Sometimes It Causes Me to Tremble

Reflections from the Conference Minister

Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?

If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. 

Ps 139: 7-8

When we hear the words: "Were you there when they crucified my Lord?" we think of the Good Friday hymn by the same title. It causes us to tremble even to ask such a question. When folks of my generation and older hear the question, "Where were you when...?" we automatically think of where we were when President Kennedy was assassinated.

I was in first grade at Jamestown Elementary School in Arlington, Virginia when the word rippled down the corridors. I don't remember exactly how I felt, but I do remember looking toward the adults in my life for clues about how I should react. Silence and sadness were the main motifs. My memory is all in black and white as I recall sitting atop someone's shoulders in Washington, DC a few days later. We were there to pay our respects to the caisson with Kennedy's casket slowly moving down the crowded, yet quiet, avenue. I'm always amazed to hear from others who also remember so vividly where they were, who they were with, and how they felt. With such crystallized remembrances, it is hard to believe that today is the 50th anniversary of Kennedy's death.

There is something about the "where were you....?" question that roots us to the particular experience. Where were you when you heard about the planes hitting the World Trade Towers? Where were you when the first men landed on the moon? Where were you...Vietnam, Martin, Bobby....? Asking the question evokes a memory, fosters an emotion, invites us into a time of deeper reflection, and perhaps even instills in us more noble aspirations - for justice, for peace, for freedom.

Jesus said, "Do this in remembrance of me." And, in that remembrance, Christ becomes present. On days such as this, I'm glad to have that reminder of God's nearer presence that supports and sustains us.

Gracious God - God of Abraham and Sarah, God of our forbears, and our God:  We give you great thanks and praise for the gift of life - for our very breath and being. As we remember significant events that have transpired during our lifetimes, may we also be reminded that you promise to be with us, even to the close of the age. Thank you for your presence today - and in all our tomorrows! Amen. 

With you on the journey,

Campbell Lovett

At our Conference's Annual Meeting, held at Fellowship Chapel in Detroit on October 4 and 5, the delegates passed three loving resolutions which God had called us to bring forth.  One on these resolutions was "Proclaim Release to the Captives".  The resolution "Proclaim Release to the Captives" is attached.

Because Proclaim-Release is now under the auspices of the Michigan Conference UCC Prophetic Integrity Mission Area Team (PIMAT), it is time for all of us who feel called to begin our movement together in Michigan. Where do we start? Where do we go? Who amoung us has been interested in this issue and/or who is doing this work already? Who wants to be more connected? 

READ FULL LETTER

Join us on Saturday, January 25, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Ann Arbor (lunch provided!); we will explore these questions together. Please mark this date and share it with your church family. (Please RSVP using instructions in the attached letter - Thank You!)

In Jesus' name,

Walt Kemnitz, Jr., Past Moderator, Church of the Good Shepherd, UCC

Dr. P.J. Anderson, for the Prophetic Integrity Mission Area Team

Jay Cummings, for the Prophetic Integrity Mission Area Team

RESOLUTION: Proclaim Release to the Captives 

REGISTER NOW FOR THIS FREE OPPORTUNITY

Thursday, January 9, 2014 8 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Hotel St. Regis, Detroit

Advance Planning for the End of Life 

Tools for Faith and Health Conversations

Keynote Speaker; John Dormois, M.D., M. Div - retired cardiologist and Palliative Care educator

Conference details and registration information are available at: www.henryford.com/advance-planning-conference 

The seminary scholarship application process for the 2014-15 academic-year has begun.  The following scholarship applications are now available to UCC seminarians at http://www.ucc.org/apply. Please share this information with your constituents.

• Make a Difference Ph.D. Scholarship Award for those preparing to teach in a seminary setting.  Application deadline is March 20. 
• Garrett Trust Fund Scholarship for one-time emergency need, available year-round to full time MDIV students.  
• Cannon Endowment Fund Scholarship for students preparing for Military Chaplaincy. Members of the United Church of Christ, Christian Church Disciples of Christ, United Methodist, and Presbyterian, USA, may apply.  Application deadline is April 1. 
• William R. Johnson Scholarship for 2nd and 3rd year seminary students who are LGBT.  Application deadline is April 1. 
• The Adrienne M. and Charles Shelby Rooks Fellowship for Racial and Ethnic Theological Students. Application deadline is March 1.  
• The Rev. Dr. Hector E. Lopez Scholarship for Latina and Latino UCC Seminarians (attending a UCC Seminary).  Application deadline is March 1. 
• The Harold H. Wilke Scholarship Fund is available to seminarians with disabilities. Application deadline is April 1.

Please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Veronica Jeffers with questions or comments about the scholarship program, 1-866-822-8224 ext. 3839 or jeffersv@ucc.org.