Faithful Fridays: Black History Today

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Faithful Fridays

Friday, February 10, 2023

Black History Today

Rev. Dr. Terrill N. Murff

February is the month that our nation focuses on African American History. The intention of Black History month is to shine a light on the African diaspora by acknowledging and honoring achievements of African Americans. We are to also shine a light on the history of African Americans in the Americas. There have been recent attempts to white-wash this history by intentionally eliminating the “sin of indentured slavery” from history books (as if slavery never existed). Black History Today not only reminds us of the need to teach younger African American generations about the histories of their ancestors but to also share that history with generations of all nationalities.

Black History Today shines a light on the mantra that Black Lives Matter. Yes, beloved, All Lives Matter. However, the Black Lives Matter mantra is a reminder to all people that LIFE should be regarded as sacred. The storied history of Africans in America is both ominous yet prosperous.

Black History Today seeks illuminate the search for true justice. True justice seeks to de-construct and dis-empower the racial aggression found within many of our institutions today. Many of these institutions embrace the “Slave Patrol” mentality that has led to the preponderance of “over-policing” of African Americans. This is why a light needs to be shined (as a reminder to all people) that Black Lives Matter.

Black History Today, is placing a clarion call for The Church to live out “The Great Commission” by expressing the love of Jesus to all humanity. The light of love has the spiritual power to overcome the darkness of hate that continues to spread throughout society today.

The complicated existence of African Americans today is a reminder why Black History must be both acknowledged and celebrated by all people.

UCC Racial Justice Sunday Resources

Create Playspace with the President

United Church of Christ

The wider church invited to create ‘play space’ with the General Minister and President, by engaging in a series of interactive conversations through May. On Wednesdays from February through May, Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer has arranged eight different conversations, each with a unique topic and facilitator. And he said the interactive experience will be just as important as the discussion.

In each session, he hopes to gather “a fully engaged, interactive audience to share the latest thinking about what is happening to give shape to a future in which we (the UCC) matter.” Dorhauer will lead the first and last conversation. All will take place at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT). The first session is next Wednesday, Febraury 15th - Register Here.

Learn More Here

Outdoor Ministries - Camp of the Week!

Over the next several weeks, we will be highlighting the various camp and retreat opportunities at Pilgrim Park and Tower Hill this summer. There are many offerings happening this year including some new ones. We hope that you will come out of the ordinary and into the sacred and join us at camp this summer!

Sports Camp

June 18-24 at Pilgrim Park

Grades 6-9

Fee: $475

Directors: Scott Urban, Marc Urban, Suzy Daly

An experience to help you grow as a child of God and as one who loves to play! Through competitive and cooperative games, we come together as a family and celebrate each person's individual gifts. This is an active and meaningful week designed for those who have finished 6-9th grade to have a place to fit in and grow. Come be a part of the Sports Camp family!

Online Registration

Global H.O.P.E - Turkey and Syria - United Church of Christ

The news continues to unfold about the devastating earthquake on the border of Turkey and Syria. The death toll continues to rise - numbers are pointing to over 20,000 - depending on the source. This is shattering news and adds to the challenges of the war in this area for over a decade.

Upcoming UCC Webinars

Inflation and Your Household Budget

UCC Pension Boards

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

2:00 p.m. CST

Planning the Energy Future of Your Congregation

United Church of Christ

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

12:00 p.m. CST

Internal Controls for Financial Operations

UCC Insurance Board

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

1:00 p.m. CST

Climate Hope Summer Grants

The Environmental Justice Ministry of the United Church of Christ is allotting $30,000 in grants of $2,500. A central goal of this grant program is to further develop a prophetic culture of faith leadership that goes beyond a focus on individual behaviors to collectively address the institutions and systems responsible for the present crisis. Grants will be awarded to promote a climate justice movement that recognizes the root causes of the climate crisis in relation to corporate power and government policy as well as racial and economic inequity. Grants will be awarded to those seeking to advance climate solutions that effectively center the needs of those most impacted by the climate crisis, especially Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities.

Application Deadline is March 1st. Click here to learn more and apply.

New Host for Sanctuary - Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, III

Greater Chicago Broadcast Ministries is pleased to welcome our new host for our Sanctuary broadcast, airing on ABC's Localish Network.

The Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, III is senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. He is a preacher, poet, activist, author and filmmaker with an eye toward justice and equality, as evidenced through the gospel of Jesus Christ. He founded The Unashamed Media Group, a justice centered, faith-based agency committed to producing and curating stories to inspire the heart and challenge the mind. His most recent book is Blue Note Preaching in a Post-Soul World: Finding Hope in an Age of Despair (2015). In October 2020, Dr. Moss created "Otis’ Dream," a short film about his grandfather's unsuccessful attempt to vote in 1946.

Rev. Moss is also a board member of the Greater Chicago Broadcast Ministries. He joins Sanctuary with our Lenten edition, airing Sundays at noon in March.

GCBM February Broadcast Briefings

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FAITHFUL FRIDAYS is published by the Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ, 1840 Westchester Blvd, Suite 200, Westchester, IL 60154. The Rev. Molly Carlson, Conference Minister; Sarah Lohrbach, Editor. Copy may be sent to: [email protected].