UMW Sunday
UMW Sunday Materials
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN’S SUNDAY (UMW)
UMW Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to share how God is working to further the well-being of women, children and youth around the world. Sharing your local efforts of support as well as community and world wide impact help the local church congregation understand the importance of your work and may inspire others to join.
While financially separate, UMW is an integral part of the foundation of the local church. Mission is essential to the life blood of the church. For the church to pulse brightly in a healthy glow, reaching out to others in mission is essential.
Plan to set up a booth or informational table with local UMW information as well as a representative(s) of your local unit who can share your message, answer questions, and invite people to join your group.
When planning your Sunday, the usual order of worship can be followed or you can “change it up” a little.
The Following Information is provided for 2020
Fridley UMC 1.26.20
Women's Voices, Women's Lives
Last year for UMW Sunday, we presented a skit about how the United Methodist Women's Organization was started and about the various name changes that the organization went through, and about some of the important women that were part of the organization. We were starting to celebrate the 150th year of Women in Mission. Since we are not to March 23rd yet, of this year, we are still in the 150th year and I want to tell you some more about our organization. Many of you help support us through your pledges, your gifts, your participation and your prayers and I want to be able to tell you about where your money goes. Last summer at Mission u, I took the class: Women United for Change, 150 Years in Mission, which is the cover of the bulletin today. Our study book was written by Ellen Blue, a distinguished scholar and Jr. Professor of the History of Christianity and United Methodist Studies at Phillips Theological Seminary and an ordained elder in the Louisiana Annual Conference. This book is very well written and I strongly recommend that all women read it. In this book, she shares the voices and stories of the women who have gone before us. She shares, that despite serious resistance from churchmen, these women formed foreign missionary societies to provide education and healthcare for women and girls internationally and home missionary societies that tackled racial justice and other pressing social issues at home. They also helped to establish the deaconess program, which was the first opportunity in our tradition for large numbers of women to perform full-time ministries of service and justice, and they opened the doors for women to take on leadership roles in many arenas. By the end of the study, never was I more proud to call myself a United Methodist Woman.
When I first was thinking about what I wanted to say on UMW Sunday, I thought that I would talk about some of the women and their accomplishments. However, after starting to write this sermon, if you want to call it that, I decided that I wanted you to know more about the BIG picture, not just about certain members. What is so great about this organization is that you don't have to be a certain "Someone" to become something bigger. Our MN Conference UMW President, Cindy Saufferer is a farmer from Morristown, MN. She served for two four year terms as a National Director, with meetings in New York. This is what Cindy had to say when elected for her second term:
“I am completely humbled to be lifted up for this job,” ,“The women I have met through UMW are all so incredibly dedicated and competent. They’ve been part of my journey—mentoring me and teaching me and leading me. I hope that I can serve them well.”
We previously had another former National Director, Carol Rieke, that gave a speech one year at School of Christian Mission (which I will never forget), about being a Pig Farmer, when opportunity came knocking at her door. What both of these women and all the other women in the book have stated, is that being a United Methodist Woman has given them so many opportunities to do things and to grow and change. Learning to help women claim their own power to be in ministry and to bring about improvement in their surroundings, has taught United Methodist Women valuable lessons about their own lives and spirituality. The women who came before us laid a strong foundation. The Holy One calls all of us to work together. United Methodist Women say, "Yes".
Recognition of the power of women around the world to help themselves and to teach all members of United Methodist Women about what the kin-dom of God would look like is a continuing process. Complete justice within the church itself remains a goal, and United Methodist Women continues to pursue it. Many times, I have felt that I haven't done enough. I have not gone on marches, I have not walked a picket line, I have not been to a candle vigil, I have not been to the capitol, but I learned this summer, that every member of every predecessor organization has mattered in the development of United Methodist Women. Each one of us counts. Our raising money in our local unit matters. We put the dollars into the work that United Methodist Women do. If the work that the women have accomplished, were suddenly erased, the finest aspects of the United Methodist Church and many of the opportunities for spiritual and physical health that women and children around the world possess, would vanish. A lot of the work we do is made possible through United Methodist Women members' giving. It is the organization's only source of funding, and includes endowments and Mission Giving by members and their families. Our giving, along with your support of our Harvest Dinner and Salad Luncheon, help us support the nearly one hundred National Mission Institutions, with services like child care, parenting seminars, camps for children with special needs, and assistance to immigrants and survivors of human trafficking. Emma Norton Residence is one of the National Missions, right here in St. Paul, MN. When women organize for mission, their work extends around the world to more than one hundred countries and United Methodist Women Regional Missionaries engage in compassionate work in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.
United Methodist Women have also made many purchases of property and invested their money. I will just list a few of the important ones here. The Scarritt Bennett Center, in Nashville Tennessee, was a college for Christian Workers where deaconesses, missionaries and other church workers were trained. It closed in 1988 and the Women's Division purchased the property and created the Scarritt Bennett Center, a campus dedicated to the eradication of racism and to challenging "societal assupmtions about power, domination, and violence that use race and ethnic differences to creat inequality and inequity." Across from the United Nations complex in New York City, stands the Church Center for the United Nations. It is owned by United Methodist Women, and is a testament to the foresight of women who saw that peacemaking needed strong support from religious organizations that could bring moral authority and ethical teachings to bear on international relations. There is more interesting reading on this topic in the book. One of the best things about owning some properties, was that in 1983 the women in Liberia 'were given the deeds to properties owned by the Women's Division to give them the power of ownership and resources." The church Hierarchy in Liberia wanted the women to pass the deeds on to the larger church so it could manage the property, but the Women's Division urged the women to keep the deeds and manage the properties themselves, and they did. I hope that some of you will take the time to check out the UMW National website and look to see what all we support.
In closing, I would like to read part of a letter that was sent out by our General Secretary and CEO of United Methodist Women, Harriett Jane Olson. In the letter, she talks about this time of change and about persons who have various leadership roles in our denomination and other groups, that have prepared their own separate plans for how the Methodist denomination should proceed in 2020. She talked about the announcement that was made on Friday, January 3, that an agreement had been made to move ahead through separation. The proposal, and at this moment it is only a proposal, would allow traditionalist United Methodists to form a new Methodist/Wesleyan body. This is just a proposal and actual legislation for the General Conference to consider would still need to be drafted. The current outline however, does not address United Methodist Women, except to say that , if the proposal is adopted, we would remain part of the United Methodist Church rather than the traditionalist denomination that could be formed. United Methodist Women have been following the develpment of all the plans and at times providing input or response. We, the United Methodist Women, know that there is urgent work to take on, supporting women, children and youth and marginalized persons and advocating for policies that are more just. Our commitment is to be a place where all the women who affirm the Purpose and want to work together in mission can belong. With this in view, the United Methodist Women Board of Directors has already made changes to our bylaws to ensure that women committed to this mission could continue to belong, regardless of whether they or their church or their Conference separates from the United Methodist Church. As the United Methodist Church examines next steps, United Methodist Women will continue to be a place where the needs of women and children are front and center. In this time of change, we encourage members to remain connected to each other and to remain centered on the work we are called to do in the world, confident that God is at work. We are a 150 year old women's movement still saying yes to God's call to mission.
Fridley UMW Sunday 1.26.20 BULLETIN
We trust you were warmly welcomed in our church family. If you are looking for a new church home, perhaps you have found it today. If you’re “just passing through” we’re pleased to have you as our guest. Let us know if we can be of assistance, or if you would like to participate with us as we reach up, reach deep, and reach out in Jesus’ name. Children are welcome to attend our worship services along with all their sounds and noises.
Clergy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Wayne V. Swanson
Organist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Justin Brown
Liturgist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cindy Doerr (UMW Vice-President)
Scripture Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carolyn Doyle (UMW Spiritual Growth Coord.)
Women’s Chorus Director . . . . . Sharon White
Ushers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sophia Bushnell, Betty Harris, Kristen Johnson,
Fridley United Methodist Church
680 Mississippi St NE
Fridley MN 55432
Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World.
THANK YOU FOR WORSHIPPING WITH US TODAY
Moment of Contemplation:
Heavenly father, our provider, our maker and our protector. Through your goodness, we are alive and healthy enough to gather and worship you. We praise you for all that you have given us and thank you in Jesus’ name. Holy Lord, we commit all of our good deeds to you and ask that everything we do be done for your glory forever and ever.
(Announcements – Please check our church’s yellow pages for upcoming ministries and events.)
Prelude ~
WE GATHER AS GOD’S FAMILY
Welcome
⇑ Processional Song, Hymn #583, You Are the Seed (UMC, red hymnal)
Invocation
WE GLORIFY GOD
Prayer of Confession
Sometimes, O God, we forget people, or we toss them aside – the difficult ones, the needy ones, the ones that are hard to spend time with, the ones who confront us. And sometimes when we do things like that, it’s not really about the other people, but about us. We are uncomfortable, or we feel guilty, or we follow brighter, shinier people, or we worry about what will make us look good. We are in such desperate need of your forgiveness. We need to be forgiven for our sin, for our mistakes, for mistaking what the world values with what you value. Help us to be better, and to see more clearly, and to care more thoroughly. In Christ we pray. Amen.
Greeting
Special Mission Recognition Awards Carolyn Doyle, Diane Jachymowski
WE GROW OUR SOULS
The Scripture Readings: Colossians 3:23-24, 2 Corinthians 9:7-9
Sermon Women’s Voices, Women’s Lives
⇑ Hymn #593, Here I Am, Lord (UMC, red hymnal)
WE GIVE WITH GRATITUDE
Prayers of the People
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Offering
Offertory Nothing Left to Say ~Angerman/Martin
(ushers will receive the offering)
⇑ Doxology, pg. 95 (UMC, red hymnal)
Prayer of Dedication
Lord of us all, through these offerings we become partners with you in your cause. We join you in our concern for all people, and name them as our own brothers and sisters. We return these gifts of our material resources and our time to extend your redeeming will into this moment in history and into your world. Thank you for this privilege. Amen
WE GO, CONTAGIOUS WITH GOD’S GRACE
Closing Hymn #2243, We Are All One in Mission (Faith We Sing, black hymnal)
⇑ Closing Blessing
⇑ Organ Response ~
(Some of us stay to worship while listening to the organ postlude, some of us search for treats, coffee and conversation, still others, are on the move, setting up for the Worship Service
Fridley UMW Sunday 1.26.20
CLOSING BLESSING
| Lord, you have given us people who love us and whom we love. In this we find comfort. And you have placed strangers in our lives. In this we find our challenge and your call. Open our eyes to see your face in every person we meet. Open our hearts to count each of your children as a brother or sister. Open our arms to welcome them in. Open our gifts so that we may show them that your love and compassion have no bounds. Through this may we find that you have made your home in us, and us part of your family. Amen. |
Closing Blessing.
Invocation
Gather Around Jesus Prayer
Mighty God, everything you do reveals your glory and majesty. Open our eyes to see what you are doing in our lives. Let us marvel at your good gifts and your wise provision. Your acts are amazing Lord. We can not comprehend the number of blessings you pour out on us from day to day. As we gather today around your name, we pray that you would fill our hearts, our minds and our souls. Transform us Lord, and make us more like you. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Moment of Contemplation:
Heavenly father, our provider, our maker and our protector. Through your goodness, we are alive and healthy enough to gather and worship you. We praise you for all that you have given us and thank you in Jesus’ name. Holy Lord, we commit all of our good deeds to you and ask that everything we do be done for your glory forever and ever.
Prayer of Confession
Sometimes, O God, we forget people, or we toss them aside – the difficult ones, the needy ones, the ones that are hard to spend time with, the ones who confront us. And sometimes when we do things like that, it’s not really about the other people, but about us. We are uncomfortable, or we feel guilty, or we follow brighter, shinier people, or we worry about what will make us look good. We are in such desperate need of your forgiveness. We need to be forgiven for our sin, for our mistakes, for mistaking what the world values with what you value. Help us to be better, and to see more clearly, and to care more thoroughly. In Christ we pray. Amen.
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: ‘They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”
2 Corinthians 9:7-9
Prayer of Dedication
Lord of us all, through these offerings we become partners with you in your cause. We join you in our concern for all people, and name them as our own brothers and sisters. We return these gifts of our material resources and our time
to extend your redeeming will into this moment in history and into your world. Thank you for this privilege. Amen
Discovery UMW Sunday 2019
The following information is provided for 2017:
Fourth Avenue United Methodist Church
A Time for Laughter
March 5, 2017
Order of Worship
Prayer of Preparation
Because the child is so important, clowns seek to address the child in all of us. They do it to share the message of the Gospel, that God loves us. Reawaken in me, O God, that sense of childlike delight so I may have new joy in relation to my faith. Amen
Prelude “This Is the Day the Lord Hath Made”
We invite you into a quiet time of prayer and meditation during the prelude as you prepare for worship this morning.
Welcome and Greeting Kirsten Strnad
*Welcome Each Other
“If You’re Happy and You Know It”
If you’re happy and you know it, say hello
If you’re happy and you know it, say hello
If you’re happy and you know it,
then your face will surely show it (smile)
If you’re happy and you know it, say hello.
If you’re happy and you know it, shake a hand
If you’re happy and you know it, shake a hand
If you’re happy and you know it,
then your face will surely show it (smile)
If you’re happy and you know it, shake a hand.
*Call to Worship An Affirmation of Humor
(Compiled by Chris Anderson with help from the Joyful Newsletter,
edited by Sandy Meyer)
L: We believe with the Bible
P: “that there is a time to weep and a time to laugh.”
L: We believe with Aquinas
P: that there is a time for “playful deeds and jokes.”
L: We believe with Luther
P: that “You have as much laughter as you have faith.”
L: We believe in Calvin
P: that “we are nowhere forbidden to laugh.”
L: We believe with Wesley
P: that “A sour religion is the devil’s religion.”
L: We believe with Kierkegaard
P: that “Humor is intrinsic to Christianity.”
L: We believe with Bonhoeffer
P: that “Ultimate seriousness is not without a dose of humor.”
L: We believe in Charles Schultz
P: that “Humor is proof that everything is going to be all right with God nevertheless.
Opening Prayer: “Give to Us Laughter” (Edited from a contemporary hymn from Walter Farquharson.)
Give us laughter, O Source of our life. Laughter can banish so much of our strife. Laughter and love give us wholeness and health. Laughter and love are the coin of true wealth. Even in sorrow and hours of grief, laughter with tears brings most healing relief. God, give us laughter, and God, give us peace, joys of your promise among us increase. Amen.
Hymn “Take Time to Be Funny” Take time to be funny, rejoice in the Lord
Let laughter explode and have fun with God’s Word
For laughter is healing, gives strength to the weak
God loves to see smiles, they lift up the meek.
Take time to be silly, it’s good for the soul
Too many are somber, grabbing control.
Let go and let God’s love wash over your soul
Hea-ven-ly transcendence can be you life’s goal.
For humor is holy, it sanctifies life,
Replenishes hope and oft softens advice
It undercuts sorrow, deflates haughty pride.
So smile and hang on, rejoice in life’s ride.
(Used with the permission of the author from the book,
from Hymns for Various Occasions. The Rev. Robert L. Anderson)
Presentation of Special Memberships
Kelly Landsverk Shari Vanderveen
Memorial Service Lois Christen
We remember:
Eleanor Kalien Inez Fluke
Leona Owens Evelyn Grau
Unison Prayer:
Most loving God – as you have given yourself to us in Christ Jesus, now let us give ourselves to you. We give you our bodies that they may be vessels for your Spirit: we give you our souls that they may be made pure by your grace; we give you our hearts that we may always love you and we give you our minds that they may always be full of your wisdom. Receive all that we offer and use it for your honor and glory. Amen
Offertory “Down in the River to Pray” Women’s Choir
*Doxology “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”
Scripture Reading Ecclesiastes 3:3-8 Liz Hartman
Message: “A Time for Clown Ministry” Sandy Meyer (aka “Rainbow”)
Prayer of Confession
Lord’s Prayer
*Hymn “Come Let Us Laugh” Lyrics by Jo Cassaday-Maloney
Tune: “Come, Thou Almighty King” UMH #61
Come let us laugh, pray, and sing!
We have been given everything.
This is our chance – we can let it all hang out,
Never more have a doubt, giggle and snort and shout
It’s time to dance.
Jesus is raised from the dead,
this word we just have to spread
Now is the time – let it in waves just roll,
Try not to take control; don’t sound too meek or droll
Like bells we’ll chime!
Life has been turned around, death conquered, grace abounds
Our God is great! We have been freed from fear
Grinning from ear to ear, wiping away each tear
Weeping can wait.
This is the day to rejoice! Give every child of God a voice.
Everyone hear! We’ve been redeemed and blessed
To care about the rest. Joy is our lasting guest
Year after year.
*Congregational Benediction
“God Be with You…” UMH # 672
God be with you till we meet again;
By his counsels guide uphold you,
With his sheep securely fold you;
God be with you till we meet again.
Postlude
Parlor Fellowship: UMW
Ushers: Melva Ochs, Elaine Nagel, Donna Schuenke
Greeters: Audrey Quiggle, Lois Christen
Musicans: Doug Maddow, Piano
Choir director: Kelly Landsverk
Song Leader: Shari Vanderveen
Tech: Grant Lammin, Dale Hauptli, Nathan Ebert
Nursery: Kim Luedke – Care for ages 3 & under
Northeast United Methodist Church
February 26, 2017
Climate Justice: A Call to Hope and Action
“Where flowers bloom, so does hope“
*indicates please stand as God leads you
Bolded text indicates congregation participation
Prelude
Greeting: (Sandy Adelmund)
Call to Worship: (Sandy Adelmund)
One: We pray in gratitude for the spirit of God moving over the face of the waters to create light.
ALL: Hear our prayer lord.
One: We pray in gratitude that God created land, separated it from water, raised up vegetation and fruit- bearing trees.
ALL: And God saw it was good.
One: We thank God for sprinkling the stars and moon in the heavens to light our way and for spreading the life force through seas and on land to make both swarm with animals.
ALL: God is great and divine.
One: We thank God for creating us in his/her image.
ALL: Halleluia
One: We ask forgiveness for our poor stewardship of what God has created, for polluting air, earth and sea, for hunting animals to extinction, for poisoning life-giving pollinating insects, and for not caring enough for our brothers and sisters in need.
ALL: Father/Mother, Forgive us.
One: We pray in gratitude for those who bring awareness of our suffering planet and work to bring about changes in our attitude toward the sacredness of earth as your creation.
All: Hear our prayer lord.
One: Help us work with you to restore our world, help us find the right vision, help us to have the courage to speak out and assert your love in the world, caring rightly for our environment.
All: Amen
*Hymn: All Things Bright & Beautiful, #147 UMH (blue) (1 or 2 verses?)
Joys and Concerns
Passing the Peace
Time with the Children
“Be Bold, Be Strong” Children’s Choir
Offering and Announcements
Offertory
Blessing of Gifts-Prayer for Creation
Creator God, We thank you for the beauty of your Creation, and for giving us the privilege of caring for it. We confess that we have not cared for the earth with the self-sacrificing and nurturing love that you require of us. We mourn the broken relationships in creation. We repent for our part in causing the current environmental crisis that has led to climate change.
Faithful God, sustainer of all—we pray with hope, because you are already at work through Christ to reconcile all of creation to Yourself and to renew all things.
Loving God, help us to turn our lives around to be people of restoration. Help us build just relationships among human beings and with the rest of creation. Help us to live sustainably, rejecting consumerism and the exploitation of creation.
God of justice, give us courage and persistence to work for justice for those most affected by environmental degradation and climate change.
God of mercy, hear the cry of the poor who are already suffering and will continue to suffer water and food shortages and who will be displaced by climate change.
Creator God, give us your Spirit to work together to restore your creation and to hand on a safe environment and climate to our children and theirs. Let our care for creation be our act of worship and obedience to you. Your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen -Pray Act 8 Days posted on the Micah Challenge website
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 19-20: “When in the course of war you lay siege to a town to capture it, you must not destroy the trees there by chopping them down. Eat from them and do not destroy them. The trees in the field aren’t people; do not make war on them.”
Message: Climate Justice: A Call to Hope and Action—Barbara Draper
The Purpose of the United Methodist Women Purpose (Responsive Reading)
Person 1: The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose purpose is to know God
Person 2: and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ;
Person 1: to develop a creative, supportive, fellowship;
Person 2: and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.
Person 1: There are 800,000 UMW members world-wide, with special emphasis upon women, youth, and children.
Person 1 & Person 2: UMW supports missional activities and partnerships throughout every state in the nation, in over 50 countries throughout the world.
UMW Special Mission Recognition
*Grace for the Meal-All: We ask for your blessing, gracious God, upon the food we are about to share. Thank you for our lives that we offer to you in service.
*Closing Music: “If Not Now,” Carrie Newcomer
*Benediction: “Go Now in Peace” Children’s Choir
Get involved-A Call to Hope and Action Opportunities for you, visit tables in Social Hall
Earth Keepers; Activism-Card/Letter Writing, Phone Calls to officials, Solidarity Groups, Marches; Composting, Gardening; EcoCamp; Permaculture; Hands-on Activities for all ages
Resource lists
United Methodist Women Twin Cities District Leadership
Sandra Adelmund, President; Shirley Jackson, Social Action
St Charles United Methodist Church
August 28, 2016
Entrance
Prelude
Welcome and Church Life Announcements
Centering Ourselves for Worship
*Greeting
Leader: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you
People: And also with you
Leader: The risen Christ is with us
People: Praise the Lord!
UMW Sunday
Women: United Methodist Women shall be a community of wormen whose PURPOSE is to know God and to experience freeon am whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creaeve, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global minstries of the church.
Praise and Worship
“Joy Joy Joy That’s What It’s All About”
“Hallelu, Hallelu”
“I Have The Joy”
“Give Thanks” FWS #2036
*Call to Worship
Leader: Jesus called together the disciples and a great multitude to a level place.
There he touched, healed, and taught.
There he spoke, "Blessed are…"
There he named the blessed—the saints of the faith.
People: O God, call us together as you did those so long agoto discover your blessed people.
Leader: Today, in this place, Christ gather us.
People: Let us remember, confess, celebrate, and embody the blessed saints of God. Christ, come among us. Alleluia!
*Hymn of Praise “Let All Things Now LIving” FWS#2008
*Passing the Peace of Cbrist
*Opening Prayer in unison
Lord, we have come
to this place
from all walks of life
from our chaotic lives and rusty, dusty routines,
from all that was and is
to all that might be,
to the possibilities.
We welcome you in our midst and ask that you be near us and breathe your gentle mercies on us so we may leave this place renewed. Amen.
Children’s Time
Prayer of Confession
Leader: Gracious God, we come before you to confess that we have not fully lived out the message of the Gospel.
You call those who are poor in spirit “blessed,”
People: yet we often place our own desires over the needs of others.
Leader: You call those who mourn “blessed,”
People: yet we insulate ourselves from the pain that surrounds us.
Leader: You call those who are meek “blessed,”
People: yet we struggle mightily to appear strong and superior.
Leader: You call those who thirst for righteousness “blessed,”
People: yet sometimes we just want to take the easiest path.
Leader: You say, “Blessed are the pure in heart,”
People: yet our hearts are pulled in many directions.
Leader: You say, “Blessed are the peacemakers,”
All: yet we fail to live in peace with those closest to us and we are too often silent about the warring ways of our nation. Forgive us, O God.
Time of Silence for Personal Prayer
Words of Affirmation
One: When Jesus noticed a woman in a burdened state, he bid her come to hear the words and receive the gentle touch of acceptance and grace. Let us hear these words as spoken to us: You are set free from all that weighs you down and ails you.
Lift up your heads. Rejoice.
All: Amen! Let it be so! Amen.
Proclamation and Response
Prayer for Illumination
Let the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, our Rock and our redeemer. Amen
Scripture Lesson Matthew 5:1-11
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Thoughts “Created for Happiness: Understand Your Life in God”
*Hymn “Christ Whose Glory Fills the Skies” UMH#179
Offering
Offering Prayer (Unison)
God of grace, it is our delight and our devotion to give these gifts to you. All we are and all we have are yours alone. Accept this joyful offering as a token of our abinding love. Use it to bring peace, justice, comfort and happiness to all the world. Amen.
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Prayer
Lord’s Prayer
Sending Forth
*Dismissal with Blessing in unison
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
*Hymn “The Spirit Song” UMH# 347
Going Forth
We trust you were warmly welcomed in our church family. If you are looking for a new church home, perhaps you have found it today. If you’re “just passing through” we’re pleased to have you as our guest. Let us know if we can be of assistance, or if you would like to participate with us as we reach up, reach deep, and reach out in Jesus’ name.
Clergy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Wayne V. Swanson
Seminary-Student Pastor . . . . . Bob Brice
Guest Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Weiss
Scripture Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . Ellie Sandvik
Liturgist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joyce Dahlberg
Organist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eileen Miller
Women’s Ensemble Director . . Janet Mondloh
Ushers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Betty Harris, Roberta Jones, Rose Joseph
DeEtta Watts
V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
Fridley United Methodist Church
680 Mississippi St NE
Fridley MN 55432
Jnauary 22, 2017
THANK YOU FOR WORSHIPPING WITH US TODAY
Moments of Meditation: (Worship is what we do, in adoration of what God in Christ, does.)
(Announcements – Please check our church’s yellow pages for upcoming ministries & events.)
Prelude Sicilienne ~Maria-Theresia Paradis
Welcome
WE GLORIFY GOD
⇑ Processional, Now the Welcome (bulletin insert)
Litany: Response is the Refrain from "Bind Us Together, Lord"
(#2226, Faith We Sing, Black Hymnal)
Leader...individually and collectively. All Refrain
Leader...rejoice in discerning and living God's truth. All Refrain
Leader...of all diversities, abilities, gifts and talents. All Refrain
Leader...is welcome and sitting at God's table. All Refrain
WE GROW OUR SOULS
Presentation for the Children's Reading Program Pat King
Special Missions Recognition Awards Dawn Bushnell, Pat King, Char Swanson
The Scripture Reading, Matthew 7: 1-5, 1 John 3:11, 23-24
Sermon: When Love Becomes A Log David Weiss
⇑ Hymn #2223, They'll Know We Are Christians by Our Love
(Faith We Sing, black hymnal)
WE GATHER AS GOD’S FAMILY
Prayers of the People Holly Swanson
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Offering
Offertory O Christ Who Came Women’s Ensemble
(ushers will receive the offering)
⇑ Doxology, pg. 95 (UMC, red hymnal)
Prayer of Dedication:
O most merciful and gracious God, from whose open hand we all have received much: We ask you to accept this offering of your people. Remember in your love those who have brought it. Remember also those persons and purposes for which it is given. So follow this sacrifice with your blessing that it may promote peace and good will, and advance the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray; Amen.
WE GO, CONTAGIOUS WITH GOD’S GRACE
⇑ Closing Blessing
⇑ Hymn #431, Let There Be Peace On Earth (UMC, red hymnal)
Organ Response Prelude for Organ ~Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel
(Some of us stay to worship while listening to the organ postlude, some of us leave to attend other matters. The choice is yours.)
UMW Sunday 2017 ~ Order of Worship St. CLoud
“The Journey Home: Emma Norton Services”
Prelude
Welcome & Our Life Together
*Call to Worship The UMC New Social Creed
God in the Spirit revealed in Jesus Christ calls us by grace
to be renewed in the image of our Creator, that we may be one in divine love for the world.
Today is the day God cares for the integrity of creation, wills the healing and wholeness of all life, weeps at the plunder of earth’s goodness.
And so shall we.
Today is the day God embraces all hues of humanity, delights in diversity and difference, favors solidarity transforming strangers into friends.
And so shall we.
Today is the day God cries with the masses of starving people, despises growing disparity between rich and poor, demands justice for workers in the marketplace.
And so shall we.
Today is the day God deplores violence in our homes and streets, rebukes the world’s warring madness, humbles the powerful and lifts up the lowly.
And so shall we.
Today is the day God calls for nations and peoples to live in peace, celebrates where justice and mercy embrace, exults when the wolf grazes with the lamb.
And so shall we.
Today is the day God brings good news to the poor,
proclaims release to the captives, gives sight to the blind, and sets the oppressed free. And so shall we.
*Hymn UMH (Red) Hymnal, No. 427 “The Voice of God is Calling”
Prayer For Courage to Do Justice
O Lord, open my eyes that I may see the needs of others; open my ears that I may hear their cries; open my heart so that they need not be without succor. Let me not be afraid to defend the weak because of the anger of the strong, nor afraid to defend the poor because of the anger of the rich. Show me where love and hope and faith are needed, and use me to bring them to those places. And so open my eyes and my ears that I may this coming day be able to do some work of peace for thee. Amen.
Hymn UMH (Red) Hymnal, No. 432 “Jesu, Jesu” (Verse 1 as children come forward.)
The Story for All Ages “The Berenstain Bears Help the Homeless” By Jan & Mike Berenstain
*Passing the Peace
May the peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.
Lesson ~ Isaiah 58:6-8 & 12
*Gospel Lesson ~ Matthew 25:35-40
May these words become to us the word of God. Thanks be to God.
Message “The Journey Home” ~ Tonya Brownlow, Emma Norton Services
Choral Anthem “We Are the Hands of Christ” Parker/Raney
Stories of Hope Jennifer ~ Emma Norton Residence
Kendra ~ Emma’s Place
Prayers of Petition
Response: And in your love, answer.
The Lord’s Prayer .
Offertory Prayer
Let us present with joy our offerings of commitment and support for the work of Christ’s church. Would the ushers please come forward to take the morning offering.
*Presentation of Gifts UMH (Red) Hymnal, No. 94
*Prayer of Dedication
O God, we have all been recipients of your bounty. We ask that you accept this offering that we bring to your alter today. Follow it with your blessing that if might promote peace and understanding among all the people of your earth despite our many differences. Use our gifts to advance the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Presentation of Special Mission Recognitions
*Closing Hymn FWS (Black) Hymnal, No. 2175 “Together We Serve”
*Responsive Reading
Then, what must I do?
I must do justice love kindness and walk humbly with my God.
What else must I do?
I must love the Lord my God with all my heart, and with all my soul and with all my mind. And I must love my neighbor as myself.
*Benediction
May the Lord disturb you and trouble you. May the Lord set an impossible task before you and dare you to meet it. May the Lord give you strength to do your best. And then, but only then--may the Lord grant you peace! Amen.
*Postlude
Fellowship ~ 100th Birthday Party for Emma Norton Services!
2016 UMW Sunday ~ Order of Worship-St. Cloud
“United Methodist Women: Sharing in Mission with Latin America”
Prelude
The Welcome & Our Life Together
*Call to Worship Brazil
Leader: God of love and kindness, creator of heaven and earth, and everything that exists in this immense universe;
People: Of the rocks strewn along the path, which make our walk difficult; the flowers that, with their multitude of color, beautify our world; of small and invisible beings, that we ignore;
Leader: Of the animals that live in the jungles and the fields; the people, the crown of your creative work, . . .
All: We thank you.
Leader: O Eternal Father, for your grace that knows no limit and the richness of your gifts that do not cease to fall upon us;
People: The food that comes to our table; the fresh water that quenches our thirst; the air that we constantly breath; the clothes that we wear;
Leader: The house in which we live, our health that sustains us; and all the many signs that remind us of your care and concern, which is always around us, . . .
All: We thank you.
*Opening Song UMH (Red) Hymnal, #149 Cantemos al Senor (Let’s Sing Unto the Lord)
Prayer Brazil
O blessed Father, you have made us your partners in creation and in the conservation of this creation, permitting that our intelligence and progress, ever so imperfect as they are, to be useful to the plans of your Kingdom. We give you thanks for that liberating action of your Son, Jesus Christ, that has made us brothers and sister, keeping us from destroying completely nature and from exploiting human labor in the name of profits and progress. We give you thanks because you invite us to a new life in love and service. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Story for All Ages The Soda Pop School ~ A true story from Guatemala.
By Seno Laura Kutner & Suzanne Slade
(This is a 2016 Reading Program book.)
*Passing the Peace
The peace of the Lord be with you. And also with you.
Scripture Lesson Reading ~ Luke 5: 17-26
May these words become to us the word of God. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Anthem “Cuando El Pobre (When the Poor Ones)”
Meditation “Sharing in Mission with Latin America” Lynn Gryc
Prayers of Petition
Leader: Loving God, we hold in your healing presence those who suffer pain and ill-health, with their families, friends and those who care for them: …
All: …May they know the deep peace of Christ.
Leader: Loving God, we hold in your healing presence those who suffer in mind and spirit, and all who care for them: …
All: …May they know the deep peace of Christ.
Leader: Loving God, we hold in your healing presence the suffering people of our world, and the places where people are experiencing division, injustice and violence:…
All: …May they know the deep peace of Christ.
Leader: Loving God, we hold in your healing presence those struggling to overcome addiction or abuse, those supporting and working with them, and all whose suffering has distanced them from those who love:…
All: …May they know the deep peace of Christ.
Leader: Loving God, we hold in your healing presence those facing bereavement. We also pray for those who have died:..
All: …May they know the deep peace of Christ.
Leader: Loving God, we give thanks for health restored and prayers answered. We hold in your healing presence those whose needs are not known to us, those whose names we do not know, but who are known to you and those who are close to us that we name in our hearts.
All: …May they know the deep peace of Christ.
Leader: God of compassion and love, we offer you all our suffering and pain. Give us strength to bear our weakness, healing even when there is no cure, peace in the midst of turmoil and love to fill the spaces in our lives. We pray this in Jesus name who taught us to pray…
The Lord’s Prayer Nicaragua
Leader: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name;
All: Our Father, who are in this our land, may your name be blessed in our incessant search for justice and peace.
Leader: Thy kingdom come,
All: May your kingdom come for those who have for centuries awaited life with dignity.
Leader: Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven;
All: May your will be done on earth and heaven, and in the church of Central America, a church on the side of the poor.
Leader: Give us this day our daily bread;
All: Give us today our daily bread to build a new society.
Leader: And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;
All: Forgive us our trespasses, do not let us fall into the temptation of believing ourselves already new men and women.
Leader: But deliver us from evil;
All: And deliver us from the evil of war, and from the evil of forgetting that our lives and the life of this country are in your hand.
Leader: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Latin American Stories Celia and Pepe ~ Brazil (Mission u Latin Am. study book pg. 40)
Marcia Quintino ~ Brazil (Mission u Latin Am. study book pg. 99)
Offertory Prayer
Let us present with joy our offerings of commitment and support for the work of Christ’s church. Would the ushers please come forward to take the morning offering.
*Presentation of Gifts UMH (Red) Hymnal, No. 94
*Dedication Prayer Latin America
O God, to those who have hunger give bread, and to us who have bread give the hunger for justice. Amen.
Presentation of Special Mission Recognitions
*Closing Hymn UMH (Red) Hymnal, #583 “Sois la Semilla (You Are the Seed)”
*Benediction Brazil
Hands that join.
Hands that reach over barriers.
Hands that cause change.
Bodies that organize themselves so
that
other bodies may have life.
Solidarity.
And the people said . . . .Amen
*Postlude
The following information is provided for 2016:
-- Sample service
-- Message based on "Created for Happiness"
-- Sample children's sermon
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Sample service
Prelude:
Welcome Each Other
Announcements
Opening Prayer:
Lord, we have come to this place from all walks of life . . . . from our chaotic lives and rusty, dusty routines, from all that was and is to all that might be, to the possibilities. We welcome you in our midst and ask that you be near us and breathe your gentle mercies on us so we may leave this place renewed. Amen.
Hymn FWS 2008 Let All Things Now Living
Sharing our Joys; Concerns and Prayers
The Lord’s Prayer
Children’s Message: "Finding True Happiness in Jesus" Luke 6:20-22 (NIV)
Looking at his disciples, Jesus said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.
Offertory Hymn: "His Eye Is On the Sparrow" FWS 2146
Scriptures: Matthew 5: 1-11
Matthew 5: 1-11…
5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Message: “Created for Happiness: Understand Your Life in God” Comments by Rev. Cindi McKee based on the study written by Cynthia A. Bond Hopson.
Hymn: "Christ Whose Glory Fills the Skies" p. 179 UM Hymnal
Closing Prayer: Gracious and holy God, we belong to you, heart, mind, body and spirit. You shower us with patience and mercy and for that we are grateful. Remind us Lord, that your plan is for us to be happy and whole and we will seek your will in being so. We will go now in peace. Amen.
Postlude
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Message for CREATED FOR HAPPINESS: Understanding Your Life in God
Comments by Rev. Cindi McKee based on a study written by Cynthia A. Bond Hopson
2105 Mission U Study for UMW
Let us pray….Lord, we have come to this place from all walks of life…..from our chaotic lives and rusty, dusty routines, from all that was and is to all that might be, to the possibilities. We welcome you to our midst and ask that you be near us and breathe your gentle mercies on us so we may leave this place renewed. Amen.
Are you happy? What would you say are the things that make for true happiness in the human life? What are the components that make our hearts sing with joy and that bring contentment to our spirits and allow us to say “it is well with my soul!”
The American forefathers thought being happy was so fundamental to our wellbeing that they included the concept in the famous words of the Declaration of Independence ….”Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness!”
The writer of our study, Created for Happiness: Understanding our Life in God, Cynthia Bond Hopson, asserts in the books’ introduction that we live in a time when the search for happiness has become a dominant topic in our culture. Any Internet search for happiness and related topics will yield multiple searches-one count was 2,810,000! More than any human being could possibly read or absorb. Included in the information is everything from happiness reminders, quotes, sayings, stories, memories and songs, to special order pencils. People share techniques for being happy in magazines, books and even websites.
For many years now, it has been common for Christians to think of happiness as an unimportant goal, reserving the word “joy” for the true satisfaction of Christian life. This distinction between happiness (pleasant but temporary earthly feelings) and joy (lasting contentment in relationship with God), though, is a fairly recent development. For centuries, Christians did not see happiness as less than joy. Notable theologians such as Augustine and Thomas Aquinas shared their views on happiness. Augustine is well known for having said that we are restless until we rest in God, and resting in God’s blessed life brings us true happiness. Thomas Aquinas pointed out that the things (like wealth and power) that we think will bring happiness do not. He knew that the only happiness that would not disappoint us was happiness in God.
The early Methodist tradition used the language of happiness often. John Wesley preached about happiness almost as often as he preached about holiness. Indeed, for him, happiness and holiness were together the goal of Christian life. He had much to say about what genuine happiness ought to be, and when it was understood properly, happiness and salvation belong together.
Not only did John Wesley preach and teach about happiness but his brother Charles wrote hymns about happiness that the early Methodists sang. The Wesleys and the early Methodists could focus so much on happiness because they understood it to be biblical to do so. The happiness they sought was happiness in God, and so the happiness they found was the most secure and fulfilling. As we seek an active and meaningful spiritual life, we are about seeking and learning to live the life that God calls us to. A life of hope, of caring, of love, of forgiveness, of grace.
“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, or worn. It is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude.” –Denis Waitley
There is a story that’s been shared on social media that is helpful in thinking about how our choices and attitudes affect our spiritual life and then in turn affect our happiness. There was a 92 year old woman who was well-poised and proud, fully dressed each morning by eight o’clock, with her hair fashionably coifed and makeup perfectly applied, even though she is legally blind and on this day was moving to nursing home. Her husband of 70 years had recently passed away, making the move necessary.
She had waited for several hours in the lobby of the nursing home when she was finally told that her room was ready and she smiled. As she guided her walker to the elevator, staff members provided a visual description of her small room, including many details. “I love it,” she stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.
“Mrs. Jones, you haven’t seen the room yet…just wait.”
“That doesn’t have anything to do with it,” she replied. “Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn’t depend on how the furniture is arranged, it’s how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. It’s a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open I’ll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I’ve stored away, just for this time in my life.”
She went on to explain, “Old age is like a bank account, you withdraw from what you’ve put in. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories. Thank you for your part in filling my memory bank. I am still depositing.”
And with a smile, she said: “Remember the five simple rules to be happy.”
- Free your mind from hatred. 2. Free your mind from worries.
- Live simply. 4. Give more. 5. Expect less.
So what can we learn from this story about how we approach our own spiritual lives? What do you choose to focus on in the morning when you get up out of bed? Are you content with your choices or do you need to make some changes to what you pursue in your relationship with God?
Knowing that God desires happiness for us and that true happiness comes from a rich and right relationship with God gives us focus for our spiritual work all throughout our lives. It seems that we live in a constant tension between the altar of consumerism and the altar of the living God. An awareness of the influence of the media on our thoughts and behaviors is important. Where do we get our information about what is important in life?
Popular author and speaker Nell W. Mohney, who writes extensively on spiritual disciplines and joyous living, explains that, “the basic answer to happiness is a spiritual one.”
The Bible teaches us that happiness is based on our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Jesus spoke specifically about happiness in the way the law of God does. The Hebrew word “asher” and the Greek word “makarios” both mean happy and blessed. Both Matthew and Luke use the word “makarios” to begin his sayings in the recordings of the Sermon on the Mount. Many English translations use the word “blessed” to begin each saying, but some translations begin with the word “happy”. When John Wesley wrote notes to the New Testament for his Methodist preachers, he began each beatitude with “happy”. Let‘s read this scripture out loud together using the word “happy” in place of “blessed”.
Matthew 5: 1-11…
5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Jesus is suggesting to us what our duty is by telling us what will make us truly happy. God will be with us in all these experiences of life and that will connect us to the source of life that brings ultimate hope, healing, love and peace.
Living in peace is part of those things that make for happiness. Peace is a living, growing network of relationships called “shalom” in the Bible. Shalom embodies positive peace. It is harmony, well-being, wholeness, and positive relationship with God, fellow humans, community, and creation.
The pursuit of happiness brings us into harmony and solidarity with all of God’s creation, with majestic creatures, both great and small, and allows us to seek, build, and live in the beloved community.
What are some of the things that you could do to simplify your life and increase your chances of happiness? What in your spiritual life needs to be “updated” for a closer walk with God.
John Wesley understood “scriptural holiness” as the goal of the Christian life, and he connected it with happiness through his understanding of the image of God. Theologians understood that we were made to be in relationship with God—to love and worship God. If human nature is made for this relationship, then human nature is fulfilled by this relationship. Wesley would assert that problems come when we allow our desire for other things to displace God in our lives. When this happens, we cannot be happy and find ourselves miserable. When Wesley talks about being happy in God, he is not talking about merely feeling lighthearted, nor was he talking about just having fun. He meant a deep contentment and fulfillment that comes from knowing that your life is what it is supposed to be. Wesley believed that the root of our misery is that we do not love as we should. We need to learn to love well, and grace enables us to do that. In order to direct our love to God above all else, we need to know how much God loves us. Each of us needs to know that God’s revelation of love in Jesus Christ is meant for us personally and is available to us now! When we know God’s love for us so that we are able to love God as we should, we are in truly right relationship with God. Loving God above all else changes us so that we begin to see the world as God sees it. We love what God loves and values what God values. Wesley believed that the love of a Christian must be expressed, it must lead to outward actions. If we love God, we will do the things that bring us closer to God. For Wesley, that meant we will make use of the means of grace available to us…prayer, reading, meditating on scripture and receiving Holy Communion. Wesley believed that when love is rooted in the heart, it cannot help but send out branches and bear fruit. Wesley believed that the only way to lasting, true happiness is satisfying the desire for God.
If the way to gain the happiness that Wesley talked about is to pursue holiness, then how do we do that? In the Methodist way it takes discipline to pursue the holiness that brings happiness. One part of this was to do works of “mercy”. These works of mercy meant that a person was present for another person in need-whether sick, in prison, or hungry—and by being present we grow in humility, patience, and other fruit that show how the Holy Spirit is working in us. If the spirit of God is at work in you, then you have something to share for the glory of God at work in the world.
In connection with works of mercy, Wesley believed that works of piety directly related to our relationship and dependence on God. These works of piety Wesley termed as means of grace and included searching scripture (reading, hearing, meditating), public and private prayer, and receiving the Lord’s Supper. Each of these activities serves the purpose of drawing us closer to God so that we are shaped by the power and presence of God that we encounter in these experiences.
Loving God with our whole heart and our neighbor as ourselves is the hallmark of the Methodist tradition. When we do these well and are fully surrendered to the gifts from God in these hallmarks, it is then that we will find the deep happiness we so long for and that we were created for in our relationship with God.
It is clear that we live in a tension between desiring God above all else and being drawn in to desire the things of the world first and foremost. When our main focus is our own gain, then we become less concerned about the effects of our lives on others. We displace God as the model for our lives when we allow ourselves to be shaped by the attitudes and actions of those who care nothing for God. If we desire true happiness in our hearts of hearts we must be true to the true God who gives us happiness. Our loyalty is always being tempted and our spiritual journey is in part an exercise to be faithful to the one who is always faithful to us.
A happy heart is one that lives for others, so the works God has given us to do for our neighbor also contribute to our happiness by making us more generous and helpful. A heart that is thankful to God and that lives for others will be truly content.
Charles Wesley wrote over 6,000 hymns. The words of “Christ Whose Glory Fills the Skies” illustrates how he thought we should look at our relationship with God and about what God offers us. Let’s sing the words together: (no. 173 in the hymnal)
Christ, whose glory fills the skies,
Christ, the true, the only Light,
Sun of Righteousness, arise,
Triumph o’er the shades of night;
Dayspring from on high, be near;
Day-star, in my heart appear.
Dark and cheerless is the morn
Unaccompanied by Thee;
Joyless is the day’s return
Till Thy mercy’s beams I see;
Till they inward light impart,
Glad my eyes, and warm my heart.
Visit then this soul of mine,
Pierce the gloom of sin and grief;
Fill me, Radiancy divine,
Scatter all my unbelief;
More and more Thyself display,
Shining to the perfect day.
Let us be in a spirit of prayer….Gracious and holy God, we belong to you, heart, mind, body and spirit. You shower us with patience and mercy and for that we are grateful. Remind us, Lord, that your plan is for us to be happy and whole and we will seek your will in being so. We will go now in peace. Amen.
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Children’s Message for Created for Happiness by Rev. Cindi McKee
Theme: Finding True Happiness in Jesus
Object: Bubble Blowing Liquid
Scripture: Luke 6:20-22
Sermon:
I am sure that everyone has experienced the joy of blowing bubbles. It is amazing to me that something so simple could bring so much happiness to so many people. It isn't just for kids either! I have even seen teenagers and adults laughing and having fun blowing bubbles and trying to catch them.
There is just one problem with the happiness that comes from blowing bubbles -- it doesn't last! The minute you reach out and touch one of the bubbles, it will burst. Many times we chase the bubble, but it is always just out of reach and as soon as it touches the ground, the bubble bursts.
I think this is the way it is in the lives of many people today. A lot of people are chasing after happiness, but like the bubbles, happiness is always just out of reach. Or, just when we think we have it, our bubble may burst. What are some of the things that people are chasing in their search for happiness?
Money -- Many people think that money will bring them happiness, but it doesn't. Once you spend it, it is gone, and you still don't have happiness.
Food -- We live in a day when many people seek happiness in food. They eat because they are sad or depressed and they think that food will make them feel better. It doesn't. After they eat, they are still unhappy, but now they are over-weight which makes them even more unhappy!
Entertainment -- Many people think that laughing and having a good time is the same thing as being happy, but it isn't. Many people who are laughing on the outside are crying on the inside.
Popularity -- Some people think that being popular with other people will bring them happiness. They will do anything or say anything to make other people like them, but popularity doesn't last. It is here today and gone tomorrow. There is no lasting happiness in popularity.
Jesus knew that people often look for happiness in the wrong places. He even suggested that we might be happier if we were poor, hungry, crying, and disliked by others. Why would Jesus suggest such a thing?
When we are poor, it may be easier for us to trust in God to supply everything we need instead of depending on our own wealth.
When we are hungry for God and his righteousness, we realize that only He can satisfy our hunger.
When we are crying, we can trust in God to comfort us and ease our pain.
When we think we have no friends, we have a friend in Jesus. Jesus is a friend who will never leave us.
Do you want to find happiness in life? Don't spend your time chasing bubbles. Look to God who is the source of true happiness.
Dear God, help us to realize that we can never find happiness in the things that this world has to offer. You alone are the source of true happiness. Amen.
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EVALUATION OF THESE MATERIALS:
Please let us know if you used the materials provided and “how they can be improved”. Email comments to spgrmnumw@gmail.com.
The above email can also be used to connect with the Conference Spiritual Growth Coordinator for help with this or other programs.
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN SUNDAY 2016
Church Name ____________________________ City _____________________________
District (please circle): Big Waters North Star River Valleys Southern Prairie Twin Cities
Suggested Materials You Used (please circle):
Order of Worship
"Created for Happiness: Understanding Your Life in God" message
Children's Sermon
Other
Comments:
Thank you! Please return to: Sandy Meyer, 8724 Valley View Place, Chanhassen, MN 55317-8421. sandrameyer51@hotmail.com (952) 270-1157
Brief note on the material: Although the United Methodist Church provides in its liturgical resources a basic worship format, each congregation has its own variations. The materials offered here for UMW Sunday are merely “building blocks,” which can be changed, substituted, or rearranged for individual services.
BELOW IS A SAMPLE OF THE "CHARTER FOR RACIAL JUSTICE THEME" UMW SUNDAY MATERIALS PUT TOGETHER FOR DISCOVERY UMC IN 2010. FEEL FREE TO USE ALL OR PART OF EXAMPLE
[FILL IN YOUR CHURCH NAME] United Methodist Church
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[INSERT CHARTER FOR RACIAL JUSTICE SYMBOL]
This image represents the United Methodist Women and the Women's Division commitment to work for racial justice. It symbolizes a world of racially and ethnically diverse peoples working together side-by-side to create a world in which every person has a voice, rights and opportunity for abundant life. Within the image are two hands joined together for justice for all God's children.
United Methodist Women Sunday
A Service on the Charter for Racial Justice
[FILL IN DATE OF YOUR SERVICE]
Great and rich is the legacy we bring. Many are the gifts we offer to each other. We are a rainbow of colors: a mosaic of cultures. Jointly we are a tower of wisdom and a fellowship of strength. Male & female, we are created in the image of one eternal God!
PRELUDE: "Come Now Prince of Peace" TFWS #2232
GREETINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
MUSICAL INTERLUDE: UMW PURPOSE SONG (Bulletin Insert)
CALL TO WORSHIP:
Liturgist: O Lord, you created us as equal; yet we have treated one another unjustly.
People: Forgive us, O God.
Liturgist: You created us in your holy image. Yet we have failed to recognize the dignity and sacredness if your image in every person.
People: Forgive us, O God.
Liturgist: Some of the old wounds of injustices are still bleeding, and the callousness of our scars prevent us from being as sensitive to others as we ought to be.
People: Heal us, O God.
Liturgist: Help us listen to those to whom injustices have been done until we hear your cry in theirs, and feel your pain in theirs.
People: Help us, O God.
Liturgist: As new, tender skin emerges from under old scars, create in us a new humanity through brokenness of our experience.
People: Create in us, O God, a new humanity.
Liturgist: That we may celebrate together the dignity and sacredness of humanity in one another for the sake of your glory.
All: For the sake of your glory. Amen.
OPENING HYMN:
"Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life" UMH #427 verses 1-4
PRAYER FOR THE DAY:
All: We believe...
Women: that God is the creator of all people and all are God's children in one family;
Men: that racism is a rejection of the teachings of Jesus Christ;
Women: that racism denies the redemption and reconciliation of Jesus Christ;
Men: that racism robs all human beings of their wholeness, and is used as a justification for social, economic, and political exploitation;
Women: that we must declare before God and each other that we have sinned against our sisters and brothers of other races in thought, in word, and in deed;
Men: that in our common humanity in creation, all women and men are created in God's image, and all persons are equally valuable in the sight of God;
Women: that our strength lies in our racial and cultural diversity, and that we must work toward a world in which each person's value is respected and nurtured;
Men: that our struggle for justice must be based on new attitudes, new understandings, and new relationships and must be reflected in the laws, policies, structures and practices of both church and state.
All: We Commit ourselves as individuals and as a community to follow Jesus Christ, in word and deed, and to struggle for the rights and self-determination of every person.
SILENT PRAYER:
Sung Response: What Does the Lord Require of You" (TFWS #2174)
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 25: 31-46
CHILDREN'S TIME: "We Are One in Christ Jesus"
Skit by United Methodist Women
HYMN: "Help Us Accept Each Other" UMH #560
MEDITATION: "How Are We Raced"
PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL MISSION RECOGNITION:
OFFERING
OFFERTORY MUSIC: "For the Healing of the Nation"
Women's Choir (UMH #428)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD:
THE LORD'S PRAYER:
CLOSING HYMN: "Sent Out in Jesus' Name TFWS #2184
BENEDICTION: Go with commitment to do justice and in resistance to racism. Go in the power and freedom of God's love.
POSTLUDE: "Let There Be Light" UMH #440
The service was created from resources in the "Resources for Racial Justice: Tools for UMW Leaders" at
www.gbgm-umc.org/umw/resources/racialjustice
CHILDREN'S SERMON
We Are One in Christ Jesus - Racial Justice Charter Skit (the Gloves)
This is a skit that I used when I chaired DELT, District Elected Leadership Training, for Louisiana Conference to highlight the Charter for Racial Justice.
I used gardening gloves from Dollar Tree, my favorite "everything is a dollar" variety store.
The skit is fun and effective. I hope that you will enjoy using it.
Rita M. Parham
Louisiana Conference, Baton Rouge District,
Wesley UMW
Women stand in front of the audience and hold their hands out as the reader tells the story and their hands act out the skit.
Skit Introduction
As members of United Methodist Women, we can be proud of those who have charted the way for us in many areas of social concern, who have committed themselves to follow Jesus Christ in work and deed, to struggle for the rights of every one of God's children.
The charter, which came out of years of struggle for justice, was an expression of our need to challenge our members and the whole church to confront racism and deal with it.
WE ARE ONE IN CHRIST JESUS
Once upon a time in a busy city, there lived a pair of bright YELLOW gloved hands. They were fun, intelligent and hard working. They could WIGGLE their FINGERS and say "O.K." They were good
citizens in their city. They were VERY FRIENDLY gloved hands and they liked people. They wanted to get to know other gloved hands, so they decided to go out and meet them.
When the YELLOW gloved hands saw the other gloved hands, they
REACHED OUT to them, but they were not very friendly. They thought that they were really weird looking since they weren't
PURPLE............ PINK............... or................. GREEN like them. They
certainly would not fit into their group!
They POINTED at them.......... and SHOOK THEIR FISTS at them. They
PULLED AWAY from them. "Bah - stupid yellow gloves," they said. "Get out of here! Ugh! Don't let them touch you. They'll poison us all! RUN! " The YELLOW gloved hands felt so terrible that they TURNED their BACK, SLUMPED DOWN & began to CRY!
The other gloved hands were certainly glad to get rid of them, but they wanted to make sure they didn't come back, because they were not their kind at all. They wanted to make that very clear. So they HUDDLED TOGETHER. They planned to beat them up and hurt them, so they would be sure to understand who was in charge here, and they would never return. They would be rid of them forever!
Silently and calmly they MOVED TOWARD the YELLOW gloved hands. Suddenly, they POUNCED on the unsuspecting YELLOW gloved hands with quick movements. With a LOUD BLOW and a wallop they POUNDED the poor yellow gloved hands. With a CLENCHED FIST they HIT them again and again. They KNOCKED them to the ground. When they got up, they KNOCKED them down again. In all the commotion and hassle, they PULLED THE YELLOW GLOVES right off their hands !
The PURPLE ........... PINK.......... and GREEN gloved hands were SO
SURPRISED at what happened that they PULLED BACK in utter shock! They LOOKED AT EACH OTHER. The PURPLE glove removed the PINK glove, the PINK glove removed the GREEN glove , and the GREEN glove took off the PURPLE glove. They LOOKED BACK at the
hands they had beaten............... why, they were all the same on the
inside! There was hardly any difference at all!
Gently and tenderly, the hands CAME TOGETHER as friends do. They
realized each one was OK.............. one of God's children................. a
part of the world. But most of all they needed each other. God had given each one gifts to be shared. They SHOOK HANDS and HUGGED and hoped that maybe their friendship would be an
inspiration to others............. and they might make a small difference in
a big world.
SAMPLE SERMON "HOW ARE WE RACED?"
by Sandy Meyer, TC District President 2009-2011
Please pray with me:
Lord, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in thy sight oh Lord, our strength and our redeemer.
[ YOU WILL WANT TO PUT YOUR PERSONAL GREETING HERE:]
Human rights for all people is one of the historic principles of United Methodist Women. God is the creator of all people of all races, and we are all God's children. Therefore opportunities for fellowship and service, personal growth and freedom in every aspect of life are inherent rights of everyone.
United Methodist Women has tried to build a community and social order without racial barriers. In 1941, the organization voted to hold meetings only in those places where all members could be entertained without any form of racial discrimination. In 1942, the organization relocated its national Assembly from St. Louis, Missouri to Columbus, Ohio, where one hotel would accommodate a racially integrated group. Things did change for the better and the UMW 2010 National Assembly WAS held in St. Louis, Missouri.
I AM PROUD TO BE A MEMBER OF AN ORGANIZATION THAT TOOK A STAND AGAINST INJUSTICE...AND I HOPE THAT AS AN INDIVIDUAL I TOO WILL HAVE THE COURAGE TO WORK FOR JUSTICE AS MY UMW SISTERS DID BEFORE ME.
In 1952, the organization adopted its first Charter for Racial Justice, modeled after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the world community in December 1948. The charter was updated in 1962. The Charter for Racial Justice Policies in an Interdependent Global Community was written by the Women's Division of the General Board of Global Ministries in 1978 and adopted by General Conference in 1980 upon the recommendation of the Division.
That's almost 40 years after a group of United Methodist Women took a stand against a racial injustice.
I AM PROUD TO BE A MEMBER OF AN ORGANIZATION WHICH WAS PERSISTENT IN IT'S BELIEF FOR RACIAL JUSTICE AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE ENTIRE CHURCH FOLLOW.
The Women's Division represents United Methodist Women, an organization of over one million members. The organization's purpose is to foster spiritual growth, develop leaders, and advocate for social justice. I AM PROUD TO BE A MEMBER OF AN ORGANIZATION WHICH raises more than $25 million a year for programs and projects related to women, children, and youth in the United States and in more than 100 countries around the world
More than twenty-five years after the Charter was adopted by General Conference and more than 50 years since its creation, United Methodist Women are actively exploring what the Charter means in today's world and how they can re-commit themselves to racial justice The organization conducts regular racial justice workshops with members, and works in coalition with human and civil rights groups to track hate-crimes and to promote racial justice in the United States and the world.
A little bit about the history of Racial Justice:
Racism is the belief that one race is innately superior to all other races. In the United States, this belief has justified the conquest, enslavement and evangelizing of non-Europeans. During the early history of this country, Europeans assumed their civilization and religion were innately superior to those of both the original inhabitants of the United States and the Africans who were forcefully brought to these shores to be slaves. The myth of European superiority persisted and persists.
I HAVE TO ADMIT HERE THAT I HAD A REALLY HARD TIME READING THIS AND DIGESTING IT. IT WAS PAINFUL FOR ME TO HEAR. ...I NEVER SAW MYSELF AS SUPERIOR...BUT I CAN SEE HOW NON-WHITES MIGHT PERCEIVE IT DIFFERENTLY. I NEVER FELT THAT WAY SO TO HEAR THESE WORDS WAS A STUMBLING BLOCK FOR ME - EVEN IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS MESSAGE TODAY.
Other people who came and who are still coming to the United States by choice or force encountered and encounter racism. Some of these people are the Chinese who built the railroads as indentured workers; the Mexicans whose lands were annexed; the Puerto Rican, the Cubans, the Hawaiians and the Eskimos who were colonized; and the Filipinos, the Jamaicans and the Haitians who live on starvation wages as farm workers.
In principle, the United States has outlawed racial discrimination but, in practice, little has changed. Social, economic and political institutions still discriminate, although some institutions have amended their behavior by eliminating obvious discriminatory practices and choosing their language carefully. The institutional church, despite sporadic attempts to the contrary, also still discriminates.
IT'S HARD TO HEAR, ISN'T IT? WE ARE PART OF THIS. IT IS HARD TO HEAR THIS!
The damage of years of exploitation has not been erased. A system designed to meet the needs of one segment of the population cannot be the means to the development of a just society for all.
The racist system in the United States today perpetuates the power and control of those of European ancestry. It is often called "white racism." The fruits of racism are prejudice, bigotry, discrimination, and dehumanization. Consistently, Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans and Pacific Islanders have been humiliated by being given inferior jobs, housing, education, medical services, transportation and public accommodation.
Racist presuppositions have been implicit in U.S. attitudes and policies toward Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. While proclaiming democracy, freedom and independence, the U.S. has been an ally and an accomplice to perpetuating inequality of the races and colonialism throughout the world.
AGAIN, HARD TO HEAR!
The history of The United Methodist Church and the history of the United States are intertwined. The "mission enterprise" of the churches in the United States and "westernization" went hand in hand, sustained in their belief of their superiority.
In the racial justice brochure it states:
We are conscious that "we have sinned as our ancestors did; we have been wicked and evil" (Psalm 106:6, Today's English Version). We are called for a renewed commitment to the elimination of institutional racism. We affirm the 1976 General Conference Statement on The United Methodist Church and Race, which states unequivocally: "By biblical and theological precept, by the law of the Church, by General Conference pronouncement, and by episcopal expression, the matter is clear. With respect to race, the aim of The United Methodist Church is nothing less than an inclusive church in an inclusive society. The United Methodist Church, therefore, calls upon all its people THAT'S ALL OF US! to perform those faithful deeds of love and justice in both the church and community that will bring this aim into reality."
IT'S BEEN IN WRITING FOR MANY YEARS-WE NEED TO START PRACTICING WHAT WE SAY!
I won't read the entire Charter for Racial Justice. I have a copy if you would like to read it [BE SURE TO HAVE SOME COPIES TO SHARE] or you can look online at General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church.
SKIP TO THE THEME OF THE MESSAGE TODAY "HOW ARE WE RACED"
A Charter for Racial Justice
ADOPTED BY THE 1980 GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Because We Believe
- that God is the Creator of all people and all are God's children in one family;
- that racism is a rejection of the teachings of Jesus Christ;
- that racism denies the redemption and reconciliation of Jesus Christ;
- that racism robs all human beings of their wholeness and is used as a justification for social, economic and political exploitation;
- that we must declare before God and before each other that we have sinned against our sisters and brothers of other races in thought, in word and in deed;
- that in our common humanity in creation all women and men are made in God's image and all persons are equally valuable in the sight of God;
- that our strength lies in our racial and cultural diversity and that we must work toward a world in which each person's value is respected and nurtured;
- that our struggle for justice must be based on new attitudes, new understandings and new relationships and must be reflected in the law, policies, structures and practices of both church and state;
WE COMMIT OURSELVES AS INDIVIDUALS AND AS A COMMUNITY TO FOLLOW JESUS CHRIST IN WORD AND IN DEED AND TO STRUGGLE FOR THE RIGHTS AND THE SELF-DETERMINATION OF EVERY PERSON AND GROUP OF PERSON. THEREFORE, AS UNITED METHODIST WOMEN IN EVERY PLACE ACROSS THE LAND...
We Will
UNITE OUR EFFORTS with all groups in The United Methodist Church
- to eliminate all forms of institutional racism in the total ministry of the church with special attention given to those institutions which we support, beginning with their employment policies, purchasing practices and availability of services and facilities.
- to create opportunities in local churches to deal honestly with the existing racist attitudes and social distance between members, deepening the Christian commitment to be the church where all racial groups and economic classes come together.
- to increase our efforts to recruit women of all races into the membership of United Methodist Women and provide leadership development opportunities without discrimination.
- to create workshops and seminars in local churches to study, understand and appreciate the historical and cultural contributions of each race to the church and community.
- to increase local churches, awareness of the continuing needs for equal education, housing, employment and medical care for all members of the community and create opportunities to work for these things across racial lines.
- to work for the development and implementation of national and international policies to protect the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of all people such as through support for the ratification of United Nations covenants on human rights.
- to support and participate in the world-wide struggle for liberation in the church and community.
- to support nomination and election processes which include all racial groups employing a quota system until the time that our voluntary performance makes such practice unnecessary.
The theme of the message today How Are We "Raced"? comes from a reflection for a Bible Study on Racial Justice by Lois M. Dauway, from the Section of Christian Social Responsibility, Women's Division, GBGM, UMC.
One of the issues we will explore is an intriguing question raised by Dr. Carolyn Johnson, a former Women's Division President. The question is "How were you 'raced'?" This means: How were you taught about whom you are and how that impacts your relationships with those around you - whether they are like or different from you? Dr. Johnson says:
"We really have to know our own personal stories of how we were raced-not only how we were r-a-i-s-e-d.
YOU WILL WANT TO INSERT A PERSONAL STORY HERE
BEGIN HERE AFTER PERSONAL STORY
So basically what I'm saying is that how you are raised and how you are raced are different...you have to think about in your own background...in your own life...what were your experiences growing up...what ideas were you given? What ideas are our children being given today as they watching television viewing movies and playing video games which put down women and minorities and are all so violent. It is very troubling to me that children are getting these messages.
So we have to ask ourselves which aspects of how we were raced are we going to correct or let go. Do we have the willingness to act when action is needed, even if we have to stand alone? IF I SEE AN INJUSTICE HAPPENING ARE WE COURAGEOUS ENOUGH TO TAKE A STAND? I HOPE I AM. IF PUT IN THAT POSITION AND I AM ALL ALONE, WITHOUT MY UMW SISTERS, WILL I HAVE THE COURAGE TO TO DO THAT? I HOPE SO! We have to continue to say that we will try to continue to discover and understand the complexities and the dynamics of racism. We have to continue to engage with each other around racism. We have to continue to learn."
Let's begin with a basic premise - if you were born in this country or if you immigrated/and have lived here for more than five minutes - you have been "raced".
Let me repeat: if you were born in this country or if you immigrated and have lived here for more than five minutes - you have been "raced".
Racial oppression in this country has occurred historically by the identification and treatment of some groups (i.e., African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Asian/Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans) as "less than." Sexism, ageism and classism are examples of additional forms of systemic oppression. That is, specific groups are systemically identified or treated as "less than" or "different from" because of their gender, age, sexual/affectional preference, and role or job status.
It is important to recognize that we are called to struggle against all forms of oppression. To paraphrase Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., "None of us are free until all of us are free."
Are you familiar with the song from the play/movie, "South Pacific" "You Have to Be Carefully Taught?" Then you understand that we are "raced at an early age."
BACKGROUND ABOUT THE SONG:
"You've Got to Be Carefully Taught" (sometimes "You've Got to Be Taught" or "Carefully Taught") is a show tune from the 1949 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific.
South Pacific received scrutiny for its commentary regarding relationships between different races and ethnic groups. In particular, "You've Got to Be Carefully Taught" was subject to widespread criticism, judged by some to be too controversial or downright inappropriate for the musical stage.[1] Sung by the character Lieutenant Cable, the song is preceded by a lyric saying racism is "not born in you! It happens after you're born..."
Rodgers and Hammerstein risked the entire South Pacific venture in light of legislative challenges to its decency or supposed Communist agenda. While on a tour of the Southern United States, lawmakers in Georgia introduced a bill outlawing entertainment containing "an underlying philosophy inspired by Moscow."[2] One legislator said that "a song justifying interracial marriage was implicitly a threat to the American way of life."[3] Rodgers and Hammerstein defended their work strongly. James Michener, upon whose stories South Pacific was based, recalled, "The authors replied stubbornly that this number represented why they had wanted to do this play, and that even if it meant the failure of the production, it was going to stay in."[3]
LISTEN TO THE WORDS:
You've got to be taught
To hate and fear
You've got to be taught
From year to Year
It's got to be drummed
in your dear little ear
You've got to be carefully taught
You've got to be taught
To be Afraid
Of people whose eyes
are oddly made
And people whose skin
Is a different shade
You've got to be carefully taught
You've got to be taught
Before it's too late
Before you are 6 or 7 or 8
To hate all the people
your relatives hate
You've got to be carefully taught
WHAT A MESSAGE! WE NEED TO LISTEN TO THAT BECAUSE IT IS TRUE. BY OUR EXAMPLE, BY WHAT WE DO AND SAY AND BY OUR ACTIONS...OF WHAT MAGAZINES WE READ, WHAT TV WE ARE WATCHING...EVERYTHING WE DO WE ARE TEACHING OUR CHILDREN AND OUR CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE AND IF WE HOPE TO HAVE PEACE IN THE FUTURE WE NEED TO BE DOING IT RIGHT!
WE ARE ALL RACED DIFFERENTLY-FOR EXAMPLE:
Children of African descent, for example, are "raced" with a particular set of coping skills in order to maneuver their way around and past the barriers which society presents. NOW, I HAVEN'T WALKED IN THOSE SHOES, SO I DON'T UNDERSTAND THOSE BARRIERS BUT FROM TALKING WITH MY FRIENDS OF COLOR I KNOW THAT THEY ARE OUT THERE...I JUST HAVEN'T EXPERIENCED THEM. The coping skills for young Latina are different. As are those for Native American girls or a young immigrant from the Asian continent. Young White girls are also taught skills, "raced," for making it in society. THIS NEVER OCCURRED TO ME BEFORE. This may include privilege. THIS IS HARD TO HEAR. The point is that we are all developmentally impacted by issues of race in this country.
This information is acquired involuntarily at an early age through a conditioning process that is both emotionally painful and harmful. There are personal costs for all groups. This is not to say that the emotional experience of DIFFERENT groups are the same. It is not. However for everyone to empathize with the pain of oppression for target groups we have to reclaim our own ethnic background...understand where we came from and where we came up with the ideas that we have.
The challenge is not to compete with each other around the question of whose pain is deeper or more valid. We are committed to soothing the pain of all who hurt. It is counter-productive, and indeed, offensive to attempt to compare pain. Pain hurts -- that is enough to spur us to action.
Racism is the systemic oppression of people of color. It occurs at the individual, interpersonal, institutional and/or cultural level. It may be overt or covert, intentional or unintentional. Racism is different from racial prejudice,THIS IS SOMETHING I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND BEFORE IN MY SHELTERED LITTLE WORLD. IT'S DIFERENT FROM hatred. IT'S DIFFERENT FROM discrimination. Racism involves having the power to carry out systemic discriminatory practices through the institutions of our society. IT'S HAVING THE POWER. THIS MEANS IN THE UNITED STATES THE GOVERNMENT HAS THE POWER TO MAKE A LOT OF DECISIONS FOR US. WE NEED TO BE SURE THAT OUR GOVERNMENT IS MAKING DECISIONS THAT MATCH OUR PERSONAL BELIEFS.
RACISM ISN'T REALLY NEW. IF YOU REMEMBER THE STORY OF DANIEL IN THE BIBLE-HE WAS RACED. HE WAS!
Jerusalem was conquered by the Babylonians. King Nebuchadnezzar commanded that "Israelites of the royal family and of nobility, young men without physical defect and handsome, versed in every branch of wisdom, endowed with knowledge and insight and competent to serve in the king's palace" be trained to serve the needs of the king. Daniel was such a man, and because he was an astute and forthright man, he began to rise up within the government structures. Daniel was a Jew. He was "raced" as a Jew. He was a person on the margin, but was "raised" as a person of privilege. DO YOU SEE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE RAISING AND THE RACING? Resenting Daniel's favored position within the structure; Babylonian bureaucrats became determined to get rid of him because he was not "one of them." They realized that it would be unwise to engage in overt anti-Jewish behavior and, therefore, plotted to use institutional procedures to eliminate their rival. They intentionally established policies and procedures that Daniel, a devout Jew, would be unable to comply with.
Then, they convinced the king to mandate that anyone who did not worship the golden idol, fashioned in the image of Nebuchadnezzar, would be thrown into the lion's den. Aware that Daniel would worship only his God (because that is how he had been "raced") his enemies knew that he inevitably would suffer the penalty for disobeying the king. No racial slurs were heard nor were "Babylonians Only" signs displayed. Simply, the structures of the times were in place to keep those who were different from assuming too much power.
THINK BACK TO OUR US HISTORY...HAS THIS HAPPENED? IT HAS HAPPENED!
I JUST WANTED TO BRING YOU SOME INFORMATION AND GET YOU THINKING...MAYBE IT'S TROUBLING YOU AS IT TROUBLED ME....JUST TO BE AWARE.
Thank you for your attention to the history lesson and willingness to open your hearts to think about how you were r-a-i-s-e-d. and how you were r-a-c-e-d. I hope you will continue to struggle with the question of how we are "r-a-c-e-d" and the implications of that for the future of our country and the world.