Dear Friends,
Monday we had the honor of pausing and remembering Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the legacy he left our world. We are all called to have a dream for radical inclusion and, more than that, we are called to live into that dream. I hope you found ways to honor and celebrate diversity today. And I hope you found a way to challenge the ways we perpetuate systemic injustice.
Dr. King said many inspiring things. One quote that touches me today is this: Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ These words challenge and move me. In particular I am left to wonder what I am doing for those in our world who are being affected by the great racial divide in our country. What am I doing to bring about change? What am I doing to confess my own sins? What am I doing to be compassionate and just? What am I doing that makes any type of difference at all?
One thing I’m planning on doing is learning more about race and issues of race. The Greenwood Village congregation is hosting a tele-conference this week that will address some of the issues that I’m talking about. Listen For a Change is a conference that Greenwood will be streaming in their congregation. You are welcome to come by at any point on Thursday–Saturday of this week to listen and learn. Here’s a powerful quote:
“Alas, though, resolving moral disputes “requires perspective, fuller context and the ability to make meaningful distinctions.” That requires leaders with the courage and empathy “to inspire people to pause to reflect, so that instead of reacting by yelling in 140 characters they can channel all this moral outrage into deep and honest conversations.” If we can do that — a big if — Seidman concluded, “we can be truly great again because we’ll be back on our journey towards a more perfect union.” – Thomas Friedman quoting Dov Seidman, The New York Times, January 13, 2016
Attached is the schedule for this conversation. Contact Jana Horner with questions: pastorjana@q.com. Greenwood’s address is: 1695 E. Orchard Rd., Greenwood Village, CO 80121.
Here’s to our continued growth toward a world of compassion and justice. May God bless us in our efforts to live our promise to the world: We believe in the worth of all persons and as believers we work to bring justice so that all may know their worth as children of God.
Love,
Shandra
God, where will your Spirit lead today?
Help me be fully awake and ready to respond.
Grant me courage to risk something new
And become a blessing of your love and peace.
Amen.
Sr. High Winter Retreat: January 22-24, 2016. The Sr. High Winter Retreat is this month but there is still time to sign up! Where: Buena Vista, Ski/Snowboard at Monarch Ski Area. When: Jan 22-24, Leaving around 6:00pm Friday evening and returning Sunday around 3;00 or 4:00pm, carpools will be arranged. How much: Cost will range from $80-$130 depending on which activity is chosen! Please contact Jordan Wight to register at: wight.jordan@gmail.com. Hope you can make it!
The next scheduled SITE (Seminars In Theological Education) class is Jan 29-31, 2016. Thank you to all who have pre-registered, this class is now full.
NEW DATE!: Leadership Weekend– March 4-5 – Fort Collins Congregation: 220 East Oak St, Ft Collins, CO 80524. We invite you to join us for the upcoming Leadership Weekend- the theme this year is: Generosity. Our guest ministers are: Robin Linkhart and Craig Perryman. The retreat starts at 7 p.m. on March 4 and ends at 5 p.m. on March 5. Cost is $30. Online registration for this event is forthcoming. You may also register for this event by contacting Rebecca Russell at: brussellcofchrist@gmail.com.