“Christian life is not a life divided between times for action and times for contemplation. No. Real social action is a way of contemplation, and real contemplation is the core of social action.”
( ― Henri J.M. Nouwen )
Friends in Justice,
There are so many things calling our attention in the church, and so many causes for concern in the world today that it can be difficult to heed Henri Nouwen’s observation about action and contemplation being aspects of the same thing. Ours is an active faith: “I was hungry and you fed me …, I was a stranger and you took me in,” said Jesus. “Faith, if not accompanied by action, is dead,” said James. And yet, just as faith without action is useless, so peace and justice work, if not connected to the life-affirming presence of the Holy One, often winds up operating from the same imperatives of power and control that we are trying to resist. As we approach the season of Lent, I encourage you to find moments to ease back the throttle and tap into what spiritual director and psychologist Gerald May calls “the power of the slowing.” Taking a few moments to slow down, become still, may seem self-indulgent when there is so much around us that needs doing. And yet, as we allow ourselves to be led beside still waters, we are best able to discern what is ours to do, what is God’s call for us, trusting that we can make a difference in our own gifted ways.
Blessings,
Jane
NEWS
LET’S TALK CLIMATE!
Climate change is an urgent spiritual and moral matter because it is inseparably linked to our call to be stewards of our common Earth home. Now, more than ever, it is important to come together as people of faith to work toward climate justice.
We have three interesting climate conversation-starters for you.
01. Faithful Climate Conversations is a series of guides to facilitate group conversations on climate change, developed by a national faith-based ecumenical initiative called For the Love of Creation. Keep an eye out for future announcements about a series of PMRC-wide climate conversations using these resources as a guide. In the meantime, for anyone who wants to organize a conversation in your own community of faith, everything you need is in the guide.
Creation, Climate and You – Designed for people who have rarely, if ever, talked about climate change in a group setting.
From Concern to Action – For people concerned about the effects of climate change, but remain uncertain about next steps.
Build a Better Future – For those already been involved in climate action, this guide focuses on enacting political and systemic change.
02. Sign up for Give it up for the Earth! A faith-in-action campaign raising awareness about climate change and mobilizes people across Canada to reduce household greenhouse gas emissions, engage in learning and relationship building, and collect signatures as a demonstration of support for increased federal climate action. Details here.
03. There’s another important resource for climate conversations right here in PMRC: Check out the approach to Climate Conversations happening at Weird Church, in Cumberland, BC.
Looking at Guaranteed Livable Income Through the Window of Lent
Lent is the season for truth-telling and repentance. It calls us to deep reflection on how we might address the persistent inequities in our country. Since 1972, the United Church of Canada has advocated a policy of guaranteed annual income that is more equitable and effective than existing government support programs.
In the attached guide, Rev. Barry Morris, Ann McRae, and Rev. Rose-Hannah Gaskin offer ideas for those composing Lenten liturgies or pastoral prayers or for use by Lenten study groups, or outreach committees. Each segment contains a suggested scripture, hymn ideas, a reflection or implication for GLI advocacy, and an action idea. The guide also includes complementary action suggestions.
The guide can be found at this link.
From the East Central Region 11 Guaranteed Livable Income team, at this link you can find a series of slides intended to be used in Lenten services, similar to a Mission for Minute.
The Ismaili Muslim Community is exploring the idea of engaging with a Christian based organization to collaborate and merge their annual Ramadan Food Drive and partnering around Easter/Lent and doing a joint food drive. They’re exploring the idea with their community’s Grade 5 students and would like to have their students and the Christian students engage in this activity together, with a tour of the respective spaces of worship. It would primarily take place in the Lower Mainland, specifically Richmond, Port Moody, Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, North and West Vancouver. If interested, please contact Farouq directly at farouq.manji@iicanada.net
One week ago, the United Church of Canada launched its Korea Peace Appeal Ten Thousand Signature Campaign, declaring that “70 years is enough. It’s time to end the Korean War.” The Appeal is a global campaign calling for a peace treaty that would bring a formal end to the Korean War. The campaign, supported by some 370 civil society organizations in Korea and beyond, seeks to collect 100 million signatures by 2023. Long-time partner in Korea, The National Council of Churches, has challenged The United Church of Canada to join them in support of the Korea Peace Appeal by adding 10,000 signatures to the online petition by this summer.
Learn more about the campaign here, and sign the appeal here.
In 2016 a delegation from the United Church went to Korea to recognize a partnership with the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea. The delegation included PMRC Executive Minister Treena Duncan [left] and past President (BC Conference) Rev. Cari Copeman-Hayes of Crossroads United Church [right].
“Having visited Korea and talked to some of the people there, I can confirm the importance of working with our Korean partners to continue to seek peace in the Korean peninsula. I encourage everyone in PMRC to add their signature to this campaign.” – Treena Duncan.
“I’m fully supportive of this. I have already signed and am encouraging the folks at Crossroads also to do so.” – Rev. Cari Copeman-Haynes
***
“Peace is something to aspire to, peace is a daily commitment. This is why I am supporting the United Church’s Campaign supporting the Korea Peace Appeal.” – Thea Sheridan-Jonah, 18-year-old UBC student, Member of Korea Peace Appeal Committee, GC44 Youth Forum Co-ordinator
EVENTS
SINIXT WORKSHOP (RESCHEDULED!)
Castlegar United Church’s postponed Sinixt workshop, led by Lori Barkley, Staff Anthropologist for the Autonomous Sinixt, has been rescheduled!
The new date is Tuesday, March 1st, 2022, from 6:30-8pm Pacific (7:30-9pm Mountain). It will primarily be held in person, with proof of vaccination at Castlegar United Church (809 Merry Creek Rd, Castlegar, BC). A Zoom link is available here for those who cannot come in person.
Sponsored by the Urban Indigenous Circle, Chinook Winds Region and Pacific Mountain Region
This year we examine Lent through the lens of our Indigenous Elders. 50 years ago the Elders of the Indian Ecumenical Conference gathered from across Turtle Island, including many from the US, Central America and beyond. During this time, Traditional Spiritual Leaders, Wisdom Keepers, Elders, Indigenous Clergy and our ecumenical partners in the United Church of Canada, Anglican Church of Canada, Catholic Church and others attended to understand and demystify traditional Indigenous spiritual practices. The sharing of these Elders and Knowledge Keepers helped shape Indigenous advocacy, outreach and visions for reconciliation. We delve into their teachings to understand their vision for our current time.
Tuesdays through Lent, taking place at 6 pm Pacific / 7 pm Mountain
Register at this link, Zoom details to follow.
Gibimishkaadimin – Youth Reconciliation Project
This is wonderful opportunity for Indigenous youth ages 16-18 to participate in a leadership and educational exchange. Gibimishkaadimin will bring Indigenous youth from across the country together with non-Indigenous youth from the Shining Waters region for a summer canoe trip in Lake Temagami, followed by reconciliation projects in their communities, and a winter reunion of the group. Any costs for the Indigenous youth will be paid for by the Gibimishkaadimin Project.
The trip will take place from August 22nd to 30th, and there are 12 spots for Indigenous youth. The deadline for applications is March 31st, 2022.
Find more information about this opportunity here, and apply here.
National Affirming Day / PIE Day
With Affirm United
Why PIE? PIE = Public. Intentional. Explicit.
We use the acronym PIE because it’s easy to remember and those words set the standard for an affirming welcome of LGBTQIA+ and Two Spirit people. PIE represents three ways for us to test just how real our Affirmation and celebration of gender or sexual diversity is.
This year’s theme is “Everyone Gets A Slice!”
Looking at the 2SLGBTQAiP+ acronym, which represents an endless diversity of identities and expressions, we acknowledge that some of the people who are represented by these letters often tend to get left out or underserved. We are invited to consider which folks we may not have included in our Affirming programming and educational efforts and take strides to remedy that.
More information at this link, and free materials for events, including worship service templates, here.
Curious about PIE day, and what your congregation can do to celebrate 2SLGBTQAiP+ people? Check out this video, featuring UCC Moderator Richard Bott!
MORE PIE DAY!
We would like to congratulate Victoria’s First Metropolitan United Church on their new Affirming status! They’re holding an in-person event to celebrate on Sunday, March 13th. More details can be found at their website.
Are you an Affirming community of faith or ministry? We have a list on Pacific Mountain’s Justice webpage here. If you’re not on the list, send Alexandra an email, and we can add you!
United Network for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel, 2022 Gathering
Details, including speakers, cost, and travel pool information, as well as registration (available soon) is at this link.
CONTACT US
If you’re interested in the work of the Justice Ministries, we would love to hear from you.Have you come across articles and events in our community that you’d love to share? Please get your suggestions in by Thursday at noon to ensure they make it in the newsletter.
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