Thursday, May 08, 2008

justice on my mind ...

Woke up this morning to Marvin Gaye singing, "Father, Father, there's no need to escalate / War is not the answer, for only love can conquer hate / We've got to find a way to bring some love in here today." And I found myself praying hard for a revolution -- God's revolution of peace, compassion, generosity. A lot of us got busy with it last week (Monday Lunch Program, the $2-a-Day Global Poverty Awareness journey, the EverythingMustChange tour in the Bronx, the Walk for Hunger). But it can't stop. Read on for more ways to join the revolution ... and blessings for the journey.

What's Going on @ The Crossing?
TONIGHT / Worship @ 6:30pm, Spiritual practice @ 6pm: Every Thursday, we worship and engage in spiritual practice -- it's how we give thanks, ask forgiveness, open to God's transforming Spirit, get steeped in the vision and soul-power of God. This month, Ben Garren and Jason Long team up to offer scripture reflections, while Kevin Casey leads us in some grounding spiritual practices. Subway: Park Street (red or green line) or Downtown Crossing (orange line). Driving: For $3, we validate parking at Boston Common Garage (Charles Street b/t the Common and Public Gardens.) More info:
www.thecrossingboston.org.

SATURDAY @ 1-5pm / Faith Brewing Justice: Saturday is World Fair Trade Day! Mark it by joining Boston Faith and Justice Network in Harvard Square for "Faith Brewing Justice," a day of workshops, speakers and worship to turn folks on to fair trade and economic justice at home and at church. Harvard Epworth Methodist Church, 155 Mass Ave, Cambridge. Register and get info @
www.bostonfaithjustice.org.

2nd & 4th MONDAYS @ 6:30pm / Harvard Square Scripture Chat: May 12 and 26, we head to Grendel's Den for a relaxed Bible Study focused on our stories/God's story (not who's got the most verses memorized). Half-price menu and cheap drinks sweeten the deal. Grendel's Den: Corner of JFK St & Winthrop St, between Peet's Coffee and Staples in Harvard Square. Contact Chris at
chris.ashley@gmail.com or 312.451.5124.

JUSTICE & HEALING OPPORTUNITIES:
Burmese Cyclone Relief: First of all, please pray for the tens of thousands who have died, and for the exponentially more who will suffer in Burma for years to come. Then, dig deep and make a contribution that provides immediate relief and invests in long-term solutions. One way is through Episcopal Relief and Development's Emergency Relief Fund: donate online at
www.er-d.org or send a check to PO Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116.

Kupenda ministry in Kenya: Our $2-a-Day journey with the Boston Emergent Cohort and Harvard Divinity students may be over, but the action has to keep going. One important way is by giving the money you saved while eating on $2-a-Day (or just what you want to give) to Kupenda, an incredible ministry that assists disabled children in Kenya. For info, go to
www.bostoncohort.blogspot.com or straight to Kupenda: www.kupenda.org.

Homeless Ministries in Boston / We're closely connected to two downtown ministries with homeless and hungry people. Monday Lunch Program takes place at the Cathedral every Monday. Show up @ 11:30am-12:45pm and help to serve & build community. Contact Hal Carter at
halcott.carter@gmail.com or 425.238.0505. St. Francis House: Volunteers needed everyday to help serve meals and provide care. Contact Lynn Campbell at lynnmcam@aol.com or 617.654.1212.

GETTING CONNECTED @ THE CROSSING:
If you'd like to be in touch, we'd love to connect with YOU! Look at the list and then reach out:
** Stephanie Spellers:
revsteph@gmail.com (priest, communications)
** Chris Ashley:
chris.ashley@gmail.com (scripture chat, greeting)
** Lynn Campbell:
lynnmcam@aol.com (ministries with the homeless, newcomers)
** Hal Carter:
halcott.carter@gmail.com (logistics, ministries with the homeless)
** Ben Garren:
bgarren@alumni.unc.edu (worship/creative stuff)
** Anna Gerdeen:
agerdeen@gmail.com (emergent cohort, newcomers)
** Jason Long:
jason.long.1@googlemail.com (small groups)
** Ashley Merrell:
amerrell@berklee.net (music ministry)
** Kirsten Wesselhoeft:
kirsten.m.w@gmail.com (justice and service)

Groove on,
Rev. Steph

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