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| "Consider this an invitation. I invite you on my pilgrimage to some very different kinds of churches, old Protestant churches that have found new life in the face of change. They reminded me that Christianity is a sacred pathway to someplace better, a journey of transforming our selves, our faith communities, and our world." ... from the Introduction. |
| Index | Chapter Summary | Commentary | Discussion Notes |
| Summary Notes - | |||
"The end is reconciliation, the end is redemption, the end is the creation of the beloved community.""By the 1960's enlightenment liberalism dominated theological thinking in white mainline churches." In the US, justice took the form of racial equality. The black churches tapped into the bible and its language of justice. "The world is mostly a place of injustice." "Christians, by actively being the beloved community, enact justice through practices of hospitality, prayer, discernment, testimony and diversity." "The gospel is political. Christians are engaged in politics..." "follow the counsel of Micah, to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God". Throughout her journey with the emerging mainline congregations, she encountered churches engaging in justice issues. Posters were posted. Activities abounded. Issues of rich and poor were being considered. Connections to the homeless were underway. The churches were connected to their communities. These things did not depend on leadership. Members felt good about these activities. Reaching out was important. "Mercy is the beginning of justice." |
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| Commentary - Five things about MY experience with justice and peace at St D's - Sally Hodges | |||
| A Five things about MY experience with justice and peace at St D's 1. openness to refugees (El Salvadoreans in 80's, Kosovans 1999, Sultana 2001, Nadia last 3 years) - ministerial staff, council receptive to taking the responsibility. - a number of people came forward at the various times - huge generosity through the giving tree and when people have 'extra stuff' - generosity in donating to the Refugee Fund including one stranger in the congregation one sunday who gave me $40 cash for the fund when he heard mention. - sermons saying that we are called to serve and be hospitable 2. openness to Project Ploughshares - Peace Fair has been at St D's 7 out of its 23 years - letters and petitions: the mindset that on certain things at least, as Christians, we must speak up (eg. phraseology borrowed from a more fundamentalist tradition, heard at the Peace fair on saturday...'Who would Jesus bomb?'!) . Wayne does my train of thought show through here?! - A number of years ago (five?) St D's agreed to make an annual donation to Ploughshares of $100. Last year, they upped it to $300 I think. This is very helpful to ploughshares! - the inclusion of Ploughshares events in newsletters and the bulletin 3. Bannerman-Clark dinners at the Mustard Seed, and the foodbank connection - caring and hope lived out - a transformative experience to volunteer there 4. Inn From the Cold (IFTC) - expansion of and an exercise in compassion - community building for the volunteers - relationship building among the volunteers 5. The St David's youth program's research of and action on social justice issues - hooks into the idealism of youth and wanting to make the world a better place - fulfills their expectation for there to be action which follows discovery of need. B. Visions or hopes for the future of a ministry of justice and peace at St David's 1. That St David's become a 'Peace church' in Calgary. The ultimate objective is to change the culture we are living in to one of non-violence and compassion. (The Christian church has had a huge role in the compassion area in past centuries - development of educational, medical training and facilities etc). Focusing on non-violence of all kinds is now necessary. When small groups of people espouse a certain strong philosophy, it has an effect in the broader community. - study groups (perhaps this is on its way!?) - a much more concentrated push to support and promote Project ploughshares' work (if every United church in Calgary gave $500 a year to ploughshares, they could spend less time on fundraising and more time on doing this work of creating a non-violent society). Project Ploughshares would be the resource for St D's becoming a Peace Church. - an action group to interface with Ploughshares and bring action items and programs to St D's. 2A. That every St David's member commit to study OR experience OR volunteer for two new social justice or peace areas each year for one to three years. They could commit, with a church friend or two, to explore two areas per year - perhaps one difficult, and one easy! It is understood, however, that raising a family is inherently all about teaching and learning about social justice, so families could be somewhat exempt! Here are examples of these justice and peace areas:
"What did you do for peace or social justice or the environment this week?" or for parents, "What incidents and messages was I involved in that helped my children become better people and more socially aware this week?". 3. That there be 8 to 10 people on the Social Outreach committee who can divide up the work. They would: - bring programs to inform and inspire people - conduct at least one annual church service - be resource people for and help the youth leaders and Sunday school teachers in this area - be a leading force in St David's which will give a new impetus, even a raison d'etre to this good congregation. Pastoral care and worship etc must go on (!) but the spirit of the congregation could catch fire with work that clearly contributes to and changes society. Friendships are quietly built among those working on IFTC and the refugee committee, forging very important ties. With many more opportunities to work together on common social justice and peace goals, brought forward through the social outreach, worship and ministry teams, those friendships will deepen to revitalization and commitment. St David's is in the business of creating optimism, joy, hope...and determination to combat the forces of evil: cruelty (violence), avarice (greed), lack of humanity, distrust etc. Together we can overcome fear and walk in the light. Thanks for the opportunity to express my hopes. I hope it is not too much. May your discussion be fruitful. It would have been very good to hear what others say. Best, Sally Hodges |
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| Summary of Discussion Notes after Small Groups | |||
| Experiences of Justice. Dorothy recalled when she and Don were at a Vatican II session and the general spirit of justice there. She also felt the recent hosting of St. David's of the Catholics that were working towards acceptance of women priests in the Catholic Church. She participated in their service and found them polite, gentle and open. Deb mentioned how Sally had told the youth that justice is something that comes from the heart, and how that had had good effect. Grass roots are a source of great social justice. Inn From The Cold is a good project, but seems like a bandage to society. Why? Marjorie recalled a rabbi saying we were not responsible for the world, but neither are we relieved of trying. Justice at St. David's Idea of "Challenge Sunday" - that youth could conduct service on themes of justice. Recollection of an earlier service where the youth all came in barefoot to stress poverty. Question where is our "prophetic voice". Homelessnes, addiction are high needs in our society. What is our response? The 10 themes of Bass seem to suggest a series over the year. Perhaps monthly focus. Perhaps a series of theme sundays. Education opportunities on justice seem lacking at St. David's. Young people need to know what to believe. Need to bridge child-adult belief. We need to understand other faiths. |
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St. David's United Church.Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Sep 2007