March 13, 2022 Season of Lent
“Forgiveness is giving up all hope of having had a better past.” – Anne Lamott
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Communion.
I’m still looking for volunteers to prepare communion for the months of Apr, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec. Preparation is easy. Please let me know which month you want to cover.
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You’re invited to join the 9am Sunday morning adult class.
The adult Sunday morning class had 17 in attendance. In interesting Lenten fashion, we’re on a quest not to be Christian jerks. Inspiration comes from John Pavlovitz’s book, “If God Is Love, Don’t Be A Jerk”. The author describes a marvelous and most unexpected spiritual moment that he had on a beach. Where have you experienced a holy, spiritual moment that happened outside a religious setting?
You are welcome to join the class even if you don’t have a copy of the book. David and Sally Hansen are leading the class.
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Disciples ministries across the church respond to Ukraine
Across The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), General Ministries are responding to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. From immediate response to refugees, to working with global partners, to working within the US and Canada to welcome Ukrainian refugees, to the ongoing financial divestment from Russia, the church responds across its many manifestations to create a more compassionate world.
General Minister and President, Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens released a statement on March 4, 2022, joining ecumenical and global partners.
Dear Disciples: A Statement on Ukraine
Rev. Terri Hord Owens
March 4, 2022
Last week, we witnessed the beginning of the tragedy of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We are seeing with each passing day the continued destruction of homes, communities, and human lives. As a follower of Jesus Christ and a minister of the gospel, I must condemn this premeditated and unprovoked aggression and violence against the people of Ukraine. The Russian initiative to occupy and annex Ukrainian lands and populations stands in contradiction to the value of human life as well as principles of international law that deem the acquisition of territory by force illegal. In this season of Lent when we lament our sin, we must also lament the fact that diplomacy was so hastily dismissed as an option and that human rights continue to be egregiously violated. Russia and its leaders, including and especially Mr. Putin, must be held accountable in ways that respect international
In a joint statement from Global Ministries, a common witness of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ, to which I am a signatory along with my counterpart, John Dorhauer of the UCC, we oppose any further militarization of the conflict by Russia, as well as by NATO, the United States, and other parties, recognizing the right of Ukrainians to resist the assault on their homeland. Even so, de-escalation is required, not heightened belligerence.
The outpouring of care and concern for the now more than 1 million refugees and internally displaced persons is inspiring. And yet, I must also note that the racism and discrimination being faced by Africans, Middle Easterners and others as they, too, attempt to flee Ukraine for their own safety, must be named and condemned. Disciples will continue, as always, to work through Week of Compassion and Global Ministries with our partners around the world to provide care, support, and compassion for all who are in need. I hope that you join me in calling for leaders in the US, Canada and around the world to stand in solidarity to work actively for an end to this hell that is war, being so brutally visited upon the people of Ukraine. We must work and act even as we pray.
In the words of Nobel Peace Prize Winner Elie Wiesel: “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivities become irrelevant. Wherever men or women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, [or I might add, nationality or geography] that place must – at that moment – become the center of the universe.”
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers. Protect the bodies and spirits of the women and children fleeing and those who have endured the hailstorm of bombs. Stand with those valiantly protecting their homeland and freedoms against unprovoked aggression. Especially for the children, O Lord, do we pray, that this trauma might not rob them and their families of hope. Lord, you are able. Grant us, grant them your peace. May it be so, Amen.
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Children’s book written by Sonia Sotomayor, U.S. Supreme Court Justice
“Just Help!: How to Build a Better World” by Sonia Sotomayor
How did you help today? In a story inspired by her own family’s desire to help others, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor takes young readers on a journey through a neighborhood where kids and adults, activists and bus drivers, friends and strangers all help one another to build a better world for themselves and their community.
With art by award-winning illustrator Angela Dominguez, this book shows how we can all help make the world a better place each and every day.
This 32-page book is written for ages 4-8. Available from various vendors for about $13, hardcover.
Thanks to Marilyn Yoon for mentioning this book to the adult class.
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From the PVCC newsletter archives, this week in 1971: …The L’Ouverture Venture, an experience in volunteer integration of a predominately black elementary school. Four…have been invited to describe what has happened to the children, teachers and parents since the venture began last September. The four include Mrs. Sara Black, principal of L’Ouverture, Mrs. Nilas Thornton, a black parent, Mrs. Don McCord, a white parent and Mrs. Tom Chick, a teacher of L’Ouverture. One of our primary concerns… is to work for equal educational opportunities for all children in our community.
— Melanie Naden, PVCC Moderator