Moment for Mission
"The Lord lifts up the downtrodden; he casts the wicked to the ground." — Psalm 147:3, NRSV
February is Black History Month, a month to celebrate, remember and hope that we can move forward together in reconciliation and peace. This year marks 50 years since the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life was ended due to his work against racial and economic inequality. Decades have passed and still there is work to be done. Words and actions in the spirit of racism are present in our communities, and on many occasions, the people of God remain silent.
While it can be intimidating to take this on, it does not have to be done alone. The United Methodist General Commission on Religion and Race exists for this reason. GCORR provides practical resources and support to churches, so that they might stand against racism and grow in intercultural engagement with their communities. Our generous gifts to the World Service Fund apportionments support GCOOR and the fulfillment of our baptismal vows to resist evil and injustice.
Facing racism is a daunting task, one the church must take on. The commitment to facing and eradicating racism is made in our baptismal vows. We vow to "to resist evil, injustice, and oppression," and serve Christ "in union with the Church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races." We are committing ourselves to live in such a way that seeks justice and unity and resists the evil of racism and inequality.
Offertory Prayer
Great Creator, your image is reflected in all of your people. Open our eyes that we me see the beauty in all. Open our hearts that we may embrace our diversity, seek to live in harmony and in generosity as we give to the work of reconciliation and peace. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries: Fifth Sunday After Epiphany - Everlasting God, you are kind and trustworthy. Every day you graciously provide what we need from your abundance. We are grateful that you bring healing and hope for our life as individuals and as a faith community. Accept these monetary gifts and offerings to strengthen our church's outreach to our neighbors. May more people come to know you and your love through our ministries. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus, our Savior. Amen. (Psalm 147)
Newsletter Nugget
February is Black History Month. It does not take long to understand why Black History Month is celebrated. It would be hard to miss what is happening in the national news in terms of racial tensions and divisions across the country.
In celebrating Black History Month, we can look at how far we have come and we can dream about what it can be like in the future.
We build the future by building relationships. These intercultural relationships are crucial for overcoming racial tensions, growing the church and becoming the church that God has called us to be.
The General Commission on Religion and Race helps build those relationships through resources and support for churches. GCORR is committed to helping the church embrace cultural diversity in our congregations and communities. The agency also is committed to equipping the church to engage with other cultures.
When we give generously to our apportionments to the World Service Fund, we are supporting the work of GCORR.