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Advent Waiting and Gun Violence
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by Wendy Vander Hart, Associate Conference Minister
Grace and peace to you in this blessed season! If I had written a pastoral note to the churches every time there has been a mass shooting with guns in the United States of America, you would've received a message from me 355 times this year! The numbers are even more staggering for individual instances of gun violence.
When Jesus died a violent death on the cross and God resurrected him it was, in part, a message to all of humanity that violence is unacceptable. Our Advent Hope is the fulfillment of this promise in Jesus' resurrection - that peace will prevail on the earth.
Of course our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone touched by this kind of violence and other forms as well. And our prayers and comfort are not enough! From the Christian perspective we can speak truth to power and we must!
In the spirit of active hope what can your congregation contribute to God's work for peace? There are many resources at hand for our collective action. Lone voices are important and so is the power of community.
Let it be said of the United Church of Christ in Massachusetts that we are willing to shine a light on the problem of gun violence in our communities. Let it be said of us that we recognize prayer without action falls short of God's expectation. Bless you for your efforts and see the links below for connections your community can make.
Peace,
Wendy
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Pray For Peace This Weekend
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Interfaith Worship Service for Peace
December 13, 10 AM
The Eliot Church of Newton
At a time when our air waves and social media are filled with fear mongering and mis-information; when our newspapers and 24-hour news cycles are filled with reports of the latest terrorist attack; we need more than ever to come together to pray for peace, understanding and unity among ALL people.
During this season of Advent, when Christians wait for the light to shine in this darkness, The Eliot Church of Newton invites our community to an Interfaith Worship Service for Peace.
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Islamic Society Interfaith Service
The Islamic Society of Greater Worcester (ISGW) has arranged to hold interfaith prayers for the heinous tragedy that took place in San Bernardino, to condemn this act of violence and express solidarity with the victims, their families and our fellow citizens
The service will be held in front of Worcester City Hall Sunday, Dec. 13, at 1:30 p.m. All are welcome.
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GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION SABBATH WEEKEND
Join places of worship across the nation this weekend to remember those who have lost their lives to gunfire, pray for those whose lives have been forever changed because of the loss of a loved one, and to educate one another on proven strategies to reduce gun violence.
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AMERICA AFRAID
by Susan Brecht
Pastor, The Eliot Church in Newton
I moved to Newton from Southern California a month after the Marathon Bombing, to a community still reeling in the aftermath of such a hateful act. I moved to a community with "Boston Strong" plastered on billboards and buses and T-shirts, saying to anyone who listened, "We will not allow this act of terrorism to define who we are."
That slogan was quickly adopted by national newscasts declaring "America Strong." Today I'm not so sure.
For what seemed like an eternity we've been watching, with horror and compassion, hundreds of thousands of men, women and children, risking their lives to flee the war torn violence in lands they once called home. We felt helpless, but we still asked, "What can we do to help?"
That sprit of generosity and concern took a dramatic turn with the attacks in Paris. If it happened in Paris, it could happen in the U.S. again. And it has, in San Bernardino CA. We are no longer "America Strong". We're "America Afraid," and it's not a pretty sight.
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A Time to Come Together: Racial Justice Training
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Massachusetts Conference facilitators are prepared to offer your congregation a Sacred Conversation on Race, or more in-depth Racial Justice Training, at no cost to your MACUCC congregation.
Ready to sign up? Please submit your request
Visit macucc.org/racejustice for resources and a current list of upcoming Sacred Conversations or Racial Justice Trainings in congregations and other locations throughout the state.
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The following churches will host sessions that are open all. Please contact the church ahead if you plan to attend.
Sacred Conversation on Race: Jan. 10, 2016, 11:30 a.m. Eliot Church of Newton, 474 Centre St., Newton, MA. 617-244-3639 office@eliotchurch.org
Sacred Conversation on Race: Jan. 28, 2016, 7:30 p.m. UCC Burlington, 6 Lexington St., Burlington, MA.
Racial Justice Training: Feb. 3, 17, 23 and March 2, 2016. Trinity Church, 23 Main St. Northborough. 508-393-8156 trinitychurch3@verizon.net
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Sonic Relief: Concert to Benefit Syrian Refugees
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Curated and organized by musicians Gabriela Martina (CH), Sophie Maricq (ESP/UK/BE) and Jussi Reijonen (FIN) in collaboration with Berklee College of Music's Office for Diversity and Inclusion - Boston, SONIC RELIEF is a humanitarian fundraising concert to gather donations and raise awareness to aid refugees of the war in Syria.
Performing onstage will be world-renowned Arabic oud (11-string fretless lute) and violin virtuoso Simon Shaheen , as well as the Lee Swensen Katz Trio with Cleveland Quartet founding member and Grammy-award winning cellist Paul Katz. All artists are forgoing their performance fees to support the cause. Learn More
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POSSIBLE HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN ISRAEL-PALESTINE
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by Anthony Moujaes
United Church of Christ
In keeping with its commitment to speak out against potential human rights violations in the occupied territories in Israel-Palestine, Global Ministries of the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has joined an ecumenical effort of 11 churches and faith groups asking the U.S. Department of State to review aid given to the state of Israel. |
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| HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS DAY IS JANUARY 11
To raise awareness about human trafficking and kick off a year full of justice advocacy and faithful witness, you and your congregation are invited to engage in some of the following ways. |
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A CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISER FOR LGBT ASYLUM
Friday, December 18 ~ 6 PM
Hadwen Park Congregational Church, Worcester
Join in some Christmas carols sung by you, me, and some drag queens! The children will love Mrs. Santa! Refreshments will follow. There is no charge to attend, but a free will offering will be taken to help the LGBT asylum seekers.
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