Therefore be it resolved.....

I was wondering:  Are our Annual Meeting resolutions anything like our New Year's resolutions? Do we enter into a proposed action with the best of intentions only to find that it is difficult to keep over time? I would like to suggest in this reflection that our Annual Meeting resolutions are far different than New Year resolutions because they are rooted in scripture, call us to collective action, and give us hope.

This year's resolutions: Proclaim Release to the Captives, Promoting Development of Drought Resistant Grains, and Solidarity with the Disenfranchised Citizens of Detroit are all rooted in Holy Scripture. The scriptural underpinnings of these resolutions "remind us who we are and whose we are."

• The Great Judgment of Matthew 25 reminds us of the Christ in every prisoner and of the imperative to visit. Other scripture calls to especially include those who have been marginalized.
• In Luke 12, Jesus reminds us about the importance of interpreting the signs of the present time - both spiritual and environmental.
• The Psalmist reminds us that "God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns" (46:5). The original concern may have been for the city of Jerusalem, but Psalmist and Prophet alike put forth the hope that surely God is in the midst of all cities.

These, and so many other passages in scripture, help guide us in our concerns for God's good earth and those who are marginalized. As we read these passages, and reflect upon the present times, we wonder how it is that we are called upon to respond. Thus, the resolutions help to frame some possible responses of witness, calls for justice and action.

This year's resolutions all contain calls to specific action. From further study to advocacy to public witness, our churches and members are invited to faithfully respond to the outlined concerns.

• Educating people about the unjust system of mass incarceration, contacting elected officials to express "profound concern and moral outrage", and supporting efforts that prohibit the privatization of Michigan's prison system are some of the actions vital to the first resolution noted above.
• Engaging in dialogue with Church World Service, promoting plans to introduce sustainable grains, and supporting efforts to replace carbon based power sources are the actions of Promoting Development of Drought Resistant Grains.
• Contacting state officials to encourage the support of financially strapped Michigan cities distinct from emergency financial managers and declaring bankruptcy, and petitioning national leaders to address these municipal crises with the same urgency demonstrated with banks and automobile companies are all a part of promoting Solidarity with the Disenfranchised Citizens of Detroit.

These are just some of the actions that are possible by individuals and congregations as we seek to promote solidarity, environmental sustainability, and liberty and justice for all. Some congregations may not favor the advocacy invited in these resolutions, but a Bible Study about cities in the Bible, reading a book together about mass incarceration, or even planning a garden for the church lawn in 2014 could all be possible actions. Other congregations may want to join in much stronger responses to the injustices described. There are many community partners with whom to collaborate like: Church of the Good Shepherd in Ann Arbor, Bread for the World, or the Detroit Metropolitan Association Social Justice Mission Area Team.

Finally, the resolutions give us hope. In the midst of challenging times it is good to know that there are some things that we can do to make a positive difference in the lives of those in need and for future generations. New Year's resolutions are typically about an individual and are difficult to keep in the face of mounting pressures. Our Annual Meeting resolutions, however, are designed to engage many people and many congregations. They remind us that together, as a Conference of churches, we can make an impact. There is hope when we work together!

I look forward to hearing about the many ways that churches and members are "keeping" these particular resolutions that we have affirmed as the Michigan Conference.

With you on the journey,

Campbell Lovett

What is Justice Leaders Engaging and Developing?

The vision of Justice & Witness Ministries is of a more just, peaceful and compassionate world that honors all of God's creation.  Leaders are needed throughout our churches and communities to help share, pursue and acheive this vision.  Justice Leaders Engaging and Developing (Justice LED) is a program that offers training, leadership skills and support to local churches and UCC members who seek tangible ways to move our world towards this vision.

If you would like to host a training for your church or group to facilitate Justice LED, download and carefully read the Justice LED Planning Guide below. 

Justice LED Planning Guide

Justice LED 2-page Flyer

Trina Armstrong Installed at United Theological Seminary                

The Rev. Trina Armstrong was installed in September as United Theological Seminary's new Assistant Professor of Pastoral Care and Pastoral Theology.Rev. Armstrong is completing her Ph.D. degree from Claremont School of Theology. She also holds an M.A. in Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy from California Southern University, an M.A. in Practical Theology, Spiritual Care and Counseling from Claremont School of Theology, an M.Div. degree from Fuller Theological Seminary and a B.A. from Golden Gate University.

Her thesis title is Behind the Veil of the Village: a Womanist Pastoral Theological Analysis of Single African American Mothers, Cultural Trauma, Relational Trauma, and Relationship Education Programs. While working on her dissertation, Armstrong served as Community Educator at VITASInnovative Hospice Care in Covina, CA and as Teaching Associate for Spiritual Formation and Vocational Discernment at Claremont School of Theology. She is an ordained Itinerant Elder with the African American Methodist Episcopal Church. More information about Trina: http://www.unitedseminary.edu/faculty/tarmstrong.asp