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Say the offices. Do not say the names you prefer.
On Sunday, September 27, Hamilton’s community polls are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A church can tell the truth about that without becoming a campaign office. Name the offices on the ballot: mayor, ward councillor, and school board trustee. Point people to hamilton.ca for eligibility, wards, and certified candidates. Do not read a favourite list from the pulpit. No candidate is synonymous with the Kingdom of God.
A prayer that fits the service
1 Timothy 2 does not wait until the congregation agrees. Pray for voters to love truth, for election workers, for candidates you would not support, and for the church not to split over a prudential ballot. Pray for neighbours who need an accessible entrance or extra time. Then preach Christ. Civic information is neighbour-love. It is not the sermon.
A sentence you can read aloud
Eligible voters in Hamilton can vote today until 6 p.m., and they could vote yesterday. Bring valid identification. A voter card is not required. You may vote at any poll in your ward. The City’s website is the source for locations and certified candidates. We will pray for whoever serves. We will not tell you which name to mark.
After the benediction
Some people will go straight to a poll. Thank them for seeking the city’s welfare, including people who will mark a different name than you would. If someone asks for a recommendation, offer the questions instead: What does this office actually control? What does the official record show? Can I pray for the opponent without contempt? Advance polls continue in October. Election day is October 26. Faithfulness does not expire when the weekend does.
Discuss together
- How does “Say the offices. Do not say the names you prefer.” apply where God has placed you?
- How does “A prayer that fits the service” apply where God has placed you?
- How does “A sentence you can read aloud” apply where God has placed you?
- What would it look like to pray 1 Timothy 2:1–2 for a named office this week?