Why Men Don't Talk
by Rev. Luci Fleming (D.Min.)
Some are saying that the older male congregants are not talking. The question is…why not? Their voices must be heard.
“By 2021, regular worshipers were far older—only 43 percent were under the age of 50. The majority were at least 50 years old and one in three were retirement age (65 years old or older). The growing generational divide in America’s churches and places of worships presents all sorts of challenges to churches” reports Survey Center on American Life.
Let us get to the point of…WHY MEN DON’T TALK. Our male seniors who attend church regularly, often feel disrespected by the younger men. It is a fact that the senior male parishioners have a history with the church and have contributed to its growth, development, community services and international outreach. Many have freely volunteered their time, talents and services as needed over the years. Most importantly, they have learned the value of unity and respect and the dynamics it plays in our society.
Our churches’ older male members feel that they have met their quota to society in the areas of respect. With that being said, they want to receive in return....
The Implications and impact of dismantling DEI
Two Panel Discussions offered by ...
Congregational UCC, High Point
Rev. Angela Roach Roberson
Host pastor and panelist
May 22, 7:00 - 8:00 (Thursday)
implications:
*on curriculum
*on financial aid & student loans
Three panelists - Read more/download flyer
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May 29, 7:00 - 8:00 (Thursday)
implications:
*on Department of Education
*on Title 1 grants
Two panelists - Read more/download flyer
Teleconference: 717-655-9970 Access Code: 8974511
UCC Webinar ...
A Relentless Struggle for Justice
submitted by Rev. Brooks Berndt (Ph.D.)
UCC Minister for Environmental Justice
May 14, 1:00 pm ET (Wednesday)
The story of Charles Lee’s involvement and leadership in the struggle for environmental justice intersects with many of the most pivotal events in the movement’s history: the Warren Country protests that gave birth to a movement, the publication of “Toxic Wastes and Race in the United States” that became a landmark report, the First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit that issued the groundbreaking “Principles of Environmental Justice,” and the establishment of environmental justice as a core part of the EPA’s mission. On March 31st, Charles Lee retired as the Senior Policy Advisor for Environmental Justice at the EPA after working there for more than two decades. In this webinar, Lee will reflect back on his distinguished career. Even if you cannot make the scheduled time on Wednesday, May 14th at 1 pm ET, still register, and a recording will be sent to you. Register now!
A VOICE for SILENCE
by Rev. Luci Fleming (D.Min.)
editor's note: In Rev. Edward Davis' letter last week, he introduced a column for the e-News called "The Voice." He said, "This column will feature the voices of the voiceless and those who have been impacted by our society's behaviors and conditions. It will be written primarily by Rev. Luci Fleming (D.Min.) and others who will provide insight that will speak to us and call us to action.
Read / download unedited article HERE
To know the plight of our silent ones is to know brokenness, abandonment, oppression and fear. It is like holding a handful of sand. Despite the attempt to grip the grains the sand trickles through the spaces between our fingers. There are those before us, after us and with us, whose lips are sealed shut. These precious mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, cannot speak for themselves. They are held captive by fears and weakness. It has now become our job to speak out for them.
Let us first consider the fact that life has happened. For some, it has been bitter and cruel. Many sharp minds have been fogged by medications and social drugs have been used to ease the pains. There are the traumatized, those with sustained disabilities, victims of violence, the addicted at birth, the mentally ill, those with impairments, and medical and financial challenges. The list goes on. Does it really matter how or when silence dominated the once competent man and woman, or boy and girl with great potential? ...
I am reminded of the first story to address silence. It might have gotten pass some of us. Come…let us take a little walk down History Lane by way of (Genesis 4:9-11). There is a point where God asked Cain (the first born son of the first family) the question “where is your brother Abel?” Cain answered God with a lie and a leading question, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” ... We find here in this book of beginning, that God was the voice to speak out for Abel (silenced by his violent death). This is why some questionable deaths are settled in our courts…justice is required. Justice is the voice that speaks aloud for the deceased one.
Let us look from a natural view. Please note that there is a powerful message in silence. Silence speaks louder than we expect in many cases. Let us explore this scenario:
As an outsider, we cannot see a developing fetus in the quiet and dark warm space of the womb. Nor can we hear the silent cries for nourishment and adequate prenatal care. The intrinsic strength that the new life possesses to cling in safety goes unseen by us…yet it is there. If ever this fetus is denied, abandoned, disrupted, torn, or yanked from the place of life, the unborn voice is silenced. The mother bares the pains and adjusts to the unforgettable memory....
I conclude with the Word of God: Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out; judge righteously; defend the rights of the poor and needy (Proverbs 31:8-9 NRSVUE).
To be continued…