What's going on with our older brethren?
by Rev. Luci Fleming (D.Min.)
It is a fact that we hear talking among our older brethren. They engage with energies, fluctuating volumes, giggles and outbursts of laughter. Yes, for sure they have exciting stories they tell and in many cases they actually caught the big fish that the younger brethren confess got away.
If we were the hidden camera man/woman in the barber shops, salons, massage therapy clinics, spas, gyms, golf courses, country clubs, poolrooms, church groups and social clubs, we would likely witness some amazing conversations, timely interjections, striking comments and roaring humor. We might be surprised to see a known quiet and reserved brother dominate the conversation. On the other hand, one known as loud, and outspoken might be seen taking a low profile. We cannot justify the differences in personality and behaviors in the brethren’s chat circle versus the way they are seen in church. I would surmise that the people in the room, the staged atmosphere and the individual ego play an important part as to what is said among them.
Though our older brethren get together and talk, they are well guarded and limited by what they say and what they do not say, to each other. I see that there is a need for the voices of these gentlemen to be heard. It is clear that these fellows talk but do not communicate. They purpose to avoid touchy topics. Their fears are ...
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:
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Three panelists - Read more/download flyer
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May 29, 7:00 - 8:00 (Thursday)
implications:
*on Department of Education
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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…