Paula, Satia and I are attending the virtual 182nd session of the Northern Illinois Annual Conference. We spent yesterday in worship, Bible Study, celebrating the lives and ministry of those who died in this past year, and deliberating on legislation and resolutions that are important to us and are matters of justice for God’s people, while also grieving the discontinuance/closure of 8 churches in our conference -- all of them because the congregation became so small they could not sustain themselves anymore. We voted our support in advocating for the Palestinian children who are displaced in the midst of the Israel/Palestine unrest. We voted support to continue the work of anti-racism by humanizing our criminal justice system and we voted to support the marginalized communities negatively impacted by COVID. We will continue our work today. Today we also have our vaccination clinic. I hope you have shared the information with anyone you know who still needs to be vaccinated!
In another news I read this week was this heading: “Mental health clinicians will start answering some 911 calls in Chicago -- instead of cops!”
Our city is implementing a few pilot programs in which ‘mental health clinicians’ or ‘recovery specialists’ will be dispatched with paramedics when 911 calls involve behavioral health or substance abuse. Other similar programs are being launched as the role of police in the killing of George Floyd and many others continue to be evaluated.
Whether it is the conference, or the city -- all these actions for justice will matter only if they are put into actions -- otherwise they remain good plans but only on paper. And for them to be implemented, all of us have to do our part -- whether that means we get them supported by public servants/church leaders, or we speak out when we see them not being put to practice.
Beloved, until we all do our part in implementing these, we will not see the changes we desire. Would you commit with me, to always do all we can to make life easier and this world a better place for all? Speaking of doing our part, I also want to share with you that we have a ‘tentative’ plan to start in-person worship in August. If all goes well, then on August 1st we will have a celebration ‘hybrid’ worship followed by a picnic. If you will join us on worship that day, let us know, so we have enough food for all. And don’t forget to tell me -- what do you want me to preach on. Share with me your topic, question or comment here.
Beloved -- let us continue to do our part to make life easier, and this world a better place for all, and remember, I am always your partner in this work of justice! I look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday!
