Sanctuary & Hillside Worship Series
"Extreme Makeover: Nehemiah Edition"
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Nehemiah is known as the Jerusalem Rebuilder. He's an interesting character who, unlike the prophets, sees a problem and doesn't just talk the talk. Nehemiah walks the walk, and takes action to fix things! But, not before prayer, reflection, and confession. As he leads the rebuilding effort, Nehemiah faces great hardship and much pain, yet the people of Israel saw firsthand how God fulfilled God's promises spoken to Jeremiah during their exile.
If God calls all of us to participate in building beloved community; then God calls all of us to become antiracists. We will use this worship series as a guide for change - laying Nehemiah's spiritual practice alongside our study of racism through film, books, and art.
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Sunday Worship - July 19 @ 10:30 am
"Rebuilding for Renewal"
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With the walls of Jerusalem completed, the Book of the Law becomes the central focus of the story; and it brings about a spiritual renewal among the Israelites. We do the work of becoming antiracist so that we can (re)build the Beloved Community Jesus envisioned. We experience spiritual renewal by living in the joy and delight of God, knowing our identity as God’s people, and repenting of our racism and sin.
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Prayer for This Sunday:
Holy one, our hearts are troubled and our circumstances appear dark. Help us to remember how great is Your steadfast faithfulness and loving kindness. Along with Nehemiah, we are called to share Your promise of love and justice for all with the world. In the midst of this period of affliction, stressed by the impact of COVID19, hurt by the centuries long harm inflicted by the Virus of 1619 we stand in hope upon the foundation of Your truth, love, and grace. Help us to change. Amen.
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Sunday Online Schedule
9:45 - 10:15 am - Guided Meditation w/ Sarah D
10:15 am - Gathering Time (say hello and get settled in)
10:30 am - Family Worship (children, reflections, music, prayers)
11:30 am - Virtual Coffee Hour (small group conversation)
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Announcements - Mission & Service
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Join Sanctuary to Pack Meals for Medford
Saturday, July 18 @ 10 am - 1 pm
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You are invited to join us for an immediate opportunity pack these 15,000 meals at the Pembroke warehouse of the Outreach Program wherein masked individuals and family groups (of up to 4 people) will be set up to be physically distanced from anyone they did not arrive with. You will pack meals for a three hour shift and bring back the cases to Sanctuary UCC, Medford where they will be stored and distributed as needed through these same networks.
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Study and Action Group - beginning late-July
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“Racial inequity is a problem of bad policy, not bad people.”
Sanctuary UCC and Hillside invite you to a study and action group on behalf of becoming antiracist and supporting our faith communities and City of Medford to make antiracist policy change!
Please complete this survey so we can plan, schedule, and develop a team to help us dig deeply into this seminal and transformative work.
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Black Lives Matter Film Series
Tonight!
Virtual Screening and Discussion Circles on Zoom
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July 17, 6:30; "Just Mercy"
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'Just Mercy' tells the true story of Walter McMillian, who, with the help of young defense attorney Bryan Stevenson, appeals his murder conviction. The film is based on the memoir of the same name, written by Stevenson.
Crystal Chandler, leader of Mobilize Medford and documentary director, will be leading this discussion! Learn more about her experience and perspective as a black filmmaker.
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Black History / Black Lives Matter
Book, Film, Podcast, TV Recommendations
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Prayer, Meditation, and Reflection
Tuesday, July 21 | Friday, July 24
Drop-In Lunch On-Line @ 12 pm
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Join Rev. Wendy for prayer, meditation and reflection - check on your heart and soul space!
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Everybody needs a little sanctuary.
especially now!
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Have a topic, prayer, or reflection to offer?
Contact Rev. Wendy
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Micro pantries around the city are open and needed more than ever!
Please donate if you have the capacity during this time to help our neighbors!
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Join Us Today, Friday, July 17 (4 to 6 pm);
Every Friday through the season.
First Come/First Served - Mask Required!
Through a generous donation and partnership with The Plough & Stars Project - Sanctuary's Micropantry Mission is able to offer farm fresh vegetables.
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For any further information on the virus, events, or how we can still be Sanctuary for ourselves and others, please check out the website:
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Sanctuary United Church of Christ
458 High Street, Medford, MA 02155 • (781) 395–3360
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