by: Jimeka Jones Setzer | Lead Pastor, Church of the Well
While scrolling through Instagram, watching reels and keeping up with the “daily news” from everyday people, so many questions and concerns rose within me such as:
“Somebody should do something about all of this!”
“People are losing their jobs. How are we to respond?”
“God, have mercy on us. Please.”
“Where are the faith leaders? And what are they gonna do?!”
“Oh! Let me go see if that church led by Pastor GetItDone is offering an initiative I can join.”
“Dear God, where are you?”
And then one day, a friend texted me and asked, “Is Church at the Well doing anything in response to what’s going on in the world? If so, please let me know.”
A month later.
It was a regular day. My husband and I hustled through our morning routine – fixed breakfast, packed lunch, filled reusable water bottles, made sure the kid had their backpack and tucked away an extra portion of patience to navigate traffic. There wasn’t anything unusual about this particular day. Nothing out of the ordinary. I dropped the young scholar off at school, and then, seemingly unprovoked, I remembered the dream.
Some years had passed since the vision came to me as I slept, but once the vivid imagery resurfaced, it felt more real than dreamy. I envisioned people peacefully gathered in front of the White House, each holding an illuminated candle. There were so many shades and hues, different faiths and ethnicities; each demonstrating an embodiment of peace, resolve and a persistent faith. People had an overwhelming urge to sing and laugh, lament and pray and console one another. Over and over I saw tangible demonstrations of humanity resisting hopelessness, coming together to manifest a collective unity and kinship. It was truly remarkable to see.
This sanctified imagination beckoned me to ask more questions:
“God, what does this mean?”
“Are we to do this?”
“Is it time to create space for a larger contemplative response? Intercessory prayer for our neighbors?”
“Wait. Are WE to do this NOW?”
The more I asked, the more I felt a holy conviction and invitation to move forward. To allow our wellness framework to meet social transformation in a new way. To embody the Gospel and let our light shine as a living witness to John 1:5. I shared the dream with my husband and then I shared it with the team. There was an awakening. An affirmation.
So here we are. Preparing to gather at Lafayette Square on May 15, 2025 at 700pm for Shine Your Light, an ecumenical contemplative initiative. An opportunity to practice being and holding sacred space together. Our goal is to collaborate with 20 organizations, each bringing 20 participants. Are you ready? Email gather@thewelldc.church for more information.
Jimeka Jones Setzer, M.Div.
Lead Pastor, Church at the Well
www.TheWellDC.church