|
Dear Friend,
Just as we have arrived at Pentecost and are ready to explore the meaning of life empowered by the Holy Spirit, the church is moving into summer vacation mode. While we may be preaching to smaller congregations, the slower pace of summer may also allow for more receptivity to the movement of the Spirit.
This month, Rev. Jim McDonald, Bread for the World’s vice president for policy and programs, reflects on the lectionary texts, beginning with Trinity Sunday. Jim’s reflections explore the challenges and opportunities of "life among the believers." May God bless you and all those whom your ministry touches.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Gary R. Cook
Director of Church Relations
|
|
Lectionary Reflections
June 7, Trinity Sunday
There’s a big difference between church work and the work of the Church. The former keeps us busy maintaining an institution, while the latter takes us out of our comfort zones and sends us into the world to join the work of God’s Spirit, making all things new. Read more »
June 14, Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Before beginning work each day or considering the next steps in a struggle for justice, before leaving for a new peacemaking endeavor or undertaking a huge campaign to change the politics of hunger, we should gather to pray for one another and for our common purpose. At the core of our petition is this: “May [God] grant you your heart’s desire” (Psalm 20:4). Read more »
June 21, Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Psalm 9:9 affirms that God is a “stronghold for the oppressed.” A stronghold is a place of security, a sanctuary where one can go to be safe and to survive. But God is not simply a lifeless rock behind which to hide. God is an advocate who takes up the cause of the oppressed. Read more »
June 28, Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Paul equates grace and generosity; both are the uninhibited, unconditional outpouring of ourselves for others in love, as Christ did. Paul wants there to be a fair balance between abundance and need. If we take Paul’s words about “abundance and need” to heart in today’s world, what would that mean about the amount of money we give away personally, as a church, and as a nation? Read more »
Praying Together
From the African American Heritage Hymnal:
Lord, we thank you for all the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We thank you for fire shut up in our bones. Help us to release the anointing of the Holy Spirit which dwells within us. Let us pour your blessing into the lives of others. Let us lift up the name of Jesus with power from on high.
Offering of Letters Update
Thanks in part to Bread for the World’s Offering of Letters, Congress is beginning to pay attention to calls for reforming foreign assistance to make it more effective in reducing poverty. In the House of Representatives, H.R. 2139, the Initiating Foreign Assistance Reform Act, is a good start. Please contact your representative and urge him or her to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation. Learn more at www.bread.org/OL2009.
Resources for Your Ministry
- JustFaith is a 30-week program that empowers participants to develop a passion and thirst for justice, and prepares them for the work of social ministry. Bread for the World had partnered with JustFaith Ministries to make available a new ecumenical version of this popular Catholic program for the broader Christian community. Find out more at www.justfaith.org.
- Getting Ready to Come Back: an Advocacy Guide for Short Term Mission Teams is now available at www.breadstore.org. The booklet outlines a process for engaging overseas mission teams in preparation, reflection, and planning to be effective advocates on issues that impact their host countries. Cosponsored by Bread for the World and 13 denominational partners, the advocacy guide reflects a broad Christian commitment to integrating mission and advocacy.
