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Then they came to Capernaum (Mark 9:33)

In my last few articles, I have focused on my transition to ministry in Michigan and what I am learning/hearing about churches in the Conference. Today, I want to remind us that we are part of a larger denomination in a world that has needs that far surpass most any needs we may have in the United States. For much of this year, a terrible conflict has been raging in Syria. If you look at a map of the Middle East, you will notice that Capernaum - the site of next week's lectionary passage and where the disciples argue about which one of them is the greatest - is about twenty miles from Syria. Thousands have died in the fighting there and millions have been displaced. Many of the displaced are now living in refugee camps in Syria's neighboring countries - primarily Turkey. They number almost three million.

There is a lot of information about the conflict in Syria and how you and your church can help in relief efforts. The United Church of Christ and the Disciples of Christ share a common witness through Global Ministries. You can find more about this partnership at: http://globalministries.org/about-us/ 

Global Ministries has a staff person assigned to Middle East concerns, Dr. Peter Makari. Dr. Makari provides incredible insight on Middle Eastern affairs and is an important resource with our ecumenical partners in the area. You can find more news from him about Syria at this link: http://globalministries.org/mee/countries/syria/

In addition, the United Church of Christ is a member of the World Council of Churches (WCC). Our General Minister and President, Geoffrey Black, recently returned from a WCC meeting in Crete that adopted a statement regarding the war in Syria. "The statement concludes with an assurance that the WCC 'prays for the reign of peace with justice in Syria and in all countries in the Middle East'. The Central Committee also appealed 'to the international community to respect the ability and responsibility of the Syrian people to find solutions to the crisis, and to refrain from outside military interventions.'"  The text of the full statement can be found at: http://globalministries.org/news/mee/wcc-calls-for-dialogue-and.html

The United Church of Christ is also supporting relief efforts in Syria and neighboring countries through One Great Hour of Sharing. You can find a full list of our partners in the Middle East at this link: www.globalministries.org/mee/partners

For more information about our UCC partners and opportunities to join in prayer and relief efforts, please check out these links:

http://www.churchworldservice.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=15469 

http://www.actalliance.org/stories/new-surge-of-violence-in-syria-humanitarian-aid-need-of-the-hour 

Your donations to Our Churches Wider Mission help change lives not only in Michigan but around the world. I thank you for your support of OCWM; and I thank you for having conversations in your church about ways that you can pray for peace in the Middle East and aid those affected by the violence.

God of Justice, God of Peace: as Jesus foretold his betrayal and death, the disciples argued about which one of them was the greatest. Help us to remember Christ's call to be servants of all as we seek to support those affected by war in Syria. Amen.