Presbyterian Parallel Event
57th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women
Church Center for the United Nations
6 March 2013
Category Archives: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Lent 27: Happy
25 January – an Orange Day
Today, January 25, and the 25th of each month, is an Orange Day – a day to witness and work for an end to violence against women and girls.
On this day, I:
- wore an orange tie,
- asked my Senators to co-sponsor the Violence Against Women Act, and
- took part in a conference call to orient the Presbyterian delegation to the Commission on the Status of Women where we will advocate in the global community for policies to end violence.
Work remains. Much work remains.
See you along the Trail.
On the steps, in the streets, with the people
Ministry comes in a variety of forms.
Followers of Jesus do not all look alike nor do we all do identical work.
Pillars of the Church come in many different shapes.
On December 12, 2012, Cynthia Bolbach died. A former moderator of our General Assembly, Cindy was well-known and loved by many across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
On December 17, 2012, Teddy Mapes died. The sexton at West-Park Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, Teddy was known and well-loved by the West-Park community and by many in the neighborhood of Amsterdam and W. 86th Street.
A gentle bear of a man with a heart overflowing with compassion, Teddy came to West-Park a little over a year ago as the congregation connected with the Occupy movement. He quickly fit into the community. He took part in Bible study and worship and became a member.
Teddy cared for the physical building of the church. More importantly, he cared for the spiritual building – the community – the Body of Christ. He helped negotiate the creative chaos that the Spirit so often stirs at West-Park. Teddy became one of the public faces of the church.
I had only met Teddy a couple of times – but in those brief encounters, I could tell the significant role he played in the community. So today, I walked to West-Park to talk to my friend Bob Brashear, pastor of the church, about Teddy. Teddy’s biggest contribution, his most profound ministry, Bob noted took place “on the steps, in the streets, with the people.”
On the steps. In the streets. With the people. What a ministry, what a legacy.
Teddy’s death has ripped a hole in the West-Park Presbyterian Church community. I cannot imagine how painful the tear is – nor how challenging their ride through the ragged reality of grief will be – nor how long the rebuilding process will take.
But this I know: God who loved Teddy Mapes in this life continues to love Teddy Mapes and has welcomed him home. I give thanks for Teddy’s life and love and witness and faith.
And this I know: it will take time, it will be challenging, there will be tears, there will be fits and starts – but somehow, some way, some day, “every little thing gonna be all right” for the people of West-Park Presbyterian Church. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
See you along the Trail.
Filed under Friends, New York, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Tell NBC to Air PC(USA) documentary: TRIGGER
As we seek ways to respond to gun violence in the United States, here is information about a video that could lead to discussion and other resources in a post from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Office of Public Witness:
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons (daughters) of God. (Matthew 5:9)
The 219th General Assembly (2010) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) adopted a policy statement: Gun Violence, Gospel Values: Mobilizing in Response to God’s Call. The policy called for “the church [to] take responsibility to build public awareness of gun violence and the epidemic of preventable gun-related deaths, totaling more than 620,000 over the past twenty years, with hundreds of thousands more wounded. Even while taking the focused and urgent efforts below to achieve practical solutions, that the councils and congregations welcome discussion from all viewpoints, and that the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy review and summarize responses for the 220th General Assembly (2012).”
Trigger Documentary – Produced by the PC(USA)
NBC has first dibs through May, 2013, on airing a PC(USA)-produced documentary on gun violence. The documentary named TRIGGER :The Ripple Effect of Gun Violence is produced by award-winning producer David Barnhart. Our latest inquiry reveals that many of the local NBC affiliates are not even aware that the documentary exists. We need your help! Please call your local NBC affiliate today and request that the documentary be aired in prime time given the recent tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, and more than 30,000 people killed in the U.S. every year by gun violence.
To find your local NBC affiliate, go to NBC’s website, search by state and choose your local station. Once on the right website, look for a “contact us” or “feedback” link. Ask them to air TRIGGER in prime time.
Gun violence daily affects communities on levels equivalent with major natural and human disasters, and it is seen in almost every community. We may hear briefly about the victims and survivors of these shootings, but what happens after the media attention moves on and the wider public becomes numb to “just another shooting”? Drawing upon conversations with lawmakers, emergency room chaplains and surgeons, survivors and victims’ families, former ATF officials, police officers, community leaders and others, this documentary shares the story of how gun violence impacts individuals and communities and examines the “ripple effect” that one shooting has on a survivor, a family, a community, and a society. TRIGGER also addresses the critical issue of gun violence prevention (such as keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill) by moving the conversation away from the polarizing extremes that have long dominated the debate and by lifting up the voice and experiences of those who seek common ground and a new way forward. View the documentary trailer. Please call today! Encourage your friends and church members to do the same.
Resources for responding to gun-related tragedy:
- In the Aftermath of Two Mass Shootings this Week: a statement from Stated Clerk Gradye Parsons and Presbyterian Mission Agency Executive Director Linda Valentine
- J. Herbert Nelson’s statement in response to the same
- PC(USA) Resources on GunViolence
- UNBOUND
- Prayer Litany for victims of gun violence
- Gun Violence Prevention Curriculum: Supporting Those Who Grieve
- Gun Violence Prevention Congregational Toolkit
- Other Resources, including hymns
- Worship Resources
- Liturgical Resources
- Children’s Message strategies
- God Not Guns Sabbath Worship Guide from the Brady Campaign
- Hymns in response to Gun Violence by Presbyterian Pastor Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
See you along the Trail.
Filed under Current Events, Movie, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Worship
My friend Bruce is writing a book
My friend Bruce is writing a book. I am supporting his effort. You can read why below or you can just take the plunge and become a supporter too.
No . . . where are you FROM? — A Book on Race by Bruce Reyes-Chow
During a trip to San Francisco, when I served as the Presbyterian Church’s associate for antiracism training, I asked a number of friends, colleagues, and wise people who I should meet for conversations about race and racial justice. A number of individuals were named, but one individual was named on a regular basis.
Bruce Reyes-Chow.
I listened. I contacted Bruce. And, over coffee, we met for the first time.
Our conversation ranged across the landscape of the social construction of race and the deconstruction of the structures put into place by racism. We explored the different perceptions of race held by different generations … the different experiences of raced lived by different generations … the differences between racism as experienced on the West Coast and in the Mid West and in other parts of our county. And we experienced the commonalities interwoven within these distinctions.
In the short time we spent together, I developed a deep respect for Bruce, the seeds of friendship were planted, and I realized that he has a voice I and others need to hear on questions related to race. Of course, listening to each other applies to all people. The difference is that Bruce is writing a book.
Bruce will self-publish No … where are you FROM? He is in the process of raising funds through Kickstarter. I am proud to be a backer – even though I will receive no Pittsburgh Steelers swag as a result – despite my many suggestions of how that would enhance the project to my San Francisco 49ers supporting friend (comments about the results of this weekend’s games will be deleted).
Bruce describes his reason for writing as:
If you’ve ever wanted to cultivate honest conversations about race, this book is my attempt at offering ways to help make that happen.
He reflects on his hope for the book in these words:
My hope is that by sharing my story – the joys and the struggles – this book will compel folk to enter a space where they can get at some of the assumptions, misunderstandings and intentions about race so that deeper connections and relationships can be had.
You can get a sense of his perspective as well as the flavor of his writing from some of his earlier articles:
- Three Myths of the “I don’t see race.” World – on reyes-chow.com
- Reflection on “Whites See Racism as Zero Sum Game Which They are Now Losing” Study – on Patheos
- Why Do All Asians Look the Same – on The Huffington Post
- What Historically White Denominations Can Learn From the Republican Party – on Red Letter Christians
- 10 Unhelpful Things We Say About Race – slides on SlideShare
Bruce notes that:
it is also my hope that you will find the time, faith and courage to jump into these conversations with an openness that challenges the expectations of the world around race.
I plan to take that jump. I assume that Bruce’s book will challenge my expectations around race. And I hope that I will be better equipped to engage in conversations that will help me challenge expectations around race and realities around racism.
Thanks Bruce for writing this book (even if you are a heretic and you talk to your cat – it’s on the Internet, it must be true).
I’m a supporter and I urge others to become supporters as well!
See you along the Trail.
Filed under Antiracism, Books, Friends, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Presbyterian voices in the storm
This post contains links to blogs written by Presbyterians affected by Hurricane Sandy and to materials provided by mid-councils and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance with information about responding to the storm.
Some disclaimers and parameters:
- Experiences of the storm differ widely due to a number of factors. Writing styles differ. The reasons we blog differ. The list is eclectic.
- People process experiences in different ways using an array of media. This list focuses on blogs since that is what I do.
- Presbyterians are not the only ones blogging about the storm. This list focuses on Presbyterians because I am one.
- The fact that I have time to blog reflects my social location as a person of privilege and my geographical location on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
I do not know all the blogs that should be included. Suggest other blogs either in the comments section or via email. This post remains a work in progress.
Bob Brashear – West-Park Press
Christine Davis – Journeying Alongside
Jeff Geary – Pastor Jeff’s Blog
Carolyn Winfrey Gillette – When Waters Roar and Foam (hymn)
John Edward Harris – Summit to Shore
Andy James – bluedrift
Presbyteries in New Jersey on Facebook
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance – Give to support immediate assistance and long-term recovery in the United States and in the Caribbean nations affected by this storm
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance – Share your story
Presbytery of New York City on Facebook
Finally – Mark Koenig – Along the Graybeard Trail
As I mentioned earlier – help me build the list.
See you along the trail.
Filed under Current Events, New York, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Orange tie
Today – and the 25th of every month – my tie is orange. I wear it to state my commitment to ending violence against women and girls. It reminds me to take actions toward that goal as well.
The 25th of every month is an Orange Day to end violence against women and girls. 25 October is the fourth Orange Day.
On the 25th of each month, join the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign and orange your day! Check out the Facebook album to see how others took action last month. Here are some things you can do on Orange Day.
Pray
- Pray for guidance for all those who work to end violence against women. Pray that all people turn from violence.
Advocate
- Ask your members of Congress to pass an inclusive Violence Against Women Act that protects all women.
- Ask candidates for Congress how they will work to end violence against women and girls.
Act
- Take part in the Stop Rape Now campaign to stop the use of rape in war.
- Wear orange. Take pictures and share them on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #OrangeDay.
- Join Presbyterians Against Domestic Violence.
- Create a group in your worshiping community, mid-council, school or other location to work to end violence against women and girls.
- Sign the global call for action to tell governments around the world that you want them to make ending violence against women and girls a top priority.
- Ask 3 people you know to sign the call to action.
- Join SayNO – UNiTE to End Violence Against Women on Facebook and share why you think ending violence against women and girls should be a priority for decision makers around the world.
Tweet
- Want to take a stand to make ending #violenceagainstwomen & girls a priority worldwide? Wear orange on the 25th! #orangeday via @SayNO_UNiTE
- Wondering what to wear? Wear orange on Thu,25 Oct & say NO to #violenceagainstwomen & girls! #orangeday via @SayNO_UNiTE
- Thu,25 Oct is #orangeday! Get ur orange shirt out of the closet &take a stand on ending #violenceagainstwomen & girls! via @SayNO_UNiTE
Post on Facebook
- Change your Facebook cover photo to this banner.
- Use this post: The UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE campaign is proclaiming every 25th of the month as Orange Day! Wear orange to take a stand on ending violence against women & girls, and encourage all your friends to do the same!
Imagine
- Use your imagination to identify and implement other ways of working to end violence against women and girls. Share your ideas.
Of course working to end violence against women and girls is not a task for one day a month. Orange Days provide a reminder that, in Christ, we are called and freed to love one another and to pursue justice for all – each day and every day.
Twice blessed
I give thanks for those who pray for the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations and for me. Each of the past two days included an event that reminded me of the power of those prayers.
Second blessing
Today, 26 August, I attended worship at Wellshire Presbyterian Church in Denver. I had the opportunity to speak briefly about the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations during the worship service. A potluck followed worship. There I spoke directly to a number of the members. Before either of those events took place, the Rev. Dr. Pattie Kitchen led the congregation in the pastoral prayer for the morning. She prayed for me – by name – and for the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations.
First blessing
On 23 – 25 August, I took part in the Malawi Mission Network meeting. Again I had the opportunity to speak to the whole network and to have many wonderful conversations with individuals or small groups. I reconnected with some friends that I have known, including Mark and Lin Plumb from my college days. I made many new friends, including Mary Mphande, Helen Zimba, and Mercy Nyirenda who helped me don the chitenge that I won as a door prize.
Saturday evening, we gathered in the outside amphitheater at the Highlands Presbyterian Camp & Retreat Center. Our partners from Malawi, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Mission Co-workers serving in Malawi, and staff members serving with the Presbyterian Mission Agency sat in the front rows. As a campfire flickered before us, network members stood around us, laid hands on us, and prayed for us.
Each experience moved me deeply, providing touching reminders of the power of prayer and the grace of community. Twice blessed, I give thanks and will remember these moments in the days to come.
See you along the Trail.
My new friend Kathy Bernard took the photo of the group for whom the Malawi Mission Network prayed.
View from Highlands
Bob Ellis took us outside for his presentation at the
Highlands Presbyterian Camp & Retreat Center.
Not a bad view.
For some reason, Bob didn’t appear in my picture.
See you along the Trail.
Filed under Photo, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Along the Graybeard Trail 