![]() This past weekend my parents gifted my spouse and I an old Quill paper box filled with Farm Journal magazines. These weren’t just any Farm Journal magazines–they were old issues–some dating as far back as 1945 and 1946. My spouse and I spent a good deal of time flipping through their brittle pages–marveling at the advertisements for “new” electric ranges, “faster” tractors, and “long-lasting” rubber tires. Tucked in between the advertisements, political cartoons (there were MANY of those!), and pleas for people to buy war bonds, were reports out of Washington D.C. These were fascinating. In one article from the March 1945 issue, there were short updates about “Young Henry” Wallace being backed by a Political Action Committee (PAC), “left-wingers,” and “most New Dealers,” and because of this backing, he would have a “major voice in dictating a post-war economy–a so-called ‘economy of abundance,’ paying jobs for all, ever-expanding world trade, and continued government deficits and debts.” In another issue’s article, talk of “Communist outfits” at work alongside workers’ alliances and unions, as well as a whole discussion on confirmation hearings in Congress that were hitting some challenges and roadblocks. In another section, there were discussions about shortages on eggs driving higher prices, lower prices on pork due to overproduction, and tariffs causing certain goods to be far more expensive to the American consumer. ALL of this from 1945 and 1946 alone! On Monday, at noon, my spouse and I watched the inauguration of the 47th President of the United States. We listened to various media outlets and reporters break down what was happening through their lens. We listened to the president’s various speeches, and tuned in for the signing of several executive orders. And we noticed how our anxieties and fears began to rise within us. And then we got to talking about those old magazines. They all could have been written today. We’re still talking about “left” and “right.” We’re still talking about unions, collective bargaining, tariffs, and building an “economy of abundance.” We’re still talking about the price of eggs and Senate confirmation hearings. We’re still being fed political cartoons and advertisements telling us about the latest and greatest tractor, or the latest and greatest appliance. There really is “nothing new under the sun,” my spouse and I concluded. And–even if just in the smallest of ways–our fears and anxieties subsided some. It’s worth noting that the rest of those magazines were filled with farmers sharing tips and tricks to increase yields, or advice on when to sell hogs and corn in order to increase profits. It was filled with farm wives (the patriarchy and its narrowly-defined gender roles were alive and well) sharing canning tips and tricks in order to better preserve food grown in gardens and not rely so heavily on government rations. It was filled with articles about people helping people as a means of getting through the horrors of war–both overseas and at home. I don’t know what this next period of time has in store for us. But what I do know is that there is nothing new under the sun. We as a people, and we as a people of faith, have been here before. Stories from our sacred texts remind us of times of famine and unrest and disease in which communities made it through by relying on each other. In fact, that’s how salvation was understood in the Ancient world–as wholeness. And wholeness only happened through group efforts. In other words, not only are our neighbors counting on us, but we are counting on us. Which means, friends, that we cannot afford to get distracted by divisive rhetoric that has been around forever. We cannot afford to go chasing the “shiny objects” dangled in front of us on social media or on the news by politicians, reporters, and pundits who dangle shiny objects for a living. We cannot afford to chase every waterfall or every rabbit down a deep, dark hole. We must do whatever work is laid before us. In light of the current iteration of harmful and divisive rhetoric and legislation we find ourselves in, our LGBTQ+ siblings–particularly our trans siblings need us doing the work of allyship and advocacy. We need you checking on us and offering the kind of social support that often eludes so many in our community. Our undocumented siblings need us. They need us organizing and pondering how or if we–as a church–might become a sanctuary for them in some way, shape, or form. Our unhoused or under-housed siblings need us to be willing to share our time and our space–particularly in these extreme weather conditions like we’ve experienced recently, while at the same time, organize and work toward more affordable housing and emergency shelters. Our siblings who are economically insecure in some way, shape, or form, need us to continue End of Month Meals and supporting food pantries, but also need us to work toward systemic change right here in our communities–organizing to challenge local businesses and our local government officials to do more than just the bare minimum. The list goes on and on. The work laid before us is extensive. Most of us are exhausted just thinking about it…now, imagine living it. No wonder so many people simply take to complaining on social media or shutting down completely. Here again, though, Jewish wisdom is helpful, “It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you at liberty to neglect it." Balance is key, which is why we pursue wholeness together. Not so that we can slay every dragon, but so that we do not neglect to do what we can in order to protect our neighbors and ourselves from the fiery breath directed at those in the dragon’s path. There really is nothing new under the sun…except God’s mercies which are new every morning. What we do in light of that newness is up to us. On the journey with you, Pr. Melissa Comments are closed.
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Rev. Melissa Sternhagen
Rev. Melissa Sternhagen was called as the pastor of St. Paul Congregational UCC in June of 2020. Prior to her call to St. Paul, Pr. Melissa worked as a hospice chaplain in the Ames, IA area, following pastorates at rural churches in Central Iowa and Southern Illinois. Pr. Melissa is a second-career pastor with a background in agribusiness and production & supply operations. She received her M.Div. from Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO, and holds a MA Ed. in Adult Education and Training, and a BA in Organizational Communications. Archives
February 2025
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