The Romans passage is good for a Love and Harmony in the workplace idea.
The Exodus passage could go with a "Moses was a Labor Guy" message.
I'll keep looking for ideas to share in upcoming Tuesday meetings.
Joe
Saturday, August 9, 2008
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here is the labor in teh pulpit website...
http://www.aflcio.org/joinaunion/faith/lip.cfm
They have some interesting ideas.
Litany for Workers
God, you stand with the poor and disenfranchised, and for justice
among peoples. Please show us how to do the same.
God, hear our prayer.
As people of faith, we are dismayed by a system that threatens workers
with replacement, shatters their hope of dignity and respect, and denies their benefits, health care and pensions. Have mercy upon us for our complicity in this sin.
God, hear our prayer.
Shatter our complacency; give us a sense of holy outrage about this
cruel and blasphemous abuse of your creation and your will.
God, hear our prayer.
Don’t let us be deadened to the need of radical changes, or casually bury dissent under indifference, or turn our backs upon you and our
sisters and brothers.
God, hear our prayer.
God, we confess that we stand in the richest countr y on Earth where
CEOs receive 419 times the wages paid to their workers, and the bottom 60 percent of Americans share slightly more than six percent of the nation’s wealth. Forgive us for failing to show love in the world as you do.
God, hear our prayer.
God, teach us to share dignity and respect with others.
God, hear our prayer.
God, guide us to share a living wage and a decent life with others.
God, hear our prayer.
Bless us, God, to come together for the common good, and ser ve you
with honesty, courage, and singleness of heart.
God, hear our prayer.
got a phone message from UNITE-HERE today. they are the union organizing two downtown hotels. i am sure they would be willing to be there during labor day sunday.
I'm for giving them an invitation and including them in a meaningful way in the service. It won't be a union rally, but it will be an opportunity to show our solidarity for their needs and, as the family of God, affirm them in His love.
I'll see you all (late) at the Tuesday night gathering.
Joe
no need for a "union rally." but to hear what it means to do low wage work at high rent hotels will suffice.
it would be good to reiterate some themes from years past---this will be our third "labor" day sermon...
2 years ago rev. darren kushman wood spoke and gave an awesome sermon and we heard from office building janitors who were organizing.
last year, i preached--we were going through the book of Luke and the good samaritan. i talked about labor history--and the idea of "leadership". basically, that we are all leaders. and played from a utah phillips/ani difranco album. i also used the idea that jesus was a carpenter...but that jesus wasn't really a carpenter...the word that got translated into carpenter really means "someone who works with their hands, laborer." we also played working class hero. jordan sung it and it was awesome...it might be good to use that song again.
this is the burning bush lectionary.
it would be really cool to go and buy some burning bushes and plant them at the church after the service.
i think alot of nurseries are having sales right now.
Are those the prickly red/yellow shrubs? We can dig mine up if you want to.
Joe
I'm sorry I missed today's Lockerbie Central experience, but have had a wonderful weekend with ministry friends from Voronezh, Russia. (We had some good political discussions too. I'll share those at a more appropriate time.)
The (AUG 31) sermon will be relatively short to allow time for conversation with and presentation from our labor guests. Sermon possibly moving in the direction of:
(1) Moses' recognition of unfair worker treatment, but not legitimizing his violent response; (2) possible New Testament references to fair relationships between employers/workers (owners/slaves), i.e. Philemon.
(3) individual Christian responsibility to act in ways to influence better labor conditions, beyond what can be done through arbitration and legislation.
It's still in progress, but these are some thoughts today. I'll see you Wednesday night. PEACE TO ALL!
This is not about AUG 31 worship, but - I have a blog now (actually since Nov 2007, but starting to develop it somewhat better now). Still learning. Take a look. Your suggestions are welcome.
Joe
http://papajoesblog.blogspot.com
Michelle and I were at the meeting tonight. Congrats to Mike and Katie on the arrival of your baby girl - Loralee (spelling?).
HERE'S WHAT WE HAVE FOR SUNDAY:
LITANY: the one posted is good.
SCRIPTURE PASSAGES: Exodus and Romans passages only.
SUGGESTED SONGS:
UMH 375 There is a Balm in Gilead;
TFWS 2219 Goodness is Stronger than Evil;
ADDITIONAL SONG(S)- by Jordan and/or Hillary, such as, the one from last year "Working Class Hero," or another appropriate song.
WORDS: I would like for my "words" to be sometime in the service after the UNITE-HERE group. I'm not sure of the format for their part of the service.
COMMUNION: Since I'm not an ordained UM minister, we will need to follow the Love Feast format.
I'm looking forward to Sunday. Thanks for letting me be a part of what's going on at Lockerbie Central. I'll check back on the blog Friday night. Call me if you need me before then. Jordan has my number.
Joe
Anybody out there?
Do I need to do a simple type bulletin? maybe just print the Litany/Prayer, Scriptures, Songs, etc - or is someone else working on our regular creative art bulletin? I know Mike's busy with Katy and Lorelei. Let me know.
Joe
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