| * |
Archived Items Previously Posted on the CMA Website Through March 2004
CTS Vacation Bible School Resource Faire
Tuesday, March 30th
Thinking about summer programming?
Planning a Vacation Bible School for your congregation?
Interested in knowing what resources are available?
Want to learn more about how to compare program resources?
Join us Tuesday, March 30th, at Chicago Theological Seminary for our Vacation
Bible School Resource Faire. The participants in the Youth Ministry Resources course
at CTS will gladly share their assessments of a variety of Vacation Bible School
curricula. Displays will include:
VBS preview kits
Illinois Conference Partners in Education
Great Lakes Association of United Church Educators
Illinois Conference (UCC) Video and Media Library
Drop in anytime from 7-9 pm. There is no charge for this event. Light refreshments will be
served. The Faire will be held at Chicago Theological Seminary, McGiffert Hall, 5751 S.
Woodlawn Ave, Chicago. Parking is available in the McGiffert Lot. To RSVP and for more
information call the CTS event line at 773-322-0275 or e-mail professor Thom Bower at
Tbower@ctschicago.edu
Reception of Spiritual Healing Project
You are cordially invited to attend the Ceremony to Celebrate the Receiving of
the SPIRITUAL HEALING PROJECT during chapel worship at Chicago Theological Seminary
on Wednesday, March 31st at 12:00 noon in Graham Taylor Hall at CTS,
5757 University Ave, Chicago, Illinois. Lunch will follow. Meet our guests
The Rev. Dr. Bobbie McKay and Mr. Lewis A. Musil, MA from The Center for the
Study of Spiritual Health at the Kenilworth Union Church
When are the times you’ve experienced God in a healing way? What does spiritual
healing mean to you? What words do you use to describe it? What are your
stories of spiritual healing? What would a church be like where people were
encouraged to talk about spiritual healing?
Wondering what people in the church have to say about their spiritual experiences,
Reverend Dr. Bobbie McKay, licensed clinical psychologist and ordained UCC minister,
and her husband, Mr. Lewis Musil, Visiting Professor in Religion and the Arts at
Garrett Theological Seminary, spent two years visiting 101 United Church of Christ
churches and listening as over two thousand people told their stories and filled
out a questionnaire.
Having woven the data and stories into a 170-page book, Healing the Spirit:
Stories of Transformation, Bobbie and Lew are presenting the background
data to the Chicago Theological Seminary library archives to make this wealth of
information accessible for further research.
Space is limited. RSVP including your phone or email address by Friday, March 26
to Rev. Dr. Lorolie Brown, event coordinator, at 773-667-7136 or by email to:
lorolie@juno.com (subject: SHP RSVP).
Please indicate your intention to attend ceremony only or both lunch and ceremony.
Rev Mary Lou Bischmann died on December 29, 2003. A retired UCC pastor with standing
in CMA, Rev Bischmann was one of the first women to be ordained in the Evangelical and Reformed
Church. She graduated from Eden Theological Seminary in 1952 and was ordained in June of
that year. A long time Chicago resident, she was a member of Wellington Avenue UCC in Chicago.
Rev. C. David Owens, Senior Pastor of the First Congregational Church of Wilmette,
died on December 19, 2003, at Evanston Hospital following a long struggle with cancer.
Rev. Owens was 56 years old. He had been ordained in 1977 and had served as pastor
of the Wilmette church since 1993.
Annual Church Reports Due
The Local Church Yearbook Reports were due at the CMA office in February.
Please send in this report as soon as possible. Even if it is late, the information provided
is important to keep our records up to date. This is the report that goes to the
national UCC office in Cleveland every year and is used to compile information for the
annual UCC yearbook listing for all UCC churches. It is also an opportunity to update
your records with CMA and with the Illinois Conference. Please complete and return the
forms to CMA as soon as possible to keep your church's membership in the United Church
of Christ current.
Submitting these reports each year is a vital part of the covenant between each
local UCC church and the national United Church of Christ. Supplying this annual information,
participating in the life of the wider church on the association and conference level, and
contributing a fair share each year to the wider church through OCWM offerings and our
special mission offerings, are the minimum ties that bind us together in a national denomination.
Please mail your report form today, or call CMA to give us any corrected information
over the phone.
CMA Council Expresses Concern
About Hospital Pricing Policies
On December 15, 2003, the Chicago Metropolitan Association Council adopted a Statement
of Concern about allegations of different pricing by Advocate Health Care (AHC) for
those who are uninsured.
The Council recommended, that:
Advocate pursue every avenue to modify its current billing practices and charge
the uninsured no more than the price charged to patients who have health insurance
coverage. CMA, through its Church in Society Committee, should continue to advocate
in order to provide a voice for the uninsured;
AHC should fully inform its uninsured patients, in a culturally appropriate manner,
what billing policies and waivers of charges might be of assistance to them and their families;
CMA and its churches should be encouraged to join with AHC, working in the spirit of
its covenant with CHSSM, to seek changes in federal and state laws which encourage or require health care institutions to charge the uninsured more than patients who have private health insurance coverage and
CMA, its churches and the public should be encouraged to join with AHC, other health
care institutions, and other interested groups in finding ways to fix the unfair, unjust
and broken health care system at both the state and federal levels.
Read the complete text of the CMA resolution in our Section on
Justice & Peace
UCC Message on TV
Beginning March 1, the first of two UCC commercials will begin airing in
selected markets. The debut 30-second commercial stars two muscle-bound
bouncers who stand guard
outside a fabled, picturesque church where they discriminately choose which
persons will be permitted to attend Sunday services. Then a tag line touts
the UCC's different approach: "No matter who you are, no matter where you
are on life's journey, you are welcome at a United Church of Christ congregation."
"If more people knew about you, you would be a movement," said one new UCC
church member from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Creating a movement is exactly
what UCC leaders are hoping will happen when the UCC's first-ever,
nationally-coordinated advertising campaign rolls out this month in six test
markets across the country.
The two professionally-produced commercials - created with feedback from almost
200 participants in nine focus groups held in January in Harrisburg, Pa., St.
Petersburg, Fla., and Cleveland - emphasize themes of extravagant welcome and
inclusion, topics raised consistently by research participants who said, above
all, they wanted a church that welcomed everybody.
Gotham, Inc., a prominent advertising firm, is providing its services to the
denomination at cost.
To view the new commercial and to read the complete story by Ben Guess
from the March 2004 issue of UC News:
Click Here
Youth Ministry Network Meeting
Monday, March 29 at 7:00pm
NOTE: This meeting was especially planned to bring together our regular networkers
with those of us who can't attend the monthly meetings on Thursday mornings. As our
esteemed moderator Lori Keller says: Y'ALL COME!
PLACE: St. Pauls United Church of Christ, at Fullerton & Orchard, 2335 North
Orchard St, Chicago IL 60614
HOST:Sharon Phillips, Dir. of Youth Education at St Pauls; coffee & desserts will be served;
RSVP to: 773/348-3829 ext 116 or by
email
MODERATOR:Rev. Lori Keller Schroeder
KEY AGENDA ITEMS:
- Report from the IL Conf Youth Committee including update on National Youth Event;
- CMA Spring Meeting;
- Youth Workshops/Forums for IL Conference Annual Meeting.
GUESTS will include Jennifer Kottler, the Education & Outreach Director from
Protestants for the Common Good, and Amy Bowman from the Prairie Association.
A SUGGESTION FROM MARY BETH CROSS:
Cindy Davenport (DEPTH) is going to Cambodia April 2-20 to volunteer with the Returnee
Assistance Project. RAP is requesting that she bring routine upset stomach, pain and
fever meds -- tylenol, aspirin, motrin, pepto, alkaseltzer, etc. These are available
in Cambodia, but are very expensive.IF ANY OF US WOULD LIKE TO HELP, BRING A BOTTLE
OF YOUR FAVORITE OVER-THE-COUNTER MED TO THE MEETING AT ST. PAULS.
DIRECTIONS TO ST. PAULS:
From 90/94, take Fullerton Exit EAST. Continue on Fullerton for
1.8 miles through the Fullerton/Halsted/Lincoln intersection. There
is a 4-way stop at Orchard. At next corner, turn right (SOUTH) onto
Geneva Terrace. Go one block to Kemper Place. Turn right
(WEST) onto Kemper -- continue 1/2 block to church parking lot on
right side of street opposite the Lincoln School playground. After
parking, walk WEST on Kemper to Orchard--turn right on Orchard
and continue to the OFFICE ENTRANCE. Look for YMN Signs to
meeting room.
From NORTH Lake Shore Dr., take Fullerton Exit WEST or
else you will get mighty wet. Continue for about a 1/2 mile on
Fullerton. Cross Clark Street. Continue to first 4-way stop which is
at Geneva Terrace. Turn left (SOUTH) on Geneva Terrace and go
one block to Kemper Place. Turn right (WEST) on Kemper --
continue 1/2 block to church parking lot on right side of street
opposite the Lincoln School playground. After parking, walk WEST
on Kemper to Orchard--turn right on Orchard and continue to the
OFFICE ENTRANCE. Look for YMN Signs to meeting room.
From SOUTH Lake Shore Drive, exit at North Avenue.
(The Fullerton northbound exit is temporarily closed). Take North
Avenue WEST -- turn right (NORTH) at first opportunity onto the
inner drive through Lincoln Park (Stockton Drive). Continue on
Stockton to Fullerton. Turn left (WEST) onto Fullerton & continue
to Geneva Terrace. Follow the directions listed above from Geneva
Terrace.
If the Parking Lot should be full, paid parking is available at
Children's Memorial Hospital Parking Garage which is in the 2300
block of Lincoln Avenue.
SATURDAY, MARCH 27: IL CONF BANNER MAKING WORKSHOP
Every CMA church and related institution is being asked to contribute a banner to the
Illinois Conference's 40th Anniversary Celebration, to be held this summer
on June 10-12, 2004, during the conference Annual Meeting at Elmhurst College.
The Conference wants to emphasize the special character and contribution of each church and
agency to its past and future. You are all invited to contribute a banner or an object
that evokes special memories or dreams for the future. The Annual Meeting will include
a parade of banners and display of objects.
If you already have a church banner or sign, you may bring it or make a new one.
The conference has suggestions for where to purchase materials at the least cost.
For "How to make a banner" packets, call Pauline at the Christian Supply Store in
Freeport (815-233-1418).
If you don't have a banner ready-made, and don't know quite how to get started
making a new one, sign up for our banner-making workshop at the Riverside Community
Congregational Church, 6816 N. Second Street in Machesney Park, IL, on Saturday,
March 27 from 1 to-3 p.m. Call the church at 815-877-4444 for directions. This
workshop will be for making felt banners only since this is where our instructor
has her expertise. However, we will also have resources for making other types
of banners on display, or we can send them to you. We do ask you to bring your
own materials for making the banner. If you would like information on what materials
to bring or a copy of some of the resources, call Rev Elizabeth Hazel at 815-964-3849
or contact her by email at ehazel@att.net.
The planning committee needs to know which churches and agencies will participate, and they
ask that you contact them as soon as possible To sign up or for more information, contact
Rev. Elizabeth Hazel, 913 N Main St, Apt 201, Rockford, IL 61103; 815-964-3849; email:
ehazel@att.net
SUNDAY, MARCH 21: ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING
OGHS is one of the five UCC Special Offerings collected each year. This year's theme is
God Uses All Gifts for BIG PURPOSES. It is truly remarkable what your gift will do.
Through One Great Hour of Sharing, United Church of Christ members reach out in the name
of Christ to help build sustainable communities, respond to disasters and minister to refugees.
This offering has a long history in our denomination (and others), stemming from the end of
World War II. Newspaper and television news reports remind us that the need for compassion
continues around the world, the need for emergency response, agricultural development,
refugee resettlement, and education. You will notice in the program booklet the note that
"of every dollar given to OGHS in 2002, 95 cents was used directly for mission."
OGHS is a bargain because of its direct application to current situations.
Along with the program booklet and materials which pastors have already received, please
note the very recent arrival from Global Ministries of mission inserts for March/April 2004
covering Vellore, India, and Henan Province, China. Further, the blue-green-red poster comes
in the Spanish and Korean languages as well. They can be ordered free from UCC Resources -
there's still time.
If you need further information or support for your OGHS effort, please contact Faye Buttrick,
the Illinois Conference representative to Wider Church Ministries by email at:
ILWESTUCC@aol.com More information is on the
UCC website: CLICK HERE
SUNDAY, MARCH 21: WORSHIP ALIVE WORKSHOP
Worship Alive Workshop with Dr. John L. Bell on Sunday afternoon, March 21
at the United Church of Rogers Park, 1545 W. Morse Avenue, in Chicago.
Dr. John L. Bell of the Wild Goose Resource Group at the Iona Community in Scotland
will lead a workshop on "Rediscovering the Bible as the People's Book" on Sunday, March 21,
from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m. at the United Church of Rogers Park, 1545 W. Morse Avenue, in Chicago.
Dr. Bell's workshop will use word, music and symbolic action to explore the book that is
"too important to be left to the clergy." Bell will identify the major genres and styles
of biblical writing and demonstrate ways to bring the Word of God alive in our community
worship.
Bell is an ordained minister of the Church of Scotland and a member of the Iona Community.
He is an occasional broadcaster, lectures in theological colleges in Britain and the U.S.,
but is primarily concerned with the renewal of congregational worship at the grass roots
level. He has produced many collections of original songs and resources for worship, as well
as collections of songs from the World Church.
This workshop is part of the Worship Alive! workshop series that provides resources and
training in multicultural worship for justice-seeking congregations. The last workshop
in this year's series will be on May 23 with Swee Hong Lim.
The registration fee for the workshop with Dr. Bell is $35 in advance; $45 at the door.
Registrations can be mailed to: Worship Alive!, United Church of Rogers Park, 1545 W.
Morse Avenue, Chicago, IL 60626. For registration or other information, email:
worshipalive@comcast.net
or call 773-728-8274.
SATURDAY, MARCH 20: PEACE EVENT
Still Say NO To War on Saturday, March 20, 2004, 10:30AM, at the Chicago
Temple, 77 W. Washington, Chicago
United for Peace: Faithful Citizenship invites you to an event of Hope and Renewal
for Peace and Justice on March 20th, the Anniversary of Iraq Invasion. Join Faith,
Labor & Community Leaders and millions around the world on the International Day
of Protest of the Iraq War.
Program includes Bishop C. Joseph Sprague, music of Voices, Muslim, community and
labor leaders and other cultural expressions. The event will end with a procession
to Daley Plaza led by children and youth carrying three 50-foot banners naming the
casualties of war at home and abroad and our new vision for a peaceful world.
For more information contact the American Friends Service Committee at 312-427-2533
Michael McConnell, Regional Director, American Friends Service Committee,
637 S. Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60605; Ph: 312-427-2533, Fax: 312-427-4171;
www.peacechicago.org;
www.grassrootsvoices.org;
www.afsc.org.
Energize for Peace and Justice
Events Planned for March 20th
Anniversary of Iraq Invasion
Still Say NO To War
Saturday, March 20, 2004, 10:30AM
Chicago Temple, 77 W. Washington, Chicago
United for Peace: Faithful Citizenship invites you to an event of Hope and Renewal
for Peace and Justice. Join Faith, Labor & Community Leaders and millions around the
world on the International Day of Protest of the Iraq War.
Program includes Bishop C. Joseph Sprague, music of Voices, Muslim, community and
labor leaders and other cultural expressions. The event will end with a procession
to Daley Plaza led by children and youth carrying three 50-foot banners naming the
casualties of war at home and abroad and our new vision for a peaceful world.
Download Flyer
For more information contact American Friends Service Committee,
637 S. Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60605; Ph: 312-427-2533; Web sites:
www.peacechicago.org;
www.grassrootsvoices.org;
www.afsc.org.
To read more about peace programs in Chicago and the events planned
for the March 20th anniversary of the US invasion of Irag:
Click Here
Events Planned for March 20th
Anniversary of Iraq Invasion
Still Say NO To War
Saturday, March 20, 2004, 10:30AM
Chicago Temple, 77 W. Washington, Chicago
United for Peace: Faithful Citizenship invites you to an event of Hope and Renewal
for Peace and Justice. Join Faith, Labor & Community Leaders and millions around the
world on the International Day of Protest of the Iraq War.
Program includes Bishop C. Joseph Sprague, music of Voices, Muslim, community and
labor leaders and other cultural expressions. The event will end with a procession
to Daley Plaza led by children and youth carrying three 50-foot banners naming the
casualties of war at home and abroad and our new vision for a peaceful world.
For more information contact the American Friends Service Committee at 312-427-2533
Michael McConnell, Regional Director, American Friends Service Committee,
637 S. Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60605; Ph: 312-427-2533, Fax: 312-427-4171;
www.peacechicago.org;
www.grassrootsvoices.org;
www.afsc.org.
United for Peace: Faithful Citizenship is sponsored by:
American Friends Service Committee,
Chicago Metropolitan Association of the United Church of Christ
Chicago Area Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice (UUSJ)
Community Renewal Society
Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago
8th Day Center
Episcopal Diocese of Chicago
Episcopal Peace Fellowship
Fellowship of Reconciliation
Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ
Muslim Community Center
United Methodist Church, Northern Illinois Conference
Pax Christi
Presbytery of Chicago
Consider these figures
520+ U.S. Soldiers Killed
8,100+ Iraqi Civilians Killed
2.3 million Jobs Lost during Bush Presidency
32.9 million Americans Living in Poverty
43 million Americans Without Health Insurance
401.7 billion FY 2005 Pentagon Budget
0 Number of WMDs Found
Practically every day brings fresh evidence of the disaster that is the United States
occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan. From Palestine to Korea, Columbia to the Philippines,
the United States increasingly is seen as the greatest threat to world peace and justice.
While the lies used to justify the U.S. invasion of Iraq have been denounced by some
politicians--mostly after the invasion itself was a done deal--all leading politicians
continue to support the occupation, some as a positive "good," others as an unfortunate
"necessity" to preserve American imperial "credibility."
The peace and justice movement in the U.S. needs to speak with a clear voice, a voice
which demands respect for the absolute right of the Iraqi people, and all other peoples
of the world, to decide their own destinies, without occupying armies, without commercial
schemes to rip off their national wealth, without puppets imposed on them from Washington.
We need to give voice to the growing sentiment within Iraq, within the U.S. armed forces,
and here at home for an immediate END to the occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan.
March 20th marks the anniversary of the first full day of the U.S. invasion of Iraq.
It also is the one-year anniversary of one of Chicago's most memorable protests ever--
the night over 10,000 people marched on Lake Shore Drive in protest against George Bush's
illegal and immoral war.
Planing for Anniversary of Invasion
This message comes to us from
The A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition
(Act Now to Stop War & End Racism)
Events planned for March 20, 2004 to bring the troops home and to end colonial
occupation from Iraq to Palestine & everywhere.
On March 20, 2004, the first anniversary of the U.S./U.K.
invasion of Iraq, people in cities around the world will
join together to demand: "End the Occupation - Bring the
Troops Home NOW!" In the U.S., major demonstrations are
planned in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and many
other cities.
We will demonstrate on March 20 to support the right of
the Iraqi people to self-determination without condition.
Since the invasion began, tens of thousands of Iraqi
people have been killed. Thousands of U.S. and British
soldiers have been killed or wounded. The Iraqi people are
resisting the occupation - they want the foreign soldiers
occupying their country to leave, not tomorrow but today.
Growing numbers of U.S. soldiers and their families are
calling for the troops to be brought home NOW. These
soldiers are being sent to kill and be killed for a war
that was based on lies and fraud perpetrated by the Bush
government. There is only one solution: to end the
occupation now! We believe, in the words of the National
Council of Arab Americans, that "internationalizing the
occupation gives colonialism a new marketable cover and
should not be accepted as a viable option for the global
popular movement."
We will also demonstrate on March 20 in solidarity with
the Palestinian people and their right to
self-determination, including the right to return to their
homes and land. The March 20 demonstration comes only ten
days before the anniversary of the historic March 30,
1976, Land Day in Palestine. Calling for liberty, right to
return, and self-determination for the Palestinian people
on March 20 is an essential political necessity, without
which the end to colonial occupations cannot be fully
realized. The U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq is part
and parcel of the administration's larger colonial project
targeting the people of the Middle East. While the Bush
administration spends $2 billion per week to occupy Iraq,
it spends $15 million each day to support Israel's war
against the Palestinian people.
We will demonstrate on March 20 to overturn the "USA
Patriot" Act, and to end the repression directed at Arab
American, South Asian, Muslim and immigrant communities.
We will defend the right to free speech and oppose Bush's
and Ashcroft's war on the Bill of Rights.
We will demonstrate on March 20 to call for money for
jobs, housing, health care and education, not for war and
occupation.
We will demonstrate on March 20 to demand an end to the
Bush administration's "Endless War" plans for global
domination. We stand for an end to U.S. intervention,
occupation and threats against Korea, Colombia,
Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Zimbabwe, Venezuela, Syria, the
Philippines, Haiti and everywhere.
Only the people's movement offers hope that an effective
challenge can be mounted to the Bush administration's war
drive. While the Democratic Party offers candidates to
contend with Bush for the presidency, it agrees with Bush
about maintaining U.S. troops in Iraq and supports
continued aid to Israel as it wages war against the
Palestinian people. On April 20, 2002, 100,000 people
marched in an historic demonstration in Washington DC
under the banner "Free Palestine." Six months later, on
October 26, 2002, hundreds of thousands demonstrated
against the pending war of aggression against Iraq. On
January 18, February 15-16, March 15, March 22, April 12
and most recently October 25, 2003, tens of millions of
people went into the streets around the world to say no to
the Bush administration's war drive. This is a monumental
struggle waged by the people of the world who seek
self-determination, justice and peace. Global solidarity
is the centerpiece of the new mass movement that has
emerged to counter the forces of militarism and
colonialism. The outcome of this struggle will impact on
generations to come.
Call issued by (initial signers):
A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition
Arab Muslim American Federation
Free Palestine Alliance
Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation
Muslim Student Association
To ENDORSE, fill out the easy-to-use form at:
ANSWER Endorsement
* * * * *
In New York City, the demonstration is planned to
assemble at 12 noon at Times Square with a march to the
United Nations. Call 212-633-6646 for details about
upcoming city-wide planning meetings and for more
information.
In San Francisco, the demonstration is planned to gather
at 11 am at Dolores Park (18th St. and Dolores St.) with a
march to the Civic Center. Call 415-821-6545 for more
information.
In Los Angeles, the demonstration is planned to assemble
at 12 noon at Hollywood and Vine. Call 213-487-2368 for
more information.
Downloadable flyers and more information are available at:
ANSWER Info
---------------------------
ANSWER is also circulating this recent notice:
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF ARAB AMERICANS (NCAA) CALL TO ACTION
The National Council of Arab Americans (NCAA)* joins the
call for mass mobilizations against the war on and foreign
occupation of Iraq, to be held on Saturday, March 20,
2004. Being also only 10 days before the anniversary of
the historic March 30, 1976, Land Day in Palestine,
calling for liberty, right to return, and
self-determination for the Palestinian people on that same
Saturday is an imperative complementary political
necessity, without which the end to colonial occupations
cannot be fully realized.
Marking only the latest assault on Iraq one year ago this
coming March, the NCAA well recognizes that only through a
systematic and organized grassroots effort that a halt to
perpetual war can be achieved. Although exposing US
strategic goals through education is of primary
importance, it is the ability of the American people to
marshal a united front anchored in the principles of
liberty, freedom and respect for self-determination that
has undoubtedly become priority one.
In formulating the organizational and political framework
of this united movement, the role of Arab-Americans and
Muslims is central. As a people who are at the primary
receiving end of the ravages of war and racism in their
multiple forms, our community must take difficult extra
steps to assert its constitutional right to free speech
and assembly despite all attempts and scare tactics to
abrogate these rights. Not only do we have this
responsibility to ourselves and to our children, history
has also placed upon us the task of halting the advance of
yet another form of McCarthyism and fear. To that end, and
despite many imposed hardships, we call on our communities
in all sectors nationwide to assume our just role in
shaping a better future for this country and the world by
mass mobilizing against war and racism.
Indeed, the people of the United States, inclusive of all
and barring none, have an historic duty and a collective
responsibility to: (1) terminate the escalating state of
war of an emerging empire, particularly against the Arab
people, by ending the occupation of Iraq and bringing the
troops home NOW; (2) stop all forms of economic,
political, and military support for the State of Israel,
and, instead, support the rights of Palestinians for
liberty, self-determination, and the full right to return;
(3) repeal the USA PATRIOT Act, terminate institutional
collective criminalization of Arab Americans and Muslims,
and secure constitutional rights for all; and (4) redirect
budgetary allocations to domestic reconstruction and needs
rather than militarism and colonial expansions.
It is precisely the multi-faceted nature of this
ever-expanding war that we are tasked to recognize.
Delinking issues for political and organizational
expediency by selectively focusing only on one aspect of
this war is wrong and dangerous. It not only weakens the
emerging global movement for freedom and liberty but also
marginalizes the voices of war's many victims.
True, the challenges before us are difficult and
monumental, but history, in particular during the past 2
years, has shown that we are equal to the task when some
waited in doubt. As evidenced on the days of October 26,
2002, January 18, February 15-16, March 15, April 12, and
most recently October 25, 2003, we are a people that have
repeatedly taken to the streets in the hundreds of
thousands representing millions from coast to coast as we
soundly stood with millions across the globe against war
in favor of peace. We have rejected colonialism in favor
of self-determination, opposed the USA PATRIOT Act in
favor of constitutional rights, and demanded funding for
education and health care instead of militarism.
But we also need to be clear on what we stand for in this
emerging movement. Positions such as "internationalizing
the occupation" give colonialism a new marketable cover,
and should not be accepted as a viable option for this
global popular movement. This is a time when political
clarity is a must. Regardless of the source, the notion
that the people of Iraq "need some form of Western
intervention", even if temporary, to secure their very own
stability is overtly racist and a real threat to
civilization. Self-determination should clearly preclude
the return of any "modern" form of the "Mandate" days of
the League of Nations. Such is the global grassroots
consensus; it must become so for the movement and popular
opinion in the United States.
Ending the ongoing foreign occupation of Iraq and stopping
the destruction and exile heaped on the Palestinian people
are inextricable dual tasks that require a reformation of
our vision towards the world and us as a people of a
variable mosaic. We must succeed in formulating a
strategic vision where we are partners in the community of
nations and in the building of our own neighborhoods and
school districts.
We cannot continue the path of perpetual domestic and
foreign confrontation and dominance.
Issued by The National Council of Arab Americans (NCAA) - December 24, 2003
The NCAA is an all inclusive pan-Arab American national
council that was founded on November 29, 2003, in
Washington, DC, responding to the needs of our community
and people. For more information on the NCAA, please send email to:
info@arab-american.net
---------------------------
The above information was circulated Friday, January 02, 2004 by:
A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition
(Act Now to Stop War & End Racism)
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Website: www.InternationalANSWER.org
Email: info@internationalanswer.org
Sign up to receive updates (low volume):
SUBSCRIBE
To make a tax-deductible donation, go to
DONATE
------------------
Send replies to: answer@action-mail.org
This message came from the ANSWER activist announcement list.
Anyone can subscribe by sending any message to
Subscribe
Olive Branch Appeal
Iraq Humanitarian Crisis
This message comes the Office of Wider Church Ministries at the United Church of Christ
in Cleveland, Ohio; Susan M. Sanders, Minister and Team Leader for Global Sharing of Resources;
Phone: 216-736-3210; Fax: 216-736-2294; sanderss@ucc.org
Greetings of peace to you in this troubled time.
Wider Church Ministries has issued the Olive Branch
Appeal to respond to the specific humanitarian crisis engulfing the Iraqi people.
We need your assistance in interpreting why these two separate special offerings are
taking place simultaneously and why it is important for congregations to
consider contributing to both.
The One Great Hour of Sharing Offering is the annual special mission
offering of the United Church of Christ which positions us to respond to
crises immediately all around the world. It was gifts to the 2002 OGHS
offering which enabled us on Tuesday, March 18 to send a gift of $100,000
through Church World Service to our partner The Middle East Council of
Churches. We received confirmation on Wednesday, March 19 the MECC has
received the gift and is using it to respond to Iraqi's fleeing the
conflict.
Contributions to the Olive Branch Appeal will enable us to expand our
support of the ministry of relief offered by the Middle East Council of
Churches and other partners in the region which is described in the appeal.
Two recurring questions have been raised by congregations:
Question: Is any One Great Hour of Sharing or Olive Branch Appeal
money going to the Iraq Government?
Answer: No. All relief funds are being sent through Church World
Service to established partners in the region, i.e. Middle East Council of
Churches and Mennonite Central Committee.
Question: Can we designate our One Great Hour of Sharing Offering to
the Olive Branch Appeal?
Answer: No. It is our standing policy that the One Great Hour of Sharing
offering may not be designated to any specific crisis or project. This
enables the offering to support a full spectrum of international
development, disaster preparedness and response and refugee advocacy and
resettlement initiatives as they may arise.
For more than a decade the world's largest humanitarian relief effort has
been underway throughout Iraq. With the onset of war, the crisis is
expected to expand exponentially. Access to food, water, shelter and
medical care have been seriously compromised.
The United Church of Christ, as a member of Church World Service and ACT
International, together with our ecumenical partner, the Middle East
Council of Churches, is engaged in the following:
All Our Children Campaign: a project of the Mennonite Central Committee
(MCC), Jubilee Partners, the National Council of Churches (NCC), Lutheran
World Relief, Sojourners, Stop Hunger Now and the Church World Service to
provide health assistance for the children of Iraq.
Support for Iraqi churches providing relief in Bagdad: the Middle East
Council of Churches has identified eight church locations as relief centers
to serve their congregations and surrounding areas whether Christians or
Muslims. Additional centers have been identified in Basra, Mosul and
Kirkuk. Basic relief items to be distributed to 3,200 families
(approximately 16,000 persons) include food packages, stoves and heaters,
kitchen sets, first aid kits and hygiene kits.
Assisting Iraqi refugees: relief efforts include the provision of tents and
bedding, food, drinking water, medicines and medical equipment, clothing
and detergents, water cans, heaters and cookers, kitchen utensils and
school kits for refugee families who are expected to flee to Jordan and
Syria. The Middle East Council of Churches is coordinating these efforts.
As the scenario in Iraq unfolds, new needs and opportunities for response
will become apparent. Based on our experience in the Balkans and
Afghanistan, there will be substantial need for rehabilitation following
the end of the military campaign for a period of several years. This appeal
will be revised to reflect additional relief and rehabilitation initiatives
as they develop.
How you can help
Make a designated gift to support the Olive Branch Appeal. Donations may
be made as follows:
Make a check payable to your local congregation and ask that it be sent
through your Conference to Wider Church Ministries, designated for the
Olive Branch Appeal. Following this process enables your congregation and
Conference to include your donation in the special support reports of Our
Church's Wider Mission.
Send a check payable to Wider Church Ministries, designated for the Olive
Branch Appeal, directly to Wider Church Ministries, 700 Prospect Ave.,
Cleveland, OH 44115.
Make a secure on-line donation now by clicking on this Iraq Olive Branch
Appeal
DONATE BUTTON
Worship Workshop
with Dr. John Bell
Dr. John L. Bell of the Wild Goose Resource Group at the Iona Community in Scotland
will lead a workshop on "Rediscovering the Bible as the People's Book" on Sunday,
March 21, from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m. at the United Church of Rogers Park, 1545 W.
Morse Avenue, in Chicago.
Dr. Bell's workshop will use word, music and symbolic action to explore the book that
is "too important to be left to the clergy." Bell will identify the major genres and
styles of biblical writing and demonstrate ways to bring the Word of God alive in our
community worship.
Bell is an ordained minister of the Church of Scotland and a member of the Iona Community.
He is an occasional broadcaster, lectures in theological colleges in Britain and the U.S.,
but is primarily concerned with the renewal of congregational worship at the grass roots
level. He has produced many collections of original songs and resources for worship, as
well as collections of songs from the World Church.
This workshop is part of the Worship Alive! workshop series that provides resources and
training in multicultural worship for justice-seeking congregations. The last workshop
in this year's series will be on May 23 with Swee Hong Lim.
The registration fee for the workshop with Dr. Bell is $35 in advance; $45 at the door.
Registrations can be mailed to: Worship Alive!, United Church of Rogers Park, 1545 W.
Morse Avenue, Chicago, IL 60626. For registration or other information, email:
worshipalive@comcast.net
or call 773-728-8274.
Interpreting The Passion
Chicago Theological Seminary invites you to a discussion of the movie The Passion
of The Christ on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 at 7:00 pm at First United
Methodist Church (Chicago Temple), 77 W. Washington St, Floor 2, Chicago, IL 60602
(across from Daley Plaza).
This movie has generated enormous controversy concerning the passion narratives
in the New Testament scriptures and Christian/Jewish dialogue. Join the CTS discussion
of the passion narratives in the Gospels, the meaning of Jesus' ministry, the role of
interpretation, and the legacy of anti-Semitism.
Dr. Tat-Siong Benny Liew, associate professor of New Testament at CTS, and Rabbi Herman
Schaalman, Emmanuel Congregation and adjunct professor at CTS, will lead the discussion.
Advanced viewing of the movie is not necessary.
Parking on the street or at the Self-Park Garage at 172 West Madison; get $5 stamped
coupon from Chicago Temple guard. If you are coming on Metra's Illinois Central Line,
exit on Randolph, walk 3 blocks west, 1 block south on Dearborn, 1 block west on Washington.
RSVP to Lorolie Brown at 773-667-7136 or by email:
lorolie@juno.com (subject: Passion)>
CTS has also prepared a substantial article on the subject which is available in PDF format
which you can
Download Here.
CMA has collected a variety of resource materials and articles that may be helpful in
discussions of the movie in your church:
Click Here
Ricardo Esquivia in Chicago
On March 16: An Afro-Colombian's Struggle for Peace and Human Rights in Colombia
You are invited to meet and hear Ricardo Esquivia, a prominent Afro-Colombian peace
leader and the courageous vice president of the Council of Churches in Colombia,
South America. As you may be aware, Colombia's security forces threatened to arrest
and jail Ricardo this past January. Please join us on Tuesday, March 16
(primary election day) at 7:00 pm (6:00 pm for a light supper - rsvp) at St. Martin
Episcopal Church in Chicago's west side Austin neighborhood to hear Ricardo's
testimony.
Sponsored by St. Martin's Episcopal Church, Chicago Religious Leadership Network
on Latin America (CRLN), and Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). The church is
located at 5710 W. Midway Park in Chicago: 1 block north of Lake St. & 2 blocks
west of Central at Waller; use the Central St. Stop on the Green line.
For more information or to RSVP, please call St. Martin's at 773-378-8111.
Thula Sizwe Comes to Chicago
March 14, 2004
This announcement comes from Rev. Denise Tracy at First Congregational UCC in Elmhurst
Thula Sizwe, an 8 man acapella group from South Africa, is doing a concert tour in
the Chicago area for the next couple of months. They have appeared before Queen Elizabeth,
two US Presidents and at the Olympic Games. They were at New England Congregational Church
in Aurora last week and people went crazy. They appear in African Tribal dress and do
movements and songs from a variety of sacred and secular settings.
The group has been booked for March 14th to do Sunday worship at 10:00am at First
Congregational Church, 235 S Kenilworth Av, Elmhurst. The event will be open to the
public.
This group tours to provide income to an entire tribe in Africa, a tribe deeply effected
by poverty. They depend on their concert tours to support their people.
For more information call Rev. Denise Tracy at 630-832-2580.
CMA In Care Gathering
Saturday, March 13, 2004
All current CMA In Care students are invited to join us to discuss the road to ordination
Saturday, March 13, 2004, 9:30 am - 12 noon at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake Street,
Oak Park, Illinois 60302 (708-848-5860). The church is convenient to Metra and CTA Green Line.
The morning will include a discussion of recent changes from the CMA Ordination Committee
on how to write your ordination paper and a review of the steps necessary to be ordained
in the Chicago Metropolitan Association. This will be an elaboration of the steps and
requirements noted in our recent mailing to CMA In Care students.
You will have a chance to meet and talk with
Rev. Michael Denton, CMA's new Association Co-Minister
Rev. Betsy Bueschel, CMA's staff consultant for In Care
Rev. Julie Kilmer, Chair of the Ordination Committee
and other members of the In Care and Ordination Committees
This gathering is open only to those currently In Care with CMA. Please RSVP to the CMA
office or leave a message on our answering machine by March 8, 2004 at 312-939-5918
Rev. Brenda Barnes-Jamieson, Associate Pastor of Pilgrim Congregational Church
in Oak Park, was granted a transfer of UCC standing to CMA from the Grand West Association
of the Michigan Conference on December 15, 2003
International Women's Day Event
Women and Children:
Victims of Counterinsurgency
Sunday March 7, 2004
Wellington Avenue UCC
International Women's Day celebrates women from all over the world who struggle for
equality, justice, peace and development.
Wellington Avenue United Church of Christ is pleased to commemorate International
Women's Day 2004 by presenting a panel of women activists from Colombia, Iraq,
El Salvador, Africa and the US. These five courageous women will share stories of
their work with women and children victims of counterinsurgency in these war-torn countries.
Gladys Zarante, Colombia. is a human rights activist who was forced to flee Colombia. She came to the U.S. via Costa Rica with World Relief in August 2003. Since then, she has enriched our lives at Wellington U.C.C., helping us to remember and stay connected to the on-going struggles in Colombia and with those who work for change. Come hear Gladys Talk about her work with women and children in her country.
Kathy Kelly, U.S.A.. Since 1996, Kathy Kelly, co-founder of Voices in the Wilderness (VITW) , has worked tirelessly to end US/UN sanctions and now US occupation in Iraq. In defiance of the sanctions, Ms. Kelly and VITW delivered medical supplies to children and families in need. Her primary focus has been ordinary Iraqi civilians and the most vulnerable of Iraqi society, especially children. She has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize three times.
Neris Gonzales, El Salvador. Known in El Salvador as an "eco-theologian," Neris was a target of military torture and rape because of desire to empower the poor, including women and children, at a grassroots level. In July 2003 a federal jury returned a verdict of $54.6 million against two Salvadoran generals for their role in her torture as well as that of two other Salvadorans in the early 1980s.
Additional speakers from Somalia and Iraq will be announced.
This event will be held at Wellington UCC at 615 W. Wellington in Chicago (773-935-0642)
from 12:30 to 2:00 pm. Light lunch served.
SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2004: AN ABUNDANT SPIRIT: A STEWARDSHIP EVENT
Call the Illinois Conference Office
for information at 708-344-4470
This message comes from Rev. Jorge Morales
I want to invite you to participate in An Abundant Spirit, the stewardship event to be
held on March 6, 2004, 9:30 - 2p, at the First Congregational Church of DeKalb, 615 N
First St, DeKalb, IL 60115.
This event is an important way for churches, whether facing stewardship difficulties or not,
to learn from others and seek new approaches to the financial challenges that we face in
doing God’s mission in the world.
The speakers are well-known leaders in the life of the United Church of Christ, with
great expertise:
Ms. Edith A. Guffey is the Assistant General Minister in our denomination.
The Rev. Perry Bell is a well-known and sought-after UCC stewardship consultant,
trainer and pastor.
The Rev. Richard Behringer has served as pastor in a number of UCC congregations
in several states, taught at Mt. Mary College at Yankton, South Dakota and served as
Missionary to China.
I encourage you to attend this event and bring along the stewardship and financial
leaders and officers of your church.
To obtain a brochure call the Illinois Conference at 708-344-4470.
Yours in Christ
Rev. Jorge Morales
Illinois Conference UCC
FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2004: HOMER ASHBY PRESENTATION
at the 30th Anniversary Third World Conference,
Dr. Homer U. Ashby, Jr., will present excerpts from his new book entitled
Our Home is Over Jordan: A Black Pastoral Theology, which has been described
as a critical call from psychological and spiritual
perspectives to redefine current space occupied by Africans-in-America in the twenty
first century. (Chalice Press, published September 2003, ISBN 0827227183)
The presentation and subsequent panel discussion will take place on Friday, March 5, 2004,
9 - 10:30 am at the Westin Michigan Avenue Hotel, 909 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago,
Illinois USA 60611
Dwight N. Hopkins of the University of Chicago Divinity School had this to say about the book:
By "conjuring" the biblical text, Homer U. Ashby, Jr., not only charts the rough
waters of African American cultural confusion battered by psychological and social
fragmentations, he also carefully provides hope and a specific vision for the future.
The black community has been waiting for this pastoral theology. And here is a gift
for individual, family, and community healing for all America if it chooses to risk
crossing the Jordan. Reading this book is like a journey home.
Dr. Ashby is W. Clement and Jessie V. Stone Professor of Pastoral Care,
and Interim President of McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago.
The presentation and discussion is being offered as part of the program
of the 30th Anniversary Third World Conference, an interdisciplinary intercultural conference
entitled: Global Change: Development, Peace and Security presented by the
Third World Conference Foundation, March 3 - 6, 2004 at the Westin Michigan Avenue Hotel.
The panel discussion to follow the presentation will be chaired by Dr. Joann Horton,
President of Team Masters. The panel responding to Dr. Ashby will include:
Reverend Dr. Calvin Morris, Executive Director, Community Renewal Society and
Associate Pastor, Galewood Community Church, United Church of Christ
Dr. Lee Butler, Jr., Ordained Baptist Minister and Assistant Professor of Theology
and Psychology at the Chicago Theological Seminary
Bishop Arthur M. Brazier, Pastor of the Apostolic Church of God and Community Leader
and advocate for Education and Affordable Housing for African Americans
The cost for the presentation, panel discussion and a luncheon to follow is $75.00.
This fee also admits participants to Dr. Clifford E. Singer's workshop on "Energy and
Security." Both of these sessions are focused on the sustainability of human and
environmental resources for citizens in the United States and the developing world.
These two social justice oriented programs will benefit clergy, seminarians,
lay leaders, social workers, and anyone interested in race, social justice and the
expanding issue of security.
We encourage you to attend the entire 30th Anniversary Third World Conference. For
registration information, please visit their website at:
www.twcfinternational.org
or telephone 773-241-6688.
Mail registrations for this presentation to: 30th Annual Third World Conference,
ATTN: Ashby Session Registration, 1525 E. 53rd Street, Suite 435, Chicago, Illinois 60615-4509
The 30th Anniversary Third World Conference is a place for educators, professionals,
community and government leaders to explore the critical problems and practices
confronting development. The conference focuses on theoretical and practical issues
that LDC’s and Diaspora communities face. What is the focus of current research? What
are NGO’s doing to sustain and enhance local development capacity? Are we going in the
right directions, when and when not? What are some of the practices and solutions in
the developing world that can be learned by the U.S., Canadian and European community
based organizations and individuals? We are seeking ideas, abstracts or proposals that
integrate experiences and lessons learned from those who are studying and implementing
projects and solutions with local community input and participation.
The conference's interdisciplinary and intercultural learning environment will
provide a setting to explore and exchange the nature of global change, development, and peace
and security. Top nongovernmental, community, and national organizations will display
their projects and products for your learning experience. The conference’s wide array
of exhibitors and displays will allow you to explore international and local projects
and exhibitors first hand.
CONFERENCE SAMPLE TOPICS TO BE COVERED (but not limited to):
Theories of global change
Language/Literature/Orature/Arts/Culture and Film
Peace, human rights, security and conflict resolution
Global social change philanthropy for development
Military intervention/Preemption
Women’s leadership and empowerment
Human security/Agriculture/Food/Environment
Information/Technology
Migration/Employment and youth development
Trade versus aid: Is there a balance?
Politics, power and corruption
Micro credit /Financial services for development
Education and training
Public health and HIV/AIDS
The Third World Conference Foundation (TWCF) is a non-profit independent research and
educational organization that provides interdisciplinary and intercultural perspectives
bridging ideas, cultures and people on all aspects of Third World development through
conferences, forums, workshops and publications. It has successfully organized
annual Third World Conferences in the United States and other countries.
Since its inception 30 years ago, the Third World Conference has been a forum,
a platform, a place of encounter to discuss the challenges of development, a
place to join and find practical and workable solutions to Third World
and Diaspora problems. TWCF has been one of only a hand full of associations to
actively promote international understanding and foster communication about
issues of global economic, social, and political development and peace within
an intercultural perspective.
TWCF is a progressive organization, and our conferences, publications and other
related activities reflect our commitment to peace, social change and justice.
With those aims in mind, we have from our very beginning, attracted the most
innovative of scholars, policy makers, activists, leaders and citizens who share
our ideals and vision.
TWCF’s members represent more than sixty countries throughout the world, who pursue
careers in academia, government, private enterprise, research and international exchange.
Prayers of Remembrance & Lament
Prayers were offered on Sunday, February 29, to mark
the 50th anniversary on March 1st of the Bravo Hydrogen Bomb test by the United States
Government on Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. This test of a bomb with over 1000
times the destructive force of the bombs dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima destroyed a
people's way of living, destroyed forever the land on which they lived, has caused
excruciating pain and personal hardship throughout an entire culture, and decimated two
generations. This was the first of 67 atomic and hydrogen bombings between 1946 and 1958
in the Marshall Islands, a land against whom we were not at war.
UCC's General Synod has voted support for the Marshallese people and their land. You may
wish to write your congressional representatives seeking US government aid in restoring
the land and compensating survivors. You may also write a personal letter of support to
ERUB, an organization for the survivors, via Elma Coleman, UCC member from the Marshall
Islands at this address: ERUB, Elma Coleman, c/o 631 Hausten Suite 2, Honolulu, HI 96826.
This message came to us from Rev Mary Susan Gast, Conference Minister, Northern California
Nevada Conference, United Church of Christ
|
* |
