It certainly is strange to be in the middle of exciting events, and I mean, in the middle. Grace is at the corner of Carroll St. and W. Washington Avenue in Madison, directly opposite the State Capitol. Protests have been building all week but because our offices are on W. Wash., we’re not quite at the epicenter. On Tuesday, we could hear protesters coming up State St. to Capitol Square. Today, we decided to open the doors of the nave, inviting people into our space to take a break, catch their breath, pray, and relax. We will do it again tomorrow.

I walked all the way around Capitol  Square today. It’s a festive mood, not unlike Farmer’s Market–no vendors, except for the food carts. People seem to be in a good mood; they are determined, but there’s also a sense of pride in what’s taking place. Police and other security who are on the scene are in equally good moods. When fire trucks drive through the crowds on State St., the firefighters cheer the crowds. I’ve not been inside the Capitol, but am told it’s quite warm inside, packed, and that folks could use water.

Underneath the excitement are other emotions–fear and foreboding among them. The concern and stress has been building since November as those who would be most affected by the draconian cuts wonder what life will be like. It’s not just state employees who are concerned. While businesses, especially restaurants, around the square are doing a bang-up business (the line for Ian’s pizza was half-way down the block on State St. at noon), they know that they may lose many of their best customers if the worst happens.

The crowd itself was amazing. UW students, of course, teachers and other state workers. But there were demonstrators from the Teamsters and other trade unions. Bagpipers played “America the Beautiful.” Young and old, racially diverse, it was a cross section of Wisconsin’s populace.

Being in the middle of it all brings special opportunities and special responsibilities. We need to reach out to everyone, on both sides of the debate, to offer hope and healing. Making our church available as a place of prayer for everyone is one important step. But alongside that hope and healing, we also need to be clear on the biblical call for justice–especially for the widow and orphan, the oppressed and alien. Tough week to be writing a sermon, especially with this week’s Gospel reading.

Pray for me. Pray for all of us