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Archived Events and News Previously Posted on the CMA Website
in, for or through MARCH 2006
Friday, March 31: Day of Prayer for Farmworkers' Rights
National and regional leaders of religious bodies are calling upon their
members to pray and meditate for McDonald’s and the Coalition of Immokalee
Workers (CIW) on Friday, March 31st. On this Day of Prayer and Meditation
to Advance Real Rights for Farmworkers, people of faith will be praying and
meditating that McDonald’s Corporation will work with the CIW to advance the
real rights of farmworkers in its tomato supply chain. This observance is set
to coincide with a prayer vigil and peaceful demonstration led by the CIW and
religious leaders outside of McDonald’s headquarters in Oak Brook, IL.
The CIW is a membership-led organization of agricultural workers based in
Immokalee, Florida, that seeks justice for farmworkers and promotes their
fair treatment in accordance with national and international labor standards.
The farmworkers have launched a McDonald’s Truth Tour and have been calling on
the company to ensure improved wages, the full participation of farmworkers in
protecting their own rights, and an enforceable code of conduct based on
universally established labor standards.
Read the complete Press Release
HERE.
The United Church of Christ is a member of the Coalition of Immokalee
Workers (CIW)
Thursday, March 30: Center for Church/State Studies Annual Lecture
Please join us for the 23rd Annual Lecture of the Center for Church/State
Studies which will occur Thursday afternoon, March 30, 2006 at 3:30 pm.
View complete
invitation here.
Professor Sarah Gordon of the University of Pennsylvania Law School will
speak on: The Almighty and the Dollar: Prayer and School Funding in
20th Century America.
The lecture will be at the Union League Club, 65 West Jackson Blvd.,
Chicago, Illinois. Please respond to Alice Farrell at 312-362-8822 or
afarrell@depaul.edu to
reserve a space.
I hope to see you next week.
Rev. Craig B. Mousin
CMousin@depaul.edu
Center for Church/State Studies
DePaul University, Chicago, IL
MARCH 21-24: SCUPE'S 2006 CONGRESS ON URBAN MINISTRY
Hyatt Regency at McCormick Place ,Chicago, IL
Co-Chairs:
Rev. Dr. Gary Gunderson, Interfaith Health Program, Emory University
Rev. Dr. Fred Smith, Wesley Theological Seminary
The Beloved Community Breaking Through in the City
An international convergence of boundary leaders seeking transformation of our cities & world
The city is a strategic place for the Church to be salt and light. In it, people from all walks of life cry out for a demonstration of God's love. Anyone involved in a Congress on Urban Ministry knows that our communities experience profound discontinuity. We see our cities breaking down. We need each other's help to see them as also breaking open, open to new possibilities. We need to see our cities and ourselves with new eyes. The Congress on Urban Ministry provides a place for us to help each other see.
Our next congress will gather at the Hyatt Regency at McCormick Place in Chicago , from March 21-26, 2006. Together, we will reflect on the theme, "The Beloved Community." We will consider what it means to be a neighbor to all those lying on the side of the road, and ask how we can transform our social systems and communities into networks of justice. We will remind each other that we stand in a rich tradition of prophets like Martin Luther King, Jr., Martin Luther King Jr. who understood both what it meant to be marginalized and at the same time find the courage to speak justice to power. We will explore what leadership looks like in the boundary zones of life, and like Dr. King, lift our voices on behalf of the poor, the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, and the imprisoned.
Join us as we celebrate The Beloved Community! Learn from each other. Support one another. Make a difference in the future of our cities, and our world.
At the Congress:
EXPLORE living out the Gospel as leaders crossing boundaries in our highly polarized world
Learn to listen & tell stories of God’s transforming grace amidst brokenness
DISCOVER new & diverse models of leadership fit for urban reality
Find & affirm your own pattern of leadership in the spectrum of new pathways emerging across boundaries of race, class, theology & discipline
Join an exciting & improvisational worship experience that will draw from the talents of the gathered community at the Congress
EXPERIENCE the power of webs of transformation
Experience the power of convergence as those from health, ministry, community development, education & politics create the beloved community…now
Attendees will have the opportunity to work together in Regional Action Teams committed to strengthening one another’s work, & regional policy change
Daily sessions will begin with Bible Study by Drs. Brian J. Walsh & Sylvia C. Keesmaat, co-authors of Colossians Remixed: Subverting the Empire
Plenary Speakers will deliver challenging and inspirational messages each day.
Speakers Include:
Co-chairs
Gary Gunderson: Interfaith Health Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA;
Methodist Healthcare, Memphis, TN
Fred Smith: Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, DC
Plenary Speakers
Yvonne Delk: Center for African American Theological Studies, Chicago, IL
Jim Wallis: Sojourners & Call to Renewal, Washington DC
Bishop Philip Robert Cousin: Presiding Prelate, 4th Episcopal Church, Chicago
Osagyefo Uhuru Sekou: Clergy and Laity Concerned about Iraq, New York
Soong Chan Rah: Cambridge Community Fellowship Church, Cambridge, MA
Claudia de la Cruz: Iglesia San Romero de las Americas, New York, NY
Adam Taylor: Sojourners & Call to Renewal, Washington, DC
Over 70 additional trainings, workshops, site visits, & cohort group offerings include:
For more information and to register
CLICK HERE
March 18 Chicago Antiwar Protest
Three years of war in Iraq is three years too many.
On March 18, the third anniversary of the beginning of the Iraq war,
send a message: End the War and Occupation - Bring the Troops Home Now.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Antiwar protest in Chicago
Date: March 18, 2006 (third "anniversary" of start of war in Iraq)
Mass Rally
Time: 3 pm
Place: Union Park (1501 W Randolph St)
March on Michigan Avenue
Time: 6 pm
Start: W Walton St & N State St
Flyers are available to post in your church and distribute to your
congregation:
Download Here
For more information visit:
www.chicagoactions.org
or contact:
info@chicagoactions.org.
US Church Alliance Denounces Iraq War
By BRIAN MURPHY, AP Religion Writer
February 18, 1:05 PM ET
PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil - A coalition of American churches sharply denounced
the U.S.-led war in Iraq on Saturday, accusing Washington of "raining down
terror" and apologizing to other nations for "the violence, degradation and
poverty our nation has sown."
"We lament with special anguish the war in Iraq, launched in deception and
violating global norms of justice and human rights," said the statement
from representatives of the 34 U.S. members of World Council of Churches.
"We mourn all who have died or been injured in this war. We acknowledge
with shame abuses carried out in our name."
See Complete Story
U.S. Troops in Iraq:
72% Say End War in 2006
Zogby International
Released February 28, 2006
An overwhelming majority of 72% of American troops serving in Iraq think
the U.S. should exit the country within the next year, and more than one
in four say the troops should leave immediately, a new Le Moyne
College/Zogby International survey shows.
See Complete Story
Women's Lenten Breakfast: March 18
If you have not yet registered to attend the Illinois Conference's Women
in Church and Society Lenten Breakfast on March 18, 2006, in LaGrange,
please DO SO NOW BY CALLING DOROTHY DILL at 708-755-5347.
Women's Lenten Breakfasts are being held in each Association. The CMA
breakfast will be at the First Congregational Church of LaGrange, 100
South Sixth Avenue, LaGrange, IL.
Registration begins at 9:15 am and the program begins at 9:30 am.
Hear stories, share thoughts, sing hymns, enjoy a meal
Childcare for 5 years and under if requested
Registration Fee is $3.00. You may mail the fee with the registration
form below or bring it on the day of breakfast. But please CALL to let
us know if you are coming. No fee for children 12 and under.
Directions:
1st Congregational Church of LaGrange, 100 South Sixth Avenue,
LaGrange, IL: The church is in downtown LaGrange, on the corners of
LaGrange Rd (Rts 12 & 45) between the Stevenson and Eisenhower
expressways. There is a free parking facility just north of the
church which is also handicap accessible. The Burlington Train and
Pace bus lines are very also very close
For information or to register, contact Dorothy Dill at 708-755-5347
REGISTRATION IS DUE SATURDAY, March 11, 2006 FOR MEAL COUNT
Download Flyer and
Registration Form here.
FRIDAY, MARCH 17 - SATURDAY, MARCH 18: IN CARE BOUNDARY TRAINING
The next Boundary Training Workshop FOR CMA IN CARE STUDENTS ONLY:
will be held Friday, March 17 - Saturday, March 18
- At the CMA office in downtown Chicago.
- Friday program starts at 12:30 pm and runs through 8:30 pm that night.
- Saturday program will begin at 9:30 am and end at 4:30 pm.
- Cost is $10 which includes meals and materials for both days.
- Boundary Training is now a requirement for ordination for all In Care
students in CMA.
- Download Registration
Form Here.
- Registration deadline is March 3 2006.
32nd Annual Third World Conference
MARCH 16-18
Swissôtel Chicago
For over three decades, TWCF has inspired, nurtured, and led intellectual
exchanges and approaches to research, advocacy and intervention to foster
development at the local and global levels.
This year's theme: Development: Exploring Local and Global Change
The conference includes participation by scholars, policymakers, practitioners,
artists, students and other professionals whose work focuses on contemporary
issues facing the global south, north and diaspora communities. We encourage
participation on a broad range of topics from a variety of disciplines and
perspectives.
Program Highlights:
Thursday, March 16, 2006
- Registration (8 am - 5 pm)
- Aging is an Important Part of Development
- Identifying and Rectifying Wrongful Convictions
- Black Contributions to World Music with Jerry "Iceman" Butler
Friday, March 17, 2006
- Overview of HIV AIDS in Illinois and South Africa
- Plenary Session - Global Chicago: The Challenges and Opportunities of Being a Global City
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Leadership Challenges in the African American and Latino Community; Presenters:
- Calvin Morris, Executive Director, Community Renewal Society
- Jorge Morales, Associate Conference Minister, Illinois Conference, United Church of Christ
- Edward Goode, Association Co-Minister, Chicago Metropolitan Association, Illinois Conference, United Church of Christ
- Emma Lozano, Centro Sin Fronteras, Chicago, IL
- Jesus (Chui) Garcia, Executive Director, Little Village Development Corporation
Download the Complete Program Here.
(Posted 10/18/04 - 03/17/06)
SENIOR PASTOR: PILGRIM CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, Oak Park, Illinois
(This church has requested a hold on profiles while they consider a candidate)
Pilgrim Congregational Church is seeking a full-time Senior Pastor. Pilgrim is an Open
and Affirming congregation located in an economically and racially diverse community
just west of Chicago. We have approximately 430 members. Average attendance at worship
is 150. We have a large number of children and youth, with approximately 112 participants
in our Sunday School program. Our congregation strives to be diverse and inclusive. We
recently completed a capital campaign to raise the funds to make our building accessible
to people with physical disabilities.
Pilgrim's members are actively engaged in church life. We have strong lay leaders who
organize our Mission work, manage our finances, teach Sunday school for children and
adults, participate in worship through liturgy and music, plan fellowship events, and
provide prayer and spiritual support for the community. Our staff includes a Minister
of Music, who is exceptionally talented and committed and leads a wonderful music program,
a full-time office manager, and a custodian.
We are seeking a Senior Pastor who is an effective preacher and speaker and relates
well to people of all ages. Our Pastor must be accepting of people with divergent views
and able to build consensus and enable us to "agree to disagree." Because of our
tradition of strong lay leadership, it is important that our new pastor be skilled in
organizing effective ministries, defining tasks, discerning gifts, and
training / coaching / mentoring new leaders. Our pastor will lead us through a
continuing examination of issues of growth, diversity, and our desire to devote
more resources to youth ministry, as we attempt to discern God's plans for our congregation.
We are also seeking a Pastor who will help us to develop our spiritual lives and keep
us focussed on our spiritual journey, always reminding us that serving God must be the
central focus of all that we do. We need a Pastor who will lead us in worship, praise,
and prayer.
For more information about our church, you may visit our web site at
www.pilgrimoakpark.com.
If you would like to have your profile forwarded to this congregation, please contact
Rev. Michael Denton at CMA by email
or by phone at 312-939-5918.
TUESDAY, MARCH 7: FORUM ON REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS AND THE CHURCH
Private Choices, Public Faith at the Intersection: Reproductive Rights
and the Church
A Women's Month Open Forum Event sponsored by The Center for African
American Ministries and Black Studies at McCormick Theological Seminary
Facilitators: Ms. Kathryn Lyndes, Ph.D. Candidate; Rev. Penny Willis, M.Div.
Sponsored by:
The Chicago Foundation for Women
The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice
Planned Parenthood Chicago Area
The Center for African American Ministries and Black Church Studies at McCormick Theological Seminary
Location: McCormick Theological Seminary, McGaw Common Room,
5460 S. University Avenue, Chicago, IL 60615
Date and Time: Tuesday, March 7, 2006; 1:15 p.m. -2:30 p.m.
Light lunch will be provided.
Download Flyer
To R.S.V.P. Contact: Rev. Penny Willis, M.Div. at:
revpenny365@juno.com
(Posted thru 3/9/06)
UCC Ministerial Profile System Is Now Offline
Upgrade to system will require reversion to paper forms
The UCC’s Parish Life and Leadership Ministry Team in Cleveland has begun an
upgrade to the online ministerial profile system. As a result the current
method of preparing profiles online is now unavailable until further notice.
While the system is down there will be an UNDER CONSTRUCTION notice on the national
website, and the national UCC office will return to processing ministerial profiles
with the old paper system the way they did before the online system.
Ministerial profile forms on CDROM will again be available for use in the interim
by all candidates. Paper packets will also be available.
Circulation of ministerial profiles will remain the same. Those profiles that have
been prepared online will continue to be distributed electronically, but there will
be an increase in the number of paper profiles in circulation during the time when
they are not able to produce profiles online.
If you need paper or CDROM forms or have any questions or concerns to please contact
the national office:
Parish Life and Leadership Ministry Team
United Church of Christ
700 Prospect Ave
Cleveland, OH 44115-1100
Phone: 1-866-822-8224 ext 3847
Fax: 1-216-736-2237
ludwigd@ucc.org
SUNDAY, MARCH 5: INSTALLATION OF REV THOM BOWER
Installation of Rev. Thom Bower as Pastor of St Paul's United Church of
Christ, 3342 Calwagner St in Franklin Park (847-678-8500) will be on
Sunday, March 5, 2006, at 3 pm.
SUNDAY, MARCH 5: WORSHIP ALIVE WORKSHOP
This next Worship Alive workshop will be held on Sunday afternoon from
2:30 to 5:00 PM at the United Church of Rogers Park, 1545 W. Morse Avenue, Chicago.
with Dr. Marcia McFee as trainer.
Worship Alive is an interactive workshop for worship planners and leaders with
renowned worship practitioners and trainers. These workshops are for clergy,
musicians, seminarians, and lay persons of all denominations involved in planning
and leading worship.
The workshops model worship experiences that:
are multisensory, participatory and inspiring;
celebrate multicultural diversity;
embody God’s all-embracing love in Jesus Christ; and
move persons and communities to acts of justice and liberation.
The next workshop after this will be on April 30, 2006 with Mark Bowman as trainer.
To find out more and to register, go to the:
Worship Alive Web Site.
CEUs for clergy and ministry professionals are available through
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary for participation in all four workshops.
For additional information contact Mark Bowman at 773-728-8274 or at:
worshipalive@comcast.net
SATURDAY, MARCH 4: HEALTH ADVOCACY TRAINING FOR FAITH LEADERS
The Campaign for Better Health Care, Illinois' largest and most diverse
grassroots coalition working on health care, is offering an advocacy
training in Elgin on March 4th entitled "Seeking Justice in Health Care."
Participants receive a half-day, comprehensive education in the health
care "system" in our state and become well-versed in the health care
debate. For those who are passionate about the issue but don't feel
like they can answer the tough questions, we can help. We will focus
on becoming active within your congregation or social justice ministry.
We hope this training allows more concerned congregations to get active
and raise awareness in their community.
Download
Flyer & Registration Form
Ash Wednesday: March 1, 2006
Selected by Rev Mike Denton
This comes from Eugene Peterson's interpretation of the Bible called
The Message. It's one of the optional readings for Ash Wednesday.
Isaiah 58
YOUR PRAYERS WON'T GET OFF THE GROUND
1 "Shout! A full-throated shout!
Hold nothing back-a trumpet-blast shout!
Tell my people what's wrong with their lives,
face my family Jacob with their sins!
2 They're busy, busy, busy at worship,
and love studying all about me.
To all appearances they're a nation of right-living people-
law-abiding, God-honoring.
They ask me, 'What's the right thing to do?'
and love having me on their side.
3 But they also complain,
'Why do we fast and you don't look our way?
Why do we humble ourselves and you don't even notice?'
"Well, here's why:
"The bottom line on your 'fast days' is profit.
You drive your employees much too hard.
4 You fast, but at the same time you bicker and fight.
You fast, but you swing a mean fist.
The kind of fasting you do
won't get your prayers off the ground.
5 Do you think this is the kind of fast day I'm after:
a day to show off humility?
To put on a pious long face
and parade around solemnly in black?
Do you call that fasting,
a fast day that I, GOD, would like?
6 "This is the kind of fast day I'm after:
to break the chains of injustice,
get rid of exploitation in the workplace,
free the oppressed,
cancel debts.
7 What I'm interested in seeing you do is:
sharing your food with the hungry,
inviting the homeless poor into your homes,
putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad,
being available to your own families.
8 Do this and the lights will turn on,
and your lives will turn around at once.
Your righteousness will pave your way.
The GOD of glory will secure your passage.
9 Then when you pray, GOD will answer.
You'll call out for help and I'll say, 'Here I am.'
A FULL LIFE IN THE EMPTIEST OF PLACES
"If you get rid of unfair practices,
quit blaming victims,
quit gossiping about other people's sins,
10 If you are generous with the hungry
and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out,
Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness,
your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight.
11 I will always show you where to go.
I'll give you a full life in the emptiest of places-
firm muscles, strong bones.
You'll be like a well-watered garden,
a gurgling spring that never runs dry.
12 You'll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew,
rebuild the foundations from out of your past.
You'll be known as those who can fix anything,
restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate,
make the community livable again.
13 "If you watch your step on the Sabbath
and don't use my holy day for personal advantage,
If you treat the Sabbath as a day of joy,
GOD's holy day as a celebration,
If you honor it by refusing 'business as usual,'
making money, running here and there-
14 Then you'll be free to enjoy GOD!
Oh, I'll make you ride high and soar above it all.
I'll make you feast on the inheritance of your ancestor Jacob."
Yes! GOD says so!
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