October 2025

This month’s Pastor’s Corner is from The Rev. Franz Rigert, Conference Minister.

Greetings, UCC colleagues and friends:

Trinn and I recently watched a new documentary on the life of Temple Grandin, titled “An Open Door,” telling of Grandin’s personal journey with autism and her commitment to animals. Grandin said: “I see in pictures,” this led to her influence in our understanding of neurodiversity.

This story of a kind, humble hero stands in stark contrast to the cruelties of our time. These days we regularly see the dismantling of decency, people shut out, civil rights clawed back, humanitarian aid canceled, and genocide ignored; power wielded in retaliation and mean-spiritedness pervades the political landscape.

When will our better angels rise up? When will the collective goodness of humanity say, “Enough already”? This is not who we are as people of faith, nor is it what our democracy is. It is easy to feel helpless these days, but we can make a difference.

First, we can bear witness to the Gospel of love in little ways every day, remember kindness can be contagious. Grandin explained, “I just do unto others as I would want them to do unto me.” Kindness matters.

Second, we can muster courage to step over some invisible boundaries. For Grandin it was daring to say she knew a better way. The lesson for us? Get to know people on the edges of society as we engage in random acts of kindness, and be ridiculously generous. Do what Jesus would do – cross boundaries for the good of humanity.

Third, we can hope. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not yet seen” (Hebrews 11:1), so God invites us to imagine a world where goodness and compassion, justice and mercy bring lasting shalom. Perhaps “seeing in pictures” can be a spiritual practice letting us see a way forward even as we think the known norms are crumbling around us.

Finally, we can keep sharing our values as Temple Grandin does – with passion and conviction. I’m often tempted to rant against people who see the world differently, but I find it way more effective to share what I believe: neighborly love, full inclusion, grace and forgiveness, relief for the poor and healing for the broken, justice and generosity for all.

Blessings to you in the love of Christ,

The Rev. Franz Rigert, Conference Minister