigrant Support Network to support our immigrant community in a variety of different ways. On Sunday they released a statement that reads in part....

"In the last 7 days, we have verified 28 members of our community that were detained by immigration enforcement. There are another 22 people that we couldn't confirm as different instances but the reality is likely above 30. These people aren't numbers. They are mothers, brothers, sisters, employees, friends, neighbors, roommates, parents.... real people with lives here. Almost all of them were detained either while working or driving to work. One person was taken as they left church. 

Facts: most people we have seen detained in Key West have work authorizations and have been following the legal process to be in this country........." (KWISN Facebook Page Sunday August 23, 2026)

As of today (Wednesday, August 25th) these numbers are even higher. Some of you have asked me what you can do to help. There are a variety of different teams that work with KWISN. These teams offer opportunities to support our neighbors and friends through hands-on work and financial support. Please reach out to me if you are feeling called to help. 

In the middle of all of this stress and hardship we did have a wonderful community celebration on Monday. I was happy to attend the swearing-in of our new city commissioners and mayor at City Hall. After a contentious and sometimes uncomfortable campaign and election, it was wonderful to be in a space where we entered into a time of unity and healing. I am in awe of those who give of themselves so sacrificially and serve our city in leadership roles. I pray that we will all work together to be the One Human Family we are called to be and create a community that is filled with blessing, equality and opportunity for everyone. 

Congratulations to:

Chris Massicotte - Commissioner District 5

Mark Rossi - Commissioner District 2

Sam Kaufman - Mayor

We lift up this prayer for you:

May God grant you wisdom and a spirit of love and goodness as you, along with Aaron Castillo, Doni Lee and the new District 4 Commissioner who will be elected in November, serve our community with grace and courage!

Many are the plans in a person’s heart,

    but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

(Proverbs 19:21)

Grace and Peace

-Pastor Madeline