I’ve been doing a lot of discerning about how I will take action for the Portland Clean Energy Fund at this time. Today I consider Jesus’ words when he sends out the disciples to widely share the gospel of the Good News.
Matthew 9 Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for laborers deserve their food. 11 Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town.  
Sounds OK, but then Jesus goes on to speak of “sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves” and “flog you in the synagogues“. Serious stuff. I think I’d rather lock myself into my room and binge watch Netflix shows!
So this is why I get uncomfortable when thinking about knocking on doors or doing phone banking. And yet I don’t think I am at risk of getting flogged!
Yes, I may get an unwelcoming response. Jesus’ words give me guidance in this scripture. If the house is welcoming, let my peace be upon it. And if it is not? Let my peace return to me.
Wow! Let my peace return to me. That is a whole lot different than getting frustrated and angry. Or lashing out. I am to leave the negative stuff behind like dust off my feet.
So I’ve decided to participate more fully. I will be joining other campaign volunteers, including EcoFaith members, at the PCEF canvassing kick off this Sunday, September 9.
Join us! See the invitation below. We start at 1 pm at the PCEF Campaign Office (Sierra Club, 1821 SE Ankeny St, Portland) where we’ll get trained (practice 4), go forth to knock on doors (5), return to reflect on our actions (6) and restore balance (7). Bring water and a modern-day staff (i.e. your smart phone with a full charge).
And if knocking on doors is not your thing, phone banking happens at the Campaign Office every Monday through Thursday evening 5 pm to 8 pm. Bring your cell phone and ideally a laptop. Show up at 4:30 pm if it is your first time phone banking for PCEF to allow for training and setting up the technology.
Let’s share our peace and the good news of PCEF with those homes who will listen. And let our peace return to us when our visits are not welcomed.
Scott Shurtleff
Co-Chair, EcoFaith Recovery PCEF Cohort

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