Dear friends,
This week, I'd like to share a combined statement from our General Minister and President Rev. Terri Hord Owens who joined her voice other ecumenical leaders this week regarding the invasion of Ukraine:
“Though we have been anxious about the recent growing tensions between Ukraine and Russia and between Russia and the NATO countries in recent weeks, we remain deeply concerned, as we have been since 2014, for the impact of this ongoing conflict on innocent civilians throughout Ukraine. All parties to the conflict must take every measure possible to protect civilians. All parties and the international community must renew efforts to de-escalate this threat to international peace and security.
All our religious traditions call us to pray and work for peace. We join our voices and hands together. We must open our eyes to those who are suffering, and we cannot remain indifferent to the injustice this conflict has brought on the people of Ukraine and may bring on people of neighboring countries.
We call on all those involved—whether governments, movements or individuals—to repent of aggression and violence, and turn instead to the way of peace through dialogue. We also call upon the faithful people of our congregations and communities to pray for wisdom, peace and justice to prevail in Ukraine.
Join us as we pray: Oh Divine, most mighty, most merciful, our sacred stories tell us that you help and save your people. You are the fortress: may there be no more war. You are the harvest: may there be no more hunger. You are the light: may no one die alone or in despair. Oh Divine, most majestic, most motherly, grant us your life. Amen.”
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Eddy Alemán General Secretary, Reformed Church in America
The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry Presiding Bishop and Primate, The Episcopal Church
Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer General Minister and President, United Church of Christ, National Ministries
Bishop Sally Dyck Ecumenical Officer, The United Methodist Church
Rev. Teresa Hord Owens General Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the US and Canada
Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton Fifth Episcopal District, The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller President, Provincial Elders’ Conference, Moravian Church Northern Province
Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Mr. Basharat Saleem Executive Director, Islamic Society of North America
Dr. Tarunjit Singh Butalia Executive Director, Religions for Peace USA
Rev. Chris Thore President, Provincial Elders’ Conference, Moravian Church Southern Province
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Among our community’s joys, we lift:
We are happy to share the news from Chuck Blaisdell that a recent CT scan has shown the tumors in his small intestine have been shrunk by 50%. We pray for continued uccess in his treatment, and for strength for his healing journey.
We lift up our congregational leaders as they prepare for a meeting of our Church Board tomorrow at 11am.
Among our concerns, please add to your prayers:
Jan Ginter, former co-minister of Eastside Christian Church and friend to many in our congregation who is currently in the ICU with complications with a chronic medical diagnosis
We continue to pray also for:
Charlene Houseman
Marylu Mills
Daniel Davis, friend of Susan Pearson, who is combatting a difficult brain cancer diagnosis
Rachel Morford, daughter of Mary Morford, who has begun treatment for a resurgence of cancer
Steve Johnson
Kathie Call and her son, Michael
For our homebound friends, Helen Bosley, Elaine Jonson, Harry and Margaret Lobberegt, Mereidene Moore, Jane Nelson, Verena Reese, and Jim and Kay Thompson
Among our local and global community prayer concerns:
We pray for those in harm's way in Ukraine, and for peace to prevail in the midst of conflict and oppression as it rears its ugly head around the world. We pray also for those facing ongoing violence and oppression in nations around the world, including Yemen, Afghanistan, Palestine, Ethiopia, and Syria. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.
For the Village on 6th and Orchard, for all who live there, have lived there, work, volunteer, and/or give in all kinds of other ways to support this important cause. We also pray for the courage to continue working and advocating for substantive change from the bottom up, so that all people are given the dignity and love in life that God so calls us provide for one another.
For Global Ministry partners and the important justice work they are doing in Korea.
With love and blessing,
Pastor Doug
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