From the Conference Minister: General Synod recap

Critical Race Theory has garnered much attention as of late, and is a source of public and political debate. A July 12, 2021, Reading Eagle article, written by David Mekeel, does a good job in clarifying what critical race theory is and is not, its history, and why it is important in the work for racial justice. To read the article click here Local scholars explain CRT.

The International Association of Women Ministers (IAWM) presents "Holy Solidarity: Enhancing Racial Justice as Women in Ministry" this Friday and Saturday in an virtual assembly. Today is the registration to last day to register. For more information, click here to view a brochure. The keynote speaker is Rev. Traci Blackmon, the UCC Associate General Minister of Justice & Local Church Ministries. Invited guest speakers include women ministers from Kenya, Palestine/ Israel, Canada, Brazil, Cuba, Australia, and the United States. Click here to sign up.

Attendees of previous General Synods will remember a physical space set aside for prayer, meditation, and reflection. Within 2021's virtual format, organizers planned a similar opportunity for participants by creating an online retreat space, Sacred Time.

Last spring, the Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay of the UCC National Ministries Office put out an open call for submissions of resources for this Sacred Time space. She then selected the works of some dozen writers and musicians, both amateurs and professionals, from around the country. These devotions, reflections, songs, and prayers all centered on the GS33 theme, "Rooted in Love."

Among the contributors to Sacred Time is PSEC member Janeen Adil, Commissioned Minister of Christian Spirituality. Chosen for inclusion were her two reflections: "Roots and Walls" and "Roots and Stars."

All the Sacred Time content is currently available for download at UCC.org. Under Worship Quick Links, click on any of the three Worship tabs—Opening, Wednesday, or Closing—to access these materials. Or read this News item on PSEC.org for a direct link.

Some proposed climate policies have been described as false solutions by activists and policy analysts because they fall short in meeting the moral demands of science, equity, and justice. Learn what faith communities need to know in this webinar that will feature Leah Stokes, who authored Short Circuiting Policy, and Gabriela Sarri-Tobar, who serves the Center for Biological Diversity as the Energy Justice Campaigner. Even if you can’t make the scheduled time of 1:00p on July 22, still sign-up, and we will send you a recording.

The Zachariah Walker Racial Justice Initiative team, in promoting racial justice, is offering banners and yard signs free to churches and individuals.

For those who are able, we are suggesting a love offering of $70 per banner (image of the 4’x10’ Vinyl Banner with grommets below) and $7 per yard sign (image of the 18’’x24’’ Yard sign above right). The love offerings will go to further our efforts in this sacred ministry of racial equity and justice. To order, please email Anne Cormier at annecormier@comcast.net. Include in the subject box “banner” or “yard sign”.

Are you a retired pastor? A chaplain, counselor, or professor with Sunday mornings available? Please consider adding your name to the PSEC Sunday Supply list. This list is for churches and pastors to use to find Authorized Ministers and Members in Discernment to use for short-term situations (vacations, family leave, sabbaticals, etc.). If you're interested, click here for more information and the Sunday Supply profile form.

“Beyond White Privilege: How Churches Can Engage in Building Peace in Our Societies," featuring Rev. Traci Blackmon, Associate General Minister, on July 28 1:00 to 4:00. We are extremely excited and honored that Rev. Blackmon has agreed to present the keynote address for us. Since we have not yet reached the point that it is safe for us to gather in person, the entire event will take place on Zoom and will be conducted in English. After the Rev. Blackmon’s presentation there will be an opportunity for small group discussions with both American and German colleagues. The problem of racism is an extremely important one in both our countries, and we anticipate a fruitful conversation about how the church in both our settings can be engaged as peacemakers in our respective societies. To register, click here.