December 12
…orientations, our neural pathways will strengthen and compel our actions in that direction. Prayer When punishment seems to be the only way to justice, teach us to sing, comfort, comfort. When harm seems to demand retribution, show us a more tender way. When the mountains seem unsurmountable, enliven our imaginations. When the valleys threaten to swallow us, lift us…
November 30 - Nearing Daybreak
…warmth of its sun. Prayer Holy One, Giver of Light, awaken us from our slumber, assuage our fears of change, fill us with compassion, cover us with grace, and embolden us with your Spirit as we clumsily leave places where we see justice dimly, moving toward the dawning light. Amen. Artwork: “Dismantle” by Yohana Junker (discover more at: https://www.yohanajunker.com/)…
December 7 - Midwives of Justice
…songs like Mary, songs that imagine a world turned upside down by revolutionary Love-become-flesh. As we wait expectantly for the coming of your realm (that will surely come), empower us to become midwives, co-conspirators with you, ushering in a new day of freedom, where your love and justice prevail. Amen. Artwork: “Midwife” by Yohana Junker (discover more at: https://www.yohanajunker.com/)…
December 21
The passage we read from scripture for today comes from the very end of the letter to the Thessalonians. It is part of the author’s last words of encouragement and teaching to this young community of Jesus followers. As the letter writer winds up their thoughts, they vacillate between encouraging the community to stay vigilant in their expectant waiting…
All Church Read: How to Be An Antiracist
…and bestows benefits, unearned rights, rewards, opportunities, advantages, access, and privilege on Europeans and European descendants.” Through the Join the Movement toward Racial Justice initiative we are making explicit and concrete our antiracist commitments so that the UCC might live more fully into the historic efforts we’ve made to becoming and antiracist denomination. We are building on the revolutionary work…
December 21 - After the Deportation
…steadfast connection. For those who are rejected, make us loving welcome. For those who are cast away, make us embracing protection. God-for-us, God-with-us, expand our “us.” Give us the creativity and long-term commitment to refuse to let separation have the final word, until all of “us” are free. Amen. Artwork: “End Deportation” by Yohana Junker (discover more at: https://www.yohanajunker.com/)…
December 1 - Leader-full Liberation
…even as we hold on to the hope-filled imagination of new branches, new freedom-fighters always emerging. While we are waiting, empower us to take up our role in the unfolding story of redeeming love and righteous freedom, so that your kindom may come in this time and this place. Amen. Artwork: “Liberate” by Yohana Junker (discover more at: https://www.yohanajunker.com/)…
December 2 - Healing Land
…devastating odds, God is coming. Held by Black Farmer and family hands healing fertile soil, reclaiming grain and sun and moon and the earth with vision, plan, and action. Reparations, God is coming. Held in the relentless hearts of essential farmworkers growing our food while dusty, barb–wired walls cross land and families. Walls will crumble, God is coming. Rivers running…
December 15 - Signs and Wonders
…free. Schools are under siege, under-education and miseducation creating new forms of oppression for another generation of children. There is a need for emancipation, freedom from the cycles of racism, poverty, and oppression. There are enslaving patterns and abolition visions everywhere. During this Advent season, there are many signs already given to us. These signs point to God present with…