Each Sunday we pray for churches in the downtown, and with good reason. There's a lot of work to do here, and it will go better if we do it together and seek God's leadings and promptings in it! We can't fix what we won't face!

Pastor Gregory Edwards and other members of Resurrected Life Community Church are hosting community meetings to create a movement for change, beginning with the local education system. Participants gathered in November for workshops with The Rev. James Lawson (adviser to Martin Luther King) on nonviolent movements, and such education and strategizing is continuing. High school and college students are creating plans, and concerned residents and church members are joining in.

I (Beth Reed) and other parishioners have been staying connected to these efforts for justice in our city. For example, at the last meeting, on January 26, we watched Me Facing Life--Cyntoia's Story, a film about a young woman in prison for life--she killed someone when she was 16 and was tried as an adult. Of course many factors contributed to her heartbreaking situation--family history, racism, poverty, the mental health care system, the education system, the criminal justice system, etc.

Such systems interlock with often dire consequences for our young people. After the movie, we talked about our reactions, and we acknowledged that similar children and systems exist right here in Allentown.

If you'd like more information, be in touch with me anytime. The next meeting is this Sunday night, February 9, at Resurrected Life Community Church (9th and Turner) at 6:00. It's a chance to meet and work with other people passionate about justice and who are sick and tired of systems that are hurting our young people.

The diocese of Bethlehem expects to have a new bishop on March 1. Delegates and clergy from each parish will meet in convention that day to elect the nominee of the Standing Committee, Bishop Sean Rowe. Rowe is already serving as a bishop, in northwest Pennsylvania, and if elected, he would be half-time there and half-time here by late summer. 

Rowe would serve as Provisional Bishop, which would be for a time of not more than three years. During the three years, the diocese would assess itself and its needs and prepare to elect its next Diocesan Bishop, who, when consecrated, would serve without a time limit.

The convention is open to anyone, but only delegates and clergy have votes. Grace's delegates are David M and Addison B. The cost is $20, including lunch, and if you'd like to register, visit this site. The convention will be held at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.