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With this post, I conclude my teaching on the Gospel in Ephesians 2:1-10. I pray that the Lord has used this series of Bible Studies to sharpen your understanding and appreciation of the Gospel and the grace Christ bestows on His elect.
So, ladies, we have seen a lot about God's grace in taking us from our death in sin to life in the resurrected Christ. To refresh our memories, as well as to examine verse 10 in its proper context, let's look at our passage one final time.
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (ESV)
Again, Paul places emphasis on Christ, attributing any good works we perform to God. Strong's Greek Dictionary says that the Greek word "poiema" (here rendered "workmanship") means "a product, that is, fabric (literally or figuratively): – thing that is made, workmanship."
According to Vincent Word Studies, the Greek construction of the phrase, "we are His workmanship" decidedly refers to God as the active agent. Notice that the next phrase, "created in Christ Jesus" clarifies the idea that the "workmanship" denotes the new creation He forms at the time of our conversion (2 Corinthians 5:17). When we consider that, prior to salvation, our base instincts had locked us into a lifestyle of depravity (remember verses 1-3), we marvel that now God calls us His workmanship.
Further, God creates us as new creatures in Christ so that we can perform good works. Good works, then, follow regeneration rather than cause it. And the Lord has even prepared those good works "beforehand," which Ephesians 1:4 tells us was "before the foundation of the world." A good cross-reference for this idea of predestined works is Romans 8:29-30.
Perhaps Titus 2:11-14 offers the best commentary on Ephesians 2:1-10, especially as it illustrates repentance from the decay described in Ephesians 2:1-3 and to the good works of Ephesians 2:10.
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. ~~Titus 2:11-14 (ESV)
As in Ephesians 2:5 and 8, God's grace ushers in the gift of repentance (see Acts 11:18). (Incidentally, the phrase, "all people," means that salvation extends beyond the Jews to all ethnic groups.) In Paul's words to Titus, we see a clear picture of God's grace enabling believers to turn from sin because they live in expectation of Christ's return. Such expectation, of course, arises from the gift of faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Faith always expresses itself in repentance from sin and to holiness.
Ephesians 2:1-10 doesn't mention the redemption that Jesus secured for us by shedding His blood on the cross (Ephesians 1:7 and Colossians 1:20), but we can't really talk about grace apart from the cross. Although this study ends at verse 10, Paul does clarify in Ephesians 2:11-13 that Gentiles have access to God's promises through Christ's blood, just as Jews do. What amazing grace! And what Good News!


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SAN YSIDRO, Calif. – A new pedestrian crossing that opened Monday provides a second option for travelers headed from San Ysidro into Mexico.
The new southbound crossing at the Pedestrian West facility will be open daily from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. PedWest is located at 495 Virginia Avenue, next to Outlets at the Border.
"I think it's a great benefit," said John Stricklen, who crosses the border once a week. "It'll free up traffic going both ways. It's easier access here, less of a walk and everything, to get across the border."
"I personally thought it was a good idea because it's close to the outlets, it's more convenient 'cause the bus stops are here," Guillermo Barreras said.
Unlike the bridge located at the original San Ysidro Port of Entry to the east, the PedWest crossing features a hallway.
"We see people walking across the bridge so if they can take some time off of everyone's commute, I think having both is a good option," Andrea Zeidell said. "The more options, the better."
In July of 2016, a crossing opened at PedWest to pedestrians traveling northbound. PedWest is connected to a transportation hub on the U.S. side of the border and features a SENTRI enrollment office and I-94 processing.
The other pedestrian crossing at San Ysidro, Pedestrian East, will continue to be open 24 hours a day.
Up to 25,000 folks a day walk across the San Ysidro Border Xing, they now have brand new gateway into Mex. Worth the wait? Fox5 at 10 p.m.. pic.twitter.com/GYdX2U3fnW
— Salvador (@SalvadorSDnews) August 2, 2017

subset: commoncrawl


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Charles A. Centrella, Sr., 91, retired bank officer, longtime Ridgefielder
Charles A. Centrella, Sr., 91, of Ridgefield, husband of the late Prudence (Geraci) Centrella died on Tuesday afternoon at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital, New London, CT.
Mr. Centrella was born in New York, NY, October 22, 1920, son of the late Ferdinando and Giula (Luongo) Centrella.
He was raised and educated in the Bronx and joined Citibank in 1943 as a window teller in the securities department and rose to a corporate authorization officer. He retired in 1975 and has been retired longer than he was actively employed.
Summer residents of Ridgefield since 1954, coming from New York, the Centrellas became permanent residents of Ridgefield in 1976.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Ridgefield O.W.L.S. and a former member of the Elks Lodge.
A loving and faithful husband, Charles and Prudence were married for sixty-five years upon her death in 2005.
A beloved father, he is survived by a daughter, Julie Viola and her husband, Peter of New Fairfield, CT and by a son, Charles A. Centrella Jr. and his wife, Ellen of Danbury, CT; five grandchildren, Lisa Druckreier, Deborah Centrella. Michelle Ruscoe, Julienne Viola and Peter Charles Viola, nine great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves the second love of his life, Helen Pfeifer.
Funeral services will take place in the Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah St., Ridgefield on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at 11 AM.
Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Ridgefield.
The family will receive friends in the Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah St., Ridgefield on Friday, July 27, 2012 from 5 PM to 8 PM.
Contributions in Mr. Centrella's memory may be made to the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Avenue, Wallingford, CT 06492.


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TAG | hotel Pakistan
Pakistan Hotels | Islamabad Hotels | Lahore Hotels | Karachi Hotels | Murree Hotels
1 Comment · Posted by cresset in Business Travel, Family Travel, Hotels, Pakistan Travel, Travel, Travel Deals, Travel News
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I am very intetested in wearing the next bub I have (preferably with a woven and learning how to wrap) and have been doing lots of research, looking up different brands, joining fb groups trying to educate myself.... Its all very overwhelming. Would love to know how you wear your baby (and see pictures to!!!) Please answer as many of the questions as you want and share photos of your baby wearing adventures!
How many wraps/carriers do you own?
What is your "go to" wrap/carrier?
What are the advantages of buying an expensive, high end wrap?
How did you learn to wrap, What type of carries can you do?
Best ways to break in wraps?
What your dream wrap/carrier (if you could have any you wanted!!!) Would love to see pics here so i don't have to image search each one 😂
Advice/tips/wrap recommendations for a mummy looking to wrap for the first time?
+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 10 of 16
17-11-2016 20:36 #1
Babywearing mummas!!! Tell me about how you wear
The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to melimum For This Useful Post:
Mad84 (18-11-2016),Mamasupial (17-11-2016),rosey82 (17-11-2016),Yogis Mumma (17-11-2016)
17-11-2016 20:45 #2
I currently own a fly tai, 2 RS, 1 size 5 woven wrap and 3 size 6 wraps and a size 3 wrap.
High end wraps, you are paying for the brand and design. Sometimes the materials or the fact that it might be handwoven.
I learnt through YouTube!
I mostly use fwcc and short front cross carry.
The new ankalia mako is lovely but I'm destashing.
I recommend a stretchy like chekoh to start with. Then a woven size 6 to get started.
The Following User Says Thank You to Mamasupial For This Useful Post:
17-11-2016 20:45 #3
I have pics but I would have to crop them lol
17-11-2016 22:40 #4
Lol I've just been watching YouTube tutorials & practising with DS in my short wrap this arvo!
I got into it through my sister, now my whole family baby wears - last Xmas we all took turns with my niece in a ring sling!
Mainly I've learned by watching tutorials & practising lots. I've also been to a few local baby wearing meets.
I have: stretchy wrap, size 3 Didymis Indio Aurora (I think they have changed the name due to some bad publicity though), custom full buckle baby size (made from a Natibaby wrap), gauze woven wrap for summer, Oscha vanilla roses ring sling, Lenny Lamb colours of love full buckle toddler size.
I used the full buckles a lot with DD (she's 2.5 now).
I've been using the ring sling with DS (5 weeks) & Kangaroo carry with the shorty. Have been practising half front wrap with slip knot today, surprisingly easy!
I've broken them in with a couple washes/irons. Cotton, bamboo etc doesn't take a lot of breaking in. Linen & hemp take a bit more.
The higher end wraps I find are a bit of a cult thing. I have wraps & carriers to use, no way am I spending $$$$ on something that's going to get spewed on, food spilled on, sweated in etc. Spend a bit of money on quality but don't get carried away with "trends".
My Lenny Lamb carrier and ring sling are my favourites.
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to rosey82 For This Useful Post:
17-11-2016 22:49 #5
Jumping in to say what a helpful topic this is. I want to baby wear but haven't started researching as I know it'll be overwhelming...half of what's been said above seems like a different language!
The Following User Says Thank You to Yogis Mumma For This Useful Post:
FrenchP (02-04-2017)
17-11-2016 22:56 #6
I didn't discover baby wearing until DS was 7 months. We had a little frog ring sling. Little frog wraps and slings are great for beginners too! We've had a ssc, mei tai and toddler Tula that I recently sold for an ankalia Nganana ring sling for belly bub. I'm looking at getting a fly Tai as I loved using my Mei tai and dp used it too
I would recommend to anyone interested in baby wearing to find a local baby wearing group (search on Facebook) they are a wealth of knowledge and often a good place to start learning and trying what suits you.
I am tossing up about learning to wrap for belly bub but will decide that later as I have 2 ring slings already. Cotton and tencel are great for bubs as they are quite soft
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17-11-2016 23:27 #7
I use a hug a bub from birth until they get too big, maybe 2-3 months and then I use an ergo. I bought both my hug a bub and ergo second hand and they are perfect. I also had a baby Bjorn for my first child that someone gave me and I used it sometimes but I find the Ergo much better.
I love the hug a bub for newborns, they're all snuggled in when tiny. My first baby was quite small so it was perfect. My second son is 6 months and is really chunky, I think he's close to 10kg and I carry him a lot of the day on my back in the ergo and find it quite good. He loves being in there and will sleep really well in there. Another thing I also love about the ergo that I can wear him on the front when im popping out to the shops and throw keys, small purse and phone in the zip pouch.
I also have a breeze baby sling which I used on the hip for my first baby for quick trips and swimming/going in the ocean.
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17-11-2016 23:29 #8
Oh and yes, watch YouTube clips! Especially for fabric type slings and wraps and it's generally easiest to put baby in if you are facing a mirror.
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Yogis Mumma (17-11-2016)
18-11-2016 01:05 #9Senior Member
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I own quite a lot of carriers (but my stash is tiny compared to many others in the babywearing world!)....I've got:
Baby k'tan (so good for a newborn!)
Little Frog size 6 wrap, Fuschia Agate
Lenny Lamb ring sling, Winter Dream
Lillebaby All Seasons, Tokidoki Iconic
Fidella Fly Tai, Blossom Blue
Ankalia Onbuhimo, Rubix Slate
Ankalia Up, Quarry Citrine
The lillebaby and the fly tai have been my main go to carriers. Love them both! I just got my Up today so no doubt that will be in regular rotation too, it's stunning planning on selling my wrap and ring sling soon though, I just don't love using either of them. The onbu is 'technically' DH's but since he hasn't actually used it yet I figure it's mine that I let him borrow
I learned to wrap via YouTube. I personally don't really like wrapping that much, I really only do it around the house. My DD is very wriggly and doesn't really stay still enough for a good wrap job, plus a size 6 is very long! I think if I have another baby I'd be tempted to get a size 4 and learn some shorter carries. I feel like it'd be easier with less material to wrangle.
Dream wrap - Ankalia mako siren. Not released yet but here's a pic:
Attachment 86392
My advice: carriers are not one size fits all so don't be discouraged if you try something and don't love it. There are so many different types of carriers out there that not everything will suit everyone. But it's such a nice way to keep baby close and calm
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to besha For This Useful Post:
Mad84 (18-11-2016),Yogis Mumma (18-11-2016)
18-11-2016 07:32 #10
Babywearing mummas!!! Tell me about how you wear
@melimum, isn't it overwhelming at the start! I found going to a few of my local groups meetings when I was pregnant was very useful. Seeing people wrap, practising with the weighted doll, practising with my toddler. I started with my ring sling, carrying my toddler on my hip or my newborn on my front. I then learnt FWCC for my squish, and how to ruck my toddler (and how to superman her onto my back). We also own buckles so my extended family can wear them both.
I currently own 3 wraps, all Yaro, all different blends, in sizes 4 5 and 6. One ring sling, also Yaro, which is cotton/repreve and I love it and would recommend it in a heartbeat! Also have a toddler Tula, a random brand SSC for the baby and a Soul standard full buckle.
I buy "budget" brands like Yaro and Soul and I think they're great value. Good quality and I don't think twice about using them wherever. I haven't done much to break in my wraps so far, a wash and iron have made them useable. I have popped the toddler in a hammock but that was more to amuse her!
I own a single pram and my kids are 2 1/4 and 6 months. So I use my wraps/carriers when we have to go somewhere at normal pace as opposed to toddler pace. Or if we need to quickly pop into a shop and I don't want to get the pram out of the car.
I don't have any photos handy sorry. My big tip is find a smaller Facebook group for support! The big bwbss is huge. A lot of the online shops that sell wraps have chatter groups that are more manageable and supportive, as do a lot of local bw groups.
Good luck @melimum, have you bought any wraps yet?
Edited to add some photos!
IMG_1479417199.198428.jpgIMG_1479417211.379218.jpg IMG_1479417223.511654.jpg
Last edited by Mad84; 18-11-2016 at 08:13.
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Mad84 For This Useful Post:
rosey82 (18-11-2016),Yogis Mumma (18-11-2016)
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Marine Le Pen rose to prominence as the leader of France's far-right party, the National Front. Considered a populist candidate like President Trump, Marine has advocated for renegotiating France's EU membership, cracking down on immigration, and expanding police powers. She's also advocated for better relations with Russia.
Marine is seen as a polarizing figure in France due to her political beliefs and because of her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, her party's controversial founder. He's been criticized for pushing radical agendas against minorities and the LGBT community, and has been accused and convicted of being a Holocaust denier.
Marine ousted her Father from the National Front in 2015 and has pledged to reform the party's radical views.
After placing in second in the first round of voting in the French presidential election, Marine announced she would temporarily step down as the leader of The National Front. She now faces Centrist Emmanuel Macron in the runoff election.


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Home / Products
Pig iron is a metallic raw material with an iron ratio of over 90% obtained by reducing iron ore in the blast furnace. Today, iron is the most important metal used in the foundry and steel industries.
Carbones collects steel scrap in the Baltic and Black Sea area to ship the agreed qualities to the destinations requested by the customer.
With a density of 1.74 g/cm³, magnesium is the lightest structural metal currently available in the world. In combination with appropriate alloy elements, it also provides great tensile strength making magnesium perfect for lightweight constructions in automotive, aircraft and aerospace applications. Compared to parts made from aluminium or steel, magnesium parts weigh up to 40% or, for the latter, 80% less.
Anthracite, which represents the highest rank of coal, was formed in the coalification process when fossil sedimentation was subject to high pressures over millions of years. Anthracite has the highest content of fixed carbon and the lowest ratio of volatile matter of all natural coal types. It is therefore an excellent carbon donator in metallurgical processes.


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Invision™ is a web-based insurance billing software that auto-populates invoices based on your contracted fee schedules with each carrier. On the carrier side, it systematically processes invoices within minutes to expedite payment to you.
Through our integration with the industry's leading estimating software, Invision pushes data between estimating software to your financial record. It can be used as a stand-alone invoice software or may be easily integrated with estimating tools and back-office software products.
Invision significantly reduces the need for human capital involvement in the invoicing process, especially beneficial in times of volume surge.
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Last week, a federal grand jury indicted Raúl A. Morales-Guanill; Rafael Antonio Pina-Nieves, aka "Raphy Pina"; Orlando Javier Sierra-Mercado, aka "Chiquitín," "Chiqui"; and Wilson Álvarez-Luna as a result of an investigation led by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The individuals are charged in a 19-count indictment with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, conspiracy and aiding and abetting to submit false statements to a financial institution, and money laundering. The government is seeking a criminal forfeiture amount of $4,071,652.19 U.S. dollars.
According to the indictment, the individuals conspired and aided and abetted each other and others to submit false statements to a financial institution with the purpose of illegally obtaining money and funds from Doral Mortgage, a wholly owned subsidiary of Doral Bank of Puerto Rico. The events were initiated when Sierra-Mercado applied for a mortgage loan for residential property in Palmas del Mar, Humacao.
The IRS has devoted a significant amount of resources in the past several years towards investigating fraud involving financial institutions. The property is currently being foreclosed because Sierra-Mercado defaulted on his mortgage payments. The default may have actually prompted the scrutiny of the IRS in this case, since the alleged transactions relating to the fraud occurred in late 2007 and early 2008.
Through a series of transactions, each individual listed above has been connected to the allegations of fraud through a document and/or bank transaction related to the loan for the property Sierra-Mercado purchased. In total, three Puerto Rican banks were involved in addition to Doral Bank, including Western Bank, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, and Banco Santander de Puerto Rico. Allegedly, the fraud resulted in a loss of over $4 million dollars.
Although the press release goes into detail regarding the transactions that serve as the basis for these allegations, the motivation of these individuals still seems unclear. Their motivation for the alleged scheme will play a significant role at trial because the government must prove that the individuals intended to enter the conspiracy to commit fraud.
The author of this blog is Erich Ferrari, an attorney specializing in Federal Criminal Defense matters. If you have any questions please contact him at 202-280-6370 or firstname.lastname@example.com.


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I've come up with a new game to play in my lectures and workshops.
I think it'll be really helpful in allowing people to make a strong impact with their communications, not to mention jolly fun.
And yes, since it's you, I'll tell you about it in a minute.
But first! Since this is me, a little storytelling to lead up to the punchline...
The idea was born of a splendid week, in which I met lots of great people, and hopefully helped a few with their communications needs.
Throughout the week, the same theme came up time and again -
The power of simplicity.Read more
If little things please little minds, I don't want to think about the dimensions of my brain.
Because something very small happened this week, but it brought me a great deal of pleasure.
This is it -
Two people, in a lecture theatre, writing away... well, I did tell you it was a little thing.
But the reason I was happy is that they were practicing a trick I think is both brilliant and invaluable.
To explain, I'll step back a few hours from when this photo was taken.Read more
I was at a careers fair last week, which unwittingly presented an important but often overlooked lesson in the art of getting your message across.
The hall was full of tables for all the various businesses and contributors, and this was the view from mine -
It was a double barricade from the students who were our audience. Not just a table in front of me, but a couple of signs as well.
Some of the other exhibitors were sitting behind their desks, and - perhaps not surprisingly - getting little in the way of interest.
So up I stood and lingered beside the table.
In the flow of the passing student body, not separated from.Read more
The right words are rare and beautiful things.
Get them spot on and you can make someone fall in love, bring peace, get yourself a publishing contract, seal a business deal, or get people to follow you just about anywhere, through just about anything.
And so much more besides.
But get them wrong and the consequences can be awful.
One small example -
I don't think I've got the best taste in the world, but I try to keep my house reasonably stylish.
Read more


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Ten Years After His Last Best-Selling Book, Dan Lok Is Finally Unveiling His New Book!
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You are currently browsing the tag archive for the 'keep your trap shut' tag.
Tag Archive
Not one Democrat screamed at George W. Bush…
September 10, 2009 in Blogs! | Tags: "You lie!", Barack Obama, Congressman Joe Wilson, crying like a little girl with a skinned knee, Democrat, George W. Bush, grow up, health care reform, keep your trap shut, president, Republican, shut up, South Carolina, whiny bitch | 10 comments
…while he spewed his pro-war rhetoric for more than seven years.
Congressman Joe Wilson of South Carolina, you should learn a thing or two and keep your trap shut. You cry like a little girl with a skinned knee.
Shut up and grow up,


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- Tree Surgeons
- Tree Surgeons Gallery
- Tree Surgery
- Tree Surveys - Reports
- Landscape
- Gritting
- Accreditations
Tree mortgage reports are often required by lenders to complement structural surveys some mortgage offers can be conditioned - withdrawn if a surveyor is concerned about how close trees are to a property.
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In extreme cases in some instances trees to need to be removed making way as they have outgrown their location.
These reports can then be forwarded to the Lender for their consideration and as a means to move forward in the home buying process.


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IMPORTED Plastic Yoga Brick.
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|L-23 x W-15 x H-7.5 cm


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About us
CAN's vision is for a strong and impactful social economy that creates a better society.
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CAN is a registered charity trading as a social enterprise and is committed to helping other charities and social ventures thrive, grow and maximize their impact. We strive to achieve that by offering business support, capital and flexible, affordable office space and a lot more besides.
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Hello Goodbye
The Beatles
Magical Mystery Tour
Tags: classic rock 60s rock The Beatles british
"Hello, Goodbye" is a song written by Lennon/McCartney and first recorded by the English rock band The Beatles. The song was released as a single in November 1967, and topped the charts in both the United States and Britain. Though the songwriting credit is Lennon/McCartney, it was written only by Paul McCartney. Alistair Taylor, who worked for the Beatles' manager, Brian Epstein, had asked McCartney how he wrote his songs, and McCartney took him into his dining room to give him a demonstration on his harmonium. Read more on Last.fm.
Tracks by The Beatles:
Similar Tracks


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What Matters
What Matters includes a variety of resources to connect your questions of faith with the deep faith expressed by the UCC. Discover what matters through reflection, stories from UCC congregations and members, stories from history, Bible study, prayer, worship, and service.
Explore on your own or with others. There are plenty of suggestions for seekers, new member classes, baptism preparation or membership groups, or pastor classes. For ideas about how use What Matters with groups, click here. Discover the questions and insights of those not familiar with the UCC in the article "What Matters to Visitors and Seekers?"
To explore one of the six vital themes, simply click a photo below.
We are People of God's We Belong to Christ We Are a People of Covenant
Extravagant Welcome a United and Uniting Church
We Are One at Baptism We Thank God by Working We Listen for the
and the Table for a Just and Loving World Still-speaking God
What Matters to You? Matters to Us - Engaging Six Vital Themes of OurFaith by Sidney D. Fowler is a new book for individual or group study based on core themes of
the United Church of Christ.
Also available is What Matters for Children and Families by Frank Proctor based on the same six vital themes.
Order both new books by calling 800-537-3394
or from United Church Resources.
Get Copies of the What Matters brochures!
You can also order colorful, engaging brochures.
Great for visitors, inquirers, as well as long-time members.
To order, call toll free, 800.537.3394.
Cost: $15.00 per bundle of 50. Order from a variety of available covers with identical inside copy:
"Find Yourself. We have GPS." #LCMCV1A
"Please Return" #LCMCV1C
"United Not Divided" #LCMCV1D
What Matters is written by Sidney D. Fowler. Designed by Duy-Khuong Van (risingflare.com)
Copyright © 2005 - 2008 Congregational Vitality in the United Church of Christ.
An Advent Call for Accountability
During an Advent gathering to envision the future of ministry in the 21st century, 140 leaders of the United Church of Christ released a letter to the church addressing the racism they see in cases in Ferguson, New York and Cleveland. A message of outrage this holy season calling for accountability and justice for all people.Read more
Episcopal Church apologizes for its role in slavery
In an unprecedented public act of remorse for centuries of support for slavery, the Episcopal Church on Saturday (Oct. 4) held a dramatic service of repentance at one of the nation's first black churches.
Punctuated with the sound of a gong and the sung refrain of "Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy," the service began with a "Litany of Offense and Apology" detailing the ways that the denomination participated in human captivity, segregation and discrimination.
More than 500 worshippers, a multicultural sea of faces, spilled over into the aisles of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, founded in 1792 by Absalom Jones, a former slave and the denomination's first black priest.
"Through it all, people of privilege looked the other way, and too few found the courage to question inhuman ideas, words, practices or laws," said Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori.
"We and they ignored the image of Christ in our neighbors."
Several of America's founding fathers - most notably George Washington - were Episcopalians and slave owners, and many of the nation's most historic and prominent steeples were built by wealthy donors who made their fortunes on the back of slave labor.
Yet Episcopalians were one of the few U.S. churches that managed to stay intact as the Civil War split Methodists, Presbyterians and Baptists into northern and southern branches over the issue of slavery.
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in the United States. Last June, the U.S. House of Representatives issued its own apology for slavery.
"Apology and acknowledgment are an incredibly important part of the process of coming to terms with history," said Katrina Browne, whose recent film, "Traces of the Trade," explores the wealth accumulated by her Episcopal ancestors in Rhode Island through the slave trade.
The service, and the day of workshops that preceded it, were the result of a resolution passed at the Episcopalians' 2006 General Convention that called slavery a "sin" and a betrayal of the "humanity of all persons."
The 2006 resolution asked dioceses to research instances in which they have been complicit or profited from it, and asked the presiding bishop to hold a "Day of Repentance." Each diocesan cathedral was also asked to hold its own service of repentance.
A number of African American participants emphasized that however moving the event, it was only one step in an effort to redress denominational and social inequities.
Noting that another General Convention resolution addresses oppression of "all people of color victimized by society over the past 300 years," Canon Ed Rodman, a professor at Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Mass., added that "until the whole story is told and everybody's voice has been heard we cannot begin the process of reconciliation."
"It is one thing to repent of our sin, but another to turn around and go in the right direction," said Franklin Turner, retired Suffragan Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania.
"I don't think it's what the church does inside the church," added the Rev. Isaac Miller, rector of the historic Episcopal Church of the Advocate in North Philadelphia. "It's about what happens afterwards."
Everett Worthington, a professor of psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University and a researcher in forgiveness, said public apologies can help usher in "some manner of justice back into a situation where there has been injustice."
Such apologies may narrow an individual's "injustice gap" - the space between the way someone would like to see an issue resolved, and the way they actually see it being resolved, he added.
The Rev. David Pettee, who oversees ministerial credentialing for the Unitarian Universalist Association, said he has also located slave owners and African and Native American ancestors in his own Rhode Island family tree.
"I was impressed by having the Episcopal Church make this move, and I personally hope that at some point we (the Unitarian Universalists) arrive at an act of redemption and apology," Pettee said after the service.
A joint resolution passed in 2001 by the UCC's General Synod and the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) called upon the United States government to "issue a national apology for participating in and supporting the kidnapping, exporting and enslaving of people of African descent."
The joint resolution also encouraged congregations, regions, ministries and national assemblies to "join in active study and education on issues dealing with reparations for slavery."
Doc' Edmonds, UCC leader and civil rights pioneer, has died
The Rev. Edwin R. "Doc" Edmonds, one of the UCC's stalwart justice advocates, died on Nov. 6 of pneumonia-related complications. He was 90.
Edmonds, a former chair of the UCC's Commission for Racial Justice, was the retired pastor of Dixwell Avenue Congregational UCC in New Haven, Conn., where he served for 35 years. A columnist for the New Haven Register referred to Edmonds as "New Haven's premier civil-rights figure of the mid-20th century."
A one-time member of New Haven's Board of Education, Edmonds also led New Haven's inner-city ministry called the "Wider City Parish" and taught sociology at Southern Connecticut State University.
The Rev. John H. Thomas, the UCC's general minister and president, said it was appropriate that Edmonds' death would come just after the UCC was concluding its 50th anniversary on All Saints Sunday.
"Few have had such a long and profound influence on the shaping of our church and its vocation of public witness for racial, social and economic justice," Thomas said. "Doc's leadership over the years pushed us urgently toward greater faithfulness and helped us become the church we celebrated at our 50th anniversary celebration in Hartford."
Edmonds, who moved to New Haven in 1959, is credited with helping to build a thriving black middle class there. When the Ford Foundation gave the city $1 million to pilot anti-poverty and job-training programs, Edmonds was appointed to the original board of the project, called Community Progress, Inc.
Edmonds, who was a pastor and civil rights pioneer in Greensboro, N.C., before moving to Connecticut, met the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1958 at an NAACP convention in Detroit and the two corresponded until King was slain, according to the Hartford Courant.
The Rev. Linda Jaramillo, executive minister for Justice and Witness Ministries, served on the Commission for Racial Justice under Edmond's leadership. JWM is CRJ's successor body in the UCC's national structure.
"I remember Dr. Edmonds as a 'drum major' for justice, words that I believe Dr. King would have used to describe him," Jaramillo said. "I will always treasure the way in which he taught through word and deed. The legacy of this faithful justice prophet will live on within and beyond the United Church of Christ."
A native Texan, Edmonds attended Sam Houston College, which was co-founded by his grandfather in 1876. He later received a Bachelor of Sacred Theology from Morehouse College and a doctorate in social ethics from Boston University.
Edmonds and his late wife, Maye, had four daughters, Lynette Johnson, Karen Spellman, Cheryl Edmonds and Connecticut State Rep. Toni Walker (D-New Haven). He was a member of Church of the Redeemer UCC in New Haven.
A public memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Nov. 24 at Center Church UCC in New Haven.
Racial Profiling
Racial profiling is the targeting of particular individuals based on the erroneous assumption that persons of a particular race, ethnicity, national origin, or religion are more likely to engage in certain types of unlawful conduct.
It is the impermissible use of personal characteristics when there is no reliable information that links a person of a particular race, ethnicity, national origin, or religion to a specific incident, scheme, or organization.
Why is it an issue of faith?
In honor to our Creator God, we honor all human beings as being created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). As people of faith, we are called to be in solidarity with all people, because God shows no partiality (Acts 10:34-35).
What does that really mean in real life?[i]
- Street-level
Nationally, Black drivers are twice more than White drivers to be arrested. Hispanic drivers are more likely than White drivers to receive a ticket. White drivers are more likely to receive a written warning than Hispanic drivers. White drivers are more likely than Black drivers to be verbally warned by police. Statewide data also confirm this pervasive phenomenon of "Driving While Black or Brown."
In addition, minority pedestrians are often subjected to suspicion-less stops-and-frisks, as shown in data collected through the NYPD and LAPD. Street-level law enforcement authorities are provided with wide discretion in community policing, which is often exercised to racially profile minorities who are perceived to be a threat to public safety even if they have done nothing wrong.
- Counterterrorism
Religious profiling is sometimes used as a proxy for race, ethnicity or national origin.
Muslims and Arabs in the U.S. are being singled out for question and detention, on the basis of religion and national origin, by federal programs such as the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS), which requires certain individuals from predominantly Muslim countries to register with the federal government, be fingerprinted, photographed and interrogated.
79% of targets investigated by the federal covert program OFL, Operation Front Line to "deter terror operations" were immigrants from Muslim majority countries. In our nation's airports, individuals wearing Sikh turbans or Muslim head coverings are often profiled for higher security at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints.
- Immigration law enforcement
Vast numbers of Hispanics – most of whom U.S. citizens or legal residents, are racially profiled. State and local agencies target Hispanic individuals and entire Hispanic communities in a broad way to enforce federal immigration law, when several problematic collaborative programs with ICE are supposedly to be narrowly focused.
In addition, some state lawmakers undertake initiatives of their own that further encouraged racial profiling. For example, Arizona's S.B. 1070 turns mere civil infractions of federal immigration law, such as not carrying registration papers, into state crimes, and gives private citizen the right to sue Arizona law enforcement authority if they believe that the law is not being fully enforced.
What kind of legislation is proposed in regard to racial profiling?
The End Racial Profiling Act (S. 1670) has been introduced to the 112th Congress in 2011-2012, and heard by the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. ERPA will create a federal prohibition against racial profiling, provide funding to train officials on how to end this practice, and hold law enforcement officials and agencies that continue to use racial profiling accountable.
[i] Restoring a National Consensus: The Need to End Racial Profiling in America by The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights (Washington, DC), March 2012.
Affirmative Action
Affirmative action is a policy or a program promoting the representation in social institutions of groups of people who have been traditionally and systematically discriminated against.
As people of faith who strive to cultivate the Beloved Community, our General Synod supports affirmative action, because our nation cannot be completely free without all people's sharing the same rights and equal access to opportunities for advancement and equitable treatment. It is about more than diversity, for it is in fact a moral obligation to racial equity.
Why is it an issue of faith?
All people are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The history and legacy of discrimination in our social institutions denies honor to God. We are called to do justice, love kindness and work humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). We are called to repentance and reconciliation by remedying the destructive impacts of systematic and compounded discriminations accumulated across generations.
Aren't we "post-racial" yet?
The term "post-racial" may be used by individuals to express their sincere intention and desire that there is no more racism in our society. However, it does not describe the reality of racial disparities found in education, employment, housing, health and so on. It does not speak to the destructive impact of institutional rules, policies and structures that appear on the surface to be race-neutral in discrete entities (e.g. schools, districts). Structural racism is the cumulative effect of racial inequity in multiple institutions over time, and that is what Affirmative Action seeks to remedy.
UCC Social Policy Statements
The UCC historic policy based for Affirmative Action can be found in the General Synod resolutions regarding racial justice in 1971; racial and economic justice, women in church and society in 1975, implementation in the UCC, the church and persons with handicaps in 1979. The commitment to Affirmative Action in Church and Society was reaffirmed in 1981, and in 1995 in light of Supreme Court decisions.
1. Doesn't affirmative action reward unmotivated people to get ahead in life?
Affirmative action only provides equal access and the fair chance to achieve success for underrepresented groups. It cannot guarantee that they will succeed, only that they are given the same opportunities that the White majority has. In reality, many underrepresented people can testify that they have to work twice as hard to prove themselves.
2. Doesn't affirmative action justify the hiring or admission of under-qualified candidates?
Among qualified candidates, school should be allowed to choose based on their institutional goal of increasing diversity. At a deeper level, the history and legacy of systematic discrimination means that our society is not purely based on individual merit. People of color, women and the disabled have been put in positions by institutions that have not allowed them to maximize their full potential, and it would be unfair to judge people solely by their individual qualifications.
3. Doesn't affirmative action punish Whites today for what happened hundreds of years ago?
While Whites today and virtually all of their ancestors never owned slaves, they benefit directly and indirectly from systematic racial discrimination. They have less competition for school admission, jobs and government programs, which helped propelled many Whites and their descendants into the middle and upper classes.
Many non-Whites and their descendants were and still are systematically left behind and denied the same basic educational, economic, and other opportunities. The wide gap created by a racialized system which promoted the dominant culture, mostly White male, for several hundred years unfortunately would take time to be closed adequately, so that eventually all candidates can be judged soley on their individual merit.
Anti-Racist Church
WHEREAS, racism is rooted in a belief of the
superiority of whiteness and bestows benefits,
unearned rights, rewards, opportunities,
advantages, access, and privilege on Europeans
and European descendants; and
WHEREAS, the reactions of people of color to
racism are internalized through destructive
patterns of feelings and behaviors impacting
their physical, emotional, and mental health and
their spiritual and familial relationships; and
WHEREAS, through institutionalized racism,
laws, customs, traditions, and practices
systemically foster inequalities; and
WHEREAS, the United Nations World
Conference against Racism, Racial
Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related
Intolerance affirmed that racism has historically
through imperialism and colonization created an
unequal world order and power balance with
present global implications impacting
governments, systems, and institutions; and
WHEREAS, the denomination has shown
leadership among many UnitedChurch of Christ
conferences, associations, and local
congregations by initiating innovative antiracism
programs, by developing anti-racism
facilitators, and in general have made
dismantling racism a priority, there is still much
to be done. As we continue in this effort, the
work we do must reflect the historical and
present experiences and stories of all peoples
impacted by racism. We must work from a
paradigm reflective of the historical
relationships of racial and ethnic groups and
racial oppression within the UnitedChurch of
Christ and society; and
WHEREAS, the United States finds itself in
increased racial unrest during this period after
the tragedy of September 11, 2001. New studies
show that hate crimes and blatant acts of racial
violence doubled in number during the last half
of 2002 and are continuing to rise. These
outward acts, combined with continued
institutional racism, emphasize the need for antiracism
mobilization within church and society as
we seek to do justice; and
WHEREAS, there are growing movements of
peace that have people of all races, backgrounds,
and ages involved, urging us to expand our
knowledge of what racism is and study its
ramifications on all people; and
WHEREAS, General Synods of the United
Church of Christ have, since 1963, voted eleven
resolutions, statements, and pronouncements
denouncing racism, and it is time to honor
mandates and expectations of this body and of
the church.
THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the
United Church of Christ is called to be an antiracist
church and that we encourage all
Conferences and Associations and local
churches of the UnitedChurch of Christ to adopt
anti-racism mandates, including policy that
encourages anti-racism programs for all United
Church of Christ staff and volunteers; and
LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that
Conferences and Associations and local
churches facilitate programs within their
churches that would examine both historic and
contemporary forms of racism and its effects and
that the programs be made available to the
churches; and
LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that
Justice and Witness Ministries provides
leadership in the development and
implementation of programs to dismantle
racism, working in partnership with the
Collegium, Covenanted Ministries, Affiliated
Ministries, Associated Ministries, Conferences,
Associations and local churches in developing
appropriately trained anti-racism facilitators; and
LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the
Covenanted Ministries of the United Church of
Christ work in concert to dismantle racism in
church and in society and partner with
Conferences and Associations in sharing
resources and costs associated with doing antiracism
LET IT BE FINALLY RESOLVED, that the
Justice and Witness Ministries will report the
progress of the development and implementation
of these programs at the Twenty-fifth General
Funding for the implementation of this
resolution will be made in accordance with the
overall mandates of the affected agencies and
the funds available.
Multiracial Multicultural Church Pronouncement
Multiracial and Multicultural Church
Resolution "Statement of Christian Conviction of the Proposed Pronouncement Calling the United Church of Christ to be a Multiracial and Multicultural Church"
93-GS-33 VOTED: The Nineteenth General Synod adopts the "Statement of Christian Conviction of the Proposed Pronouncement Calling the United Church of Christ to be a Multiracial and Multicultural Church."
Statement of Christian Conviction of the Proposed Pronouncement Calling the United Church of Christ to be a Multiracial and Multicultural Church
A. The Nineteenth General Synod calls upon the United Church of Christ in all its settings to be a true multiracial and multicultural church. A multiracial and multicultural church confesses and acts out its faith in the one sovereign God who through Jesus Christ binds in covenant faithful people of all races, ethnicities and cultures. A multiracial and multicultural church embodies these diversities as gifts to the human family and rejoices in the variety of God's grace.
B. The Nineteenth General Synod recognizes the following as marks of a multiracial and multicultural church:
1. CONFESSIONAL: A multiracial and multicultural church is called by God through Jesus Christ to acknowledge and confess its sins of racism and to repent and refrain from all acts of racial discrimination and bigotry.
2. THEOLOGICAL: A multiracial and multicultural church affirms Christian unity while celebrating the theological and liturgical richness that arises from its racial and ethnic diversity.
3. MISSION: A multiracial and multicultural church is called to participate in God's mission of doing justice, loving kindness and walking humbly with God through Christ in all communities with all peoples in all places.
4. INCLUSIVE MINISTRY: A multiracial and multicultural church uses an inclusive and equitable procedure for the calling, placement and standing of ministers in the church while providing equal access to employment in all settings of the church: locally, regionally, nationally, globally and ecumenically.
5. RACIAL JUSTICE STRUCTURE: A multiracial and multicultural church has a full-time national racial justice agency that seeks to coordinate programmatic strategies and involve the entire membership of the church in making racial justice a reality in church and society.
6. MONITORING BODY: A multiracial and multicultural church has a racial and ethnic body to monitor all settings of the church on issues of racial and ethnic inclusivity in the ministry, mission and programs.
7. PROPHETIC ADVOCACY: A multiracial and multicultural church engages in effective prophetic advocacy and public policy development on the issues of racial, social, economic and environmental justice with particular concern as to how these issues impact the quality of life of people of color communities.
8. MULTILINGUAL: A multiracial and multicultural church supports the development and dissemination of multilingual resources for use throughout the church and facilitates the translation of all official church documents such as the constitution and bylaws, creeds or statements of faith into languages that are spoken fluently in the local churches.
9. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMMITMENT: A multiracial and multicultural church affirms acommitment to accomplish specific affirmative action goals and objectives.
10. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION, EVANGELISM, AND NEW CHURCH DEVELOPMENT: Amultiracial and multicultural church develops, supports and implements strategies concerning evangelism and new church development in racial and ethnic communities; challenges and invites every member of local congregations to move beyond traditional comfort zones in living out God's multiracial and multicultural mandate; and prepares Christian education resources relevant to the diversity of racial and ethnic Christian faith traditions and cultures within the church.
11. SEMINARY TRAINING: A multiracial and multicultural church encourages related seminaries knowledge concerning the diversity of cultural heritages and theological traditions of the racial and ethnic constituencies of the church.
12. FAITHFUL AND EQUITABLE STEWARDSHIP: A multiracial and multicultural church plans and implements strategies to help ensure and promote a faithful and equitable stewardship and sharing of the financial resources of the church in regard to the empowerment of all local churches, and in particular the empowerment of local racial and ethnic congregations that have been marginalized due to racial discrimination in society.
Assistant Moderator Malaski asked Ms. Bagley to continue with the report of Committee One. Ms. Bagley asked the delegates to find the appropriate materials in Report Pack C. She explained that, in addition to the Pronouncement, the Committee was assigned the Proposal for Action and the resolution entitled Resolution of "Affirmation of Previous Declarations, Pronouncements, Resolutions and Proposals for Action Pertaining to Institutional Racism and a Request to Implement the Recommendations of the Pastoral Letter on Contemporary Racism Throughout the United Church of Christ." Ms. Bagley stated that many of the issues the Committee discussed were contained in both the Resolution and the Proposal for Action. Consequently, after contacting the submitters of both pieces of business, the Resolution was consolidated into the Proposal for Action. She then spoke to the recommendations.
The Rev. Ronald Kurtz proposed a friendly amendment to add the Stewardship Council to #11 of the directional statement. The committee accepted the amendment.
Mr. Robert Sandman (OH) proposed the following amendment to the directional statement: To insert a paragraph after paragraph 2, section 3, Directional Statement. The paragraph to read: Believes furthermore that when each member and setting of the United Church of Christ acknowledges and confesses the sins of racism, God does forgive us and does love us still. God's forgiveness, however, is no license to go and sin again. Instead, this state of forgiveness and love is the beginning of the journey toward learning to become a multiracial and multicultural church.
Mr. Sandman spoke to the amendment. A discussion and vote followed.
93-GS-34 VOTED: The Nineteenth General Synod defeats the amendment.
There was more discussion regarding the original recommendation, and some questions of clarification were asked.
93-GS-35 VOTED: The Nineteenth General Synod adopts the "Recommendations Regarding a Proposal for Action on Calling the United Church of Christ to be a Multiracial and Multicultural Church." as amended.
Ill. DIRECTIONAL STATEMENT
Whereas the Nineteenth General Synod has adopted the Pronouncement on Calling the United Church of Christ to be a Multiracial and Multicultural Church, and whereas General Synod in the Statement of Christian Conviction recognized the marks of a multiracial and multicultural church, the Nineteenth General Synod:
1. Calls upon the United Church of Christ in all its settings to be a true multiracial and multicultural church and to affirm a commitment to achieve this goal;
2. Calls upon all members, congregations, associations, conferences, instrumentalities, other national bodies, and related institutions of the United Church of Christ to acknowledge and confess faithfully their sins of racism, to repent and refrain from all acts of racial discrimination and bigotry, to confront indifference, ignorance and neglect, and to participate in deliberate study and action to stem the resurgent tide of racism in American society by identifying the root causes of racism as well as other forms of discrimination and oppressive acts that preclude our fulfillment of our covenant with God and each ocher;
3. Calls upon all members, congregations, associations, conferences, instrumentalities, other national bodies and related institutions of the United Church of Christ to affirm consistently the necessity of Christian unity while celebrating the theological and liturgical richness that arises from the racial and ethnic diversity of the United Church of Christ; and to participate actively in God's mission of doing justice, loving kindness and walking humbly with God in all communities with all peoples in all places;
4. Calls upon all congregations, associations, conferences, instrumentalities, other national bodies, related institutions and future General Synods of the United Church of Christ consciously to elect, now and evermore, significant numbers of persons of all races, ethnicities and cultures to policy- making positions throughout the church;
5. Calls for an ethic of accountability in our relationships with each other in all settings of the church by empowering the national instrumentalities to collaborate and work collectively to develop and implement the study and action process of the "Pastoral Letter on Contemporary Racism" throughout the United Church of Christ; to incorporate the concern for institutional racism in all future plans and program implementation, and to request Council of Racial and Ethnic Ministries (COREM) to monitor continually the implementation of this Proposal for Action throughout the United Church of Christ, reporting to each General Synod through the Executive Council on the church's efforts, progress, and status in eradicating intentional and unintentional acts of racism in church and society;
6. Calls upon the Office for Church Life and Leadership, associations, conferences, and all other pertinent local, regional and national bodies to use an inclusive and equitable procedure for the recognition of calling, determination of placement and standing of ministers in the United Church of Christ; and to ensure equal access to employment in all settings of the United Church of Christ;
7. Calls upon the Commission for Racial Justice, in close consultation with COREM and its constituent bodies, to continue to coordinate the implementation of programmatic strategies in all settings of the UCC to challenge racial injustice, discrimination, and bigotry; and to provide leadership in helping to mobilize and involve the entire membership of the UCC to make racial justice a reality for all peoples in church and society;
8. Calls upon the Office for Church in Society, Commission for Racial Justice, Coordinating Center for Women, United Church Board for Homeland Ministries, United Church Board for World Ministries, other national bodies and all other settings to engage in effective prophetic advocacy and public policy development on the issues of racial, social, economic and environmental justice, in particular as to how these issues impact the quality of life of people of color communities in the United States and throughout the world; and that these bodies seek new creative opportunities toexperience the multiracial and multicultural realities of our world;
9. Calls upon all settings of the United Church of Christ to support the development and dissemination of multilingual resources for use throughout the UCC and where appropriate tofacilitate the translation of all official church documents such as the UCC Constitution and Bylaws, Statement of Faith and Statement of Mission into languages that are being spoken fluently in UCC local churches;
10. Calls upon the Executive Council and all settings of the United Church of Christ to reaffirm a commitment to accomplish the affirmative action goals and objectives that have been adopted by the General Synod; and to conduct a church-wide affirmative action audit to ascertain the current status of affirmative action within the life of the UCC;
11. Calls upon the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries, the Stewardship Council, associations and conferences, in close consultation with COREM and its constituent bodies, to develop, support and implement new programmatic strategies concerning evangelism and new church development in racial and ethnic communities across the nation, particularly in those areas undergoing rapid demographic changes with increased populations of communities of color;
12. Calls upon the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries, in close consultation with COREM and its constituent bodies, to prepare and make available Christian Education resources and materials relevant to the diversity of racial and ethnic Christian faith traditions and cultures within the United Church of Christ;
13. Calls upon the colleges and seminaries related to the United Church of Christ to expand curriculum development and educational programs to include awareness and knowledge concerning the diversity of cultural heritages and theological traditions of our multiracial and multicultural world;
14. Calls upon the Stewardship Council, Commission on Development, United Church Foundation, Pension Boards and other national bodies of the United Church of Christ to plan and implement a strategy to help ensure and promote a faithful and equitable stewardship and sharing of the financial resources of the UCC in regard to the empowerment of all local churches and in particular the empowerment of local racial and ethnic congregations that have been marginalized due to racial discrimination in society;
15. Calls upon the Office of Communication to communicate the United Church of Christ's multiracial and multicultural diversity policy and the multiracial and multicultural realities of the United Church of Christ and to promote the transition of the United Church of Christ into a truly multiracial and multicultural church; and
16. Calls upon the President of the United Church of Christ, the Secretary, the Director of Finance and Treasurer, the Executive Council, Council of Conference Ministers, Council of Instrumentality Executives, pastors and lay leaders of local congregations of the United Church of Christ to provide leadership, nurture and support towards the fulfillment of the Pronouncement and the implementation of this Proposal for Action Calling the United Church of Christ to be a Multiracial and Multicultural Church.
The Nineteenth General Synod directs the Commission for Racial Justice and the Office for Church in Society to coconvene an Implementation Committee which will coordinate the implementation of this Proposal for Action and requests a report to be made to all subsequent General Synods. The Office of the President, the Commission for Racial Justice, the Office for Church in Society. Stewardship Council, United Church Board for Homeland Ministries, United Church Board for World Ministries, the Office for Church Life and Leadership, Coordinating Center for Women, Council of Racial and Ethnic Ministries and the Council of Conference Ministers are to have representatives on the Implementation Committee.
Subject to the availability of funds.
Racism declared sin
Created to live with God; created to Be In Community With One Another
I'm often asked, "Why does everything boil down to race?" It seems that the issue of racism is one which intersects all aspects of our being. Issues of privilege and advantage, inclusion and exclusion impact our relationships with each other and to the goods, services and opportunities of society. Our present racial/ethnic group relationships are informed by our histories and shaped by the realities of living in a racialized society. As people of faith, we are called to recognize racism?s impact on our relationships with each other and with God. The resource entitled, Transformative Justice: Being Church and Overcoming Racism, acknowledges racism as a sin and states the following:
Churches have declared that racism is a sin
Racism is a sin because it:
* denies the very source of humanity ? the image of God in humankind;
* destroys God?s likeness in every person and thus repudiates creation and its goodness;
* assumes that human beings are not equal before God and are not part of God?s family;
* is contrary to biblical teaching;
* denies basic justice and human dignity;
* is a blatant denial of the Christian faith;
* is incompatible with the Gospel;
* is a flagrant violation of human rights;
* separates us from God and from other human beings;
* makes us blind to the reality of people?s suffering and
* perpetuates racist attitudes, practices and institutional racism.
We have confessed that racism is a sin, not only as individual Christians, but also as churches. To affirm that racism is a sin has a radical implication for the churches: the radical commitment to overcome it.
—Transformative Justice: Being Church and Overcoming Racism, Resource Guide, World Council of Churches 2004
This is our prayer Dear God, Creator of the universe and all that inhabit it, we come as your Church, and as individuals, in humble submission to Your Word and Your Way. God, you who are Alpha and Omega, The Almighty Judge and The Forgiver of All Sins, we come with bowed heads and contrite hearts on behalf of generations past, present and those yet unborn. We now ask that you forgive us and create in us a new spirit. Bind our hearts and send forth the healing power that You and You alone can give to us and this sin sick world. Bring us into reconciliation with one another and restore us to thy path. Amen.
Adaptation of Alter Prayer, Acknowledging The Breach, from Reparations: A Process for Repairing The Breach: A Study and Discussion Guide for Local Congregations, Associations and Conferences of the United Church of Christ.
This is our covenant
O God, as people of faith, we covenant with you, with one another and our churches to:
* become better informed about people of other races and cultures, that we may overcome the fears and misconceptions that exist;
* consider how issues of racial prejudice and privilege affect each person with whom we come in contact;
* discover and acknowledge practices and structures that are racist in our churches and communities;
* work to erase the sins of racism and injustice where they exist in our churches and communities and
* prayerfully heed Your call to embrace people of all colors, faiths, economic and social backgrounds as our brothers and sisters.
—Submitted by Dismantling Racism Task Force, St. Louis Association, Missouri Mid-South Conference, United Church of Christ
Racial Justice in the UCC
For all of you are the children of God. —Galatians 3:28
Each person is created in the image of God. But whenever we devise, maintain or perpetuate systems and structures that oppress people based on race and/or ethnicity, we interfere with God's purpose and the opportunity for all God's children to be fully who they are created to be. Racism is an affront to God.
Racism is racial prejudice plus power. It is rooted in the belief that one group has racial superiority and entitlement over others. Its power is manifested in every institution and system, both nationally and internationally, which was historically established and continues to function to benefit one group of people to the disadvantage of other groups. Awareness and education will help us to become anti-racist individuals and foster the development of anti-racist systems and institutions that can eliminate privilege for some and oppression for others.
The United Church of Christ and its predecessor churches have made a priority commitment to supporting policies and structures that make real our Christian commitment to racial justice. The UCC's emphasis means more than simply challenging personal prejudices, but involves a commitment to in-depth analysis of societal policies and structures that either work toward the elimination of racism or perpetuate it.
During General Synod 23 an addendum was added to 1993 Pronouncement calling the UCC to become a Multiracial, Multicultural Church. The addendum called the UCC to also become an "Anti-Racist" denomination. In doing so, we encourage all Conferences and Associations and local churches of the UCC to adopt anti-racism mandates, including policy that encourages anti-racism programs for all UCC staff and volunteers.


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September 18th ,Friday evening 6 p.m.– West End Summer Bocce at DeMeo Park. LAST NIGHT!!! Be there early. Official group photo will be taken under the tree at 6:15. Wear your West End Tshirts. "Bocce Nights" Tshirts ($15) are still available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the West End Neighborhood Association and the Great West End and Railroad Square Hand-Car Regatta. Enjoy beautiful summer evening at DeMeo Park with your neighbors and friends. Bring food and drink to share. Well behaved dogs are welcomed.
September 19th, Saturday morning 9:30 – 11 a.m.- Prince Memorial Greenway walk– Meet at Court House Square Ages 12- Adult. Stretch your legs on a 4-mile walk along Santa Rosa Creek with former City Council member Steve Rabinowitsh and the Sonoma County Stompers. Hear how citizens ignited the revival of Santa Rosa's creeks and learn how the creeks have since improved. For more information visit sonomacountystompers.org or call 539-8083.
September 19th- all day. Kid Street 5th Annual Poker Run & BBQ. More info on Poker Run & BBQ


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The Mycelium kingdom… A magical happenstance.
I hike whenever I get the chance, and here in Big Sur I've found a new passion–foraging for mushrooms. I've begun to identify 20 or 30 varieties and have even worked up the courage to start eating some as I find them. Honey Mushrooms line the canyon walls just behind the Henry Miller Library. Some are poisonous and some are delicious! I don't know each and every one, but the more time I spend studying them and drawing them, the more I am able to learn–to learn by looking, by slow steady hands examining each and every detail of this amazing world of fungi.


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Wayne, who grew up in Glendale, Calif., grew into the star of movies including The Alamo," ''The Green Beret," and "True Grit," for which he won an Academy Award, while portraying the gruff, rugged cowboys and brave soldiers who were his stock in trade.
Assemblyman Matthew Harper, R-Huntington Beach, sought to declare Mary 26, 2016, as John Wayne Day to mark the day the actor was born. However, opposing lawmakers quickly railed against the resolution citing racial comments he made throughout his life.
"He had disturbing views towards race," objected Assemblyman Luis Alejo, D-Watsonville, leading off a 20-minute debate.
Alejo cited a 1971 interview with Playboy in which Wayne talked disparagingly about blacks.
"I believe in white supremacy until the blacks are educated to a point of responsibility. I don't believe in giving authority and positions of leadership and judgment to irresponsible people," he told the magazine.
Source: Fox News
Source: Fox News


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Opportunities to Grow
We should encourage each other to keep growing and developing as educators and life long learners. In that light, we would love to have you attend our next STEM Teacher Academy or any of our Professional Learning Workshops that we offer throughout the school year. We can help you build your repertoire of outstanding STEM explorations.
Our Top 10 STEM Activities
Check out our Top 10 STEM activities. These are in our top 10 because they are super engaging, affordable (cheap even), and re-usable. More importantly, these investigations rock at making 3-D connections in ways that promote student passion for and understanding of STEM endeavors and opportunities. We hope a few of them make your Top 10.
1. Hydrogel Exploration
Hydrogels are highly engineered substances that behave in very unusual but also very useful and cool ways that kids love to explore.
2. Mobius STEM Strips
This activity is great for showing the connections between things - including Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math.
3. Shark Teeth Adaptations
Shark teeth come in variety of shapes and sizes depending on what kind of prey the shark is adapted to hunt. Let's investigate.
4. Why do Cells Stay Small?
5. Mystery of the Red Cups
6. Rocket Power
7. Why Modeling Matters
8. The Growing Gator
9. Producing Patterns of Pitch
10. Meaningful Learning About Light


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Ridgefield and New Fairfield creations in 'Festival of Lighthouses' at aquarium
The girls, 10 and 7, were used to their dad competing. Last year, the fourth year he entered, he placed sixth in the judging, which is done by aquarium visitors between mid-November and mid-January.
So Parker, an economist by profession, took to the workbench in his Ridgefield home again and created "Santa's Workshop," a fanciful replica of a Maine lighthouse moved to the North Pole, to enter this year.
"It's a replica of a working lighthouse, West Quoddy Lighthouse in Maine," Parker said. "It seemed like a fun idea to move it to the North Pole and have Santa's workshop there."
It and 18 other lighthouses are now on display at the aquarium.
"Whenever I see the other lighthouses, I always say, 'That's what I should have done,'" Parker said. "It's great to get fired up by what the other folks are doing."
George Fisher , a New Fairfield resident, also has a lighthouse in this year's contest, the first one he has entered. The retired accountant created a model of the Cape Du Couedic Lighthouse on Kangaroo Island in Australia.
He painted it white, with red highlights at its entry stairs, upper railing and crown. He got the idea when he saw a picture of the lighthouse online.
"I enjoy woodworking, carving and building scaled models," Fisher said. " The base of the lighthouse is balsa wood, with papier-mache and stucco on the outside to round and form it."
Fisher, who's been retired for eight years, buys an annual membership pass to Maritime Aquarium. He and his wife go regularly, and he's thought about entering the contest for several years before decided this was "the" year. He is already making plans for next year's entry.
"We moved it very carefully to the aquarium from our house," Fisher said with a laugh. "It's 3 feet tall and fragile. It barely fit in my Honda CRV. I was afraid to lean it over, as it might crack."
Entries must be 3 to 6 feet tall and have a working light. Beyond that, it's up to the creator's imagination.
This is the seventh year of the contest and display. There are spaces throughout the center for 19 lighthouses, and the first 19 to arrive are accepted.
Some of the other 2008 entries include a whimsical shark-cage lighthouse, a sleek near-obelisk lighthouse made of Plexiglas, and a delicate sculpture made from more than 1,000 paper clips.
"Each year the entries are different," said Marsha Bittner , the aquarium's marketing director. "Part of the fun is that people get to go through the center and vote for their favorite one. We don't judge them ourselves.
"We were trying to think of a way to have a holiday feel at the aquarium," she explained. "This was a way to have holiday lights with a nautical feel. As you walk through the center and see the otters, jellyfish and sea horses, you also see lighthouses."
The winner of the contest, to be announced Jan. 22, will receive $1,000. Other cash prizes are awarded for second to sixth place.
The "Festival of Lighthouses" is included in Maritime Aquarium admission, which is $11.75 for adults, $10.75 for seniors (65+), and $9.75 for children age 2 to 12. For more information on the lighthouse display and directions to the aquarium, call (203) 852-0700 or go online to www.maritimeaquarium.org .


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We've known for many years that our president operated under the theory of the unitary executive, but until now we've been in the dark as to how he justified the unprecendented subversion of constitutional checks and balances that have been the hallmark of his regime. Now comes Emptywheel who points us to this speech by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of the Senate Intelligence Committee. It appears Mr. Whitehouse has been doing some serious digging at the OLC and uncovered some explosive legal 'reasoning' that is sure to shock even the most jaded Beltway observer.
He starts with the boneheaded move the Congress blithely, and blindly, made in haste so as not to interfere with their vacation plans.
Let's start with number one. Bear in mind that the so-called Protect America Act that was stampeded through this great body in August provides no - zero - statutory protections for Americans traveling abroad from government wiretapping. None if you're a businesswoman traveling on business overseas, none if you're a father taking the kids to the Caribbean, none if you're visiting uncles or aunts in Italy or Ireland, none even if you're a soldier in the uniform of the United States posted overseas. The Bush Administration provided in that hastily-passed law no statutory restrictions on their ability to wiretap you at will, to tap your cell phone, your e-mail, whatever. [...]
So unless Congress acts, here is what legally prevents this President from wiretapping Americans traveling abroad at will: nothing. Nothing.
He goes on to detail the specifics of his research but here's the takeaway points.
In a nutshell, these three Bush administration legal propositions boil down to this:
1. "I don't have to follow my own rules, and I don't have to tell you when I'm breaking them."
2. "I get to determine what my own powers are."
3. "The Department of Justice doesn't tell me what the law is, I tell the Department of Justice what the law is."
Rather breathtaking, no? Is there any other way to read this except that Bush has deemed himself to be bound by no law of the land? As I read this, I'm reminded of our recent discussion here on Chavez, so let's review for a moment, the definition of tyrant. An absolute ruler who governs without restrictions.
Anybody still willing to argue Bush doesn't better fit that description?


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Stewart, Maria.
My friends, I have been brought to consider that it is because the Lord he is God, that I have not been consumed. It is because that his tender compassion fails not, that I am not now in hell lifting up my eyes in torments, where the worm dieth not, and where the fire is not quenched. And I cannot help but exclaim, glory to God that I am yet a prisoner of hope. I rejoice that I have been formed a rational and accountable creature, and that ever I was born to be born again. I rejoice that the Lord God omnipotent reigneth, and that have searches the hearts and tries the reins of the children of linen. When I sin, I feel that I have an advocate with the Father, even Jesus Christ the righteous, who was in all points tempted like unto ourselves, yet without sin. He knows what sore temptations mean, for he has felt the same; and with his supporting grace, I am determined to resist the lusts of the world, the flesh and the devil, and to fight the good fight of faith, and win the crown and by my Father's side sit down. Choose ye this day, therefore, whom ye will serve; but as for me, I am determined to serve the Lord.


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AghaRTA Jazz Centrum
24th June 2008
With ten minutes to go the audience was getting settled in, I was halfway through a bottle of decent red, and attention was starting to turn to the cellar's modest stage. I wondered at that point if I was the only person who knew that half the band was missing. Drums and piano were set up and in place, but where the piles of bass gear and guitars should have been there was nothing but nothing.
Thankfully a flurry of activity brought the missing musicians through the doors at the last moment: Luboš and bassist "Wimpy" Tichota had been gigging elsewhere during the afternoon, and had got caught up in the traffic jams that can sometimes snarl the roads back to Prague. A few relieved looks were shared, and amps and cables hurriedly dropped into place. So for half the band this was the second gig of the day, coming after a frustrating car journey, and with a delayed start. Not quite the perfect scenario.
One of the enjoyable things about many bands that play on this scene, including of course the LAG, is that they are still willing to push it. They are all expert musicians, and it would be easy enough for them to go out and perform a perfectly prepared repertory show with not a note out of place and all the vigour of a corpse. There is no need for them to actually break into a sweat. However, that is certainly what this outfit doesn't do, and their opening Duke Ellington salvo was delivered with force and aggression, instantly removing any grumbles that could have been brewing in the minds of the punters. It was worth the wait, and you could sense the joint approval as each of the four men took a hefty solo before the band snatched it all back together again.
Andršt originals such as "Song for Saxophone Joe" and "La Bodiguita del Medio" got a full workout; the latter being a high-energy romp with the band wheeling and sparking like madmen over clattering Cuban rhythms. Pianist Ondřej Kabrna played with particular ferocity, hammering out the melodic patterns with total commitment, seemingly on the very far edge of control. This triumphant crescendo is always warmly received, with the small cellar space hardly seeming big enough to contain the wide spectrum of sound produced.
Luboš was his normal brilliant self on guitar; a standard that is always expected and always met. His work is notable for its wide variety of sounds, incorporating blues, jazz, and also heavy shades of rock where required. Genre-spanning and unpredictable, he is a musician with depth to call upon. It is that variety, coupled with his talents as a composer and arranger, that places him in the very top rank of European musicians. The legendary BB King respected him enough to want to play with him on stage, and that is about as high as recommendations come.
The set had evolved since I last saw this outfit, with the incorporation of the crunching "Hoochie Coochie Man" instrumental section as normally played with Michal Prokop's Framus Five. There were also changes in the extended medley that traditionally occupies a large chunk of the second set, with themes being expanded and extemporised upon by the whole group.
Drummer and AghaRTA bossman Michal Hejna was the compere for the night, introducing the songs, the band, and quite often an element of humour. With a particular flair for Latin rhythms, his work on the traps is an integral part of this live outfit. Playing later than normal in order to make up for the delayed start, he made sure that nobody left his club feeling short-changed. It was a nice touch, but in truth not required. The LAG pack more music into a single set than some outfits manage in a lifetime. Like a hearty meal they leave you with an appetite for more in the future, but for now you are just fine.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Gig Review: Luboš Andršt Group
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It's more easier now than ever to become famous … worldstar fights, reality TV and sextapes (and sometimes, all of the above combined). Everybody's goal is relevance, but I want to remembered for my art and not antics to get attention.
A lot of people ask me what "Bubble On Deck" means because I say it so much, when I'm really just another dreamer like you. When I say #BubbleOnDeck I'm speaking my dreams into existence, but I can show you better than I can tell you!


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I have been playing professionally for 40 years in and around the Milwaukee area, most recently with my band, The Kinsmen. Since retirement in 2007, I have also been playing many solo jobs at a wide variety of venues which include: senior recreation, department functions, senior apartment complexes, assisted living and nursing homes, private parties, etc.
I play a digital reedless accordion which has 396 sounds built into it. Using this unique instrument, I am a one-man-band. The various genres of music in my library include well-known songs from the 1920's through the 1970's. My audiences can expect to tap their toes, sing along, and even find themselves on the dance floor! They truly enjoy hearing the music they've loved throughout their lives, hopefully as much as I enjoy playing it for them.
The Kinsmen at the Milwaukee Accordion Club