December 18 - Emergence
…way to freedom. So, Mary bore Jesus into a complicated context in which he shared his wholeness with others who longed for a world of justice and compassion. In our day, child-bearing is no less complicated, but we have abolitionist dreams to inspire us, too. If abolition is about nurturing freedom, then abolitionist parenthood must be about the freedom to…
An Investment in Freedom: Join the Movement at General Synod 34
Join the Movement Curator Sharon Fennema reflects on finding hope at General Synod 34 through literally hundreds of conversations with folks who are doing the work and urging their communities to keep moving toward racial justice. She explores the need for interconnected and intersectional movements as investments in freedom for future generations.
December 5 - Like Those Who Dream
…all get free. Only by holding the most impacted at the center can we achieve the kind of fullness of life and restoration of flourishing that that Psalmist imagines, filling our mouths with laughter and our hearts with joy. Abolition feminism calls on us to ask questions like, does our approach include organizing against the prison industrial complex? Are we…
December 13 - Envision
…the paths that we travel so that we may no longer be bound by fear and hate, domination and supremacy, but free to love and serve and create your realm here on earth for all. Amen. See also this Blessing for Those Who Have Far to Travel by Jan Richardson. Artwork: “Envision” by Yohana Junker (discover more at: https://www.yohanajunker.com/)…
A Pastoral Letter of Support for Our Haitian Siblings in Springfield
…core values of our faith. Let us embrace our Haitian siblings and the entire community of Springfield. Together they have worked for years to build a community of flourishing where all can have a job, put down roots, and be treated as equally beloved children of God. I urge everyone to join in standing with them in this difficult time….
December 8 - Regenerative Liberation
…your coming like the desert dreams of water and you put among us prophets who speak into life abolitionist visions of blossoming abundance. As we long for your justice to come and dwell among us, keep us working to bring your promise to life, for we will see glory. Amen. Artwork: “Regeneracao” by Yohana Junker (discover more at: https://www.yohanajunker.com/)…
December 11 - Imagining Repair
…might we follow Jesus’ example and offer our communities real and concrete visions of a new world? Where do you witness glimpses of this freedom becoming real in our midst and how can you share those with others? How can we grow our imaginations beyond our doubts, weariness and cynicism? Perhaps then we, like John and his disciples, will throw…
December 5
…Sometimes I want God to come to Earth to back me up, like Isaiah writes in the beginning of this passage: why don’t you tear open the heavens and get down here already! I don’t need the mountains to quake or nations to tremble, I just need God to tell everyone to change their oppressive policies and practices so life…
December 17 - No One is Disposable
…and persistence, this promised vision of freedom is present at any moment. So church, how can we, guided by an Abolitionist God, move at the pace of belovedness? What if, from now on, we imagined our church budgets, policies, committee agendas and worship services as living, breathing homes for freedom rather than places where disposability culture prevails? Can we find…