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“Ministers: All the People”
As we begin May we look to that phrase to support our community call to inclusive ministry. And even as we celebrate the joy of living into it, we recognize the challenge that calls each of us to action as we “make it real”. Again in May our fourth Sunday will be lay lead. We look forward to it. In June we will experience Pride Month much like Black History Month, with lay teams assuming leadership throughout the month. Included in this Newsletter you will find a sneak preview of events designed by our wonderful Pride Team, as well as our special Pride Month speakers. With our lay lead Sundays we continue to witness to the world that we are a radically inclusive body of Christ.
As this month opens, our prayers are with folks at General Conference. At the printing of this newsletter we do not know the outcome; what we do know is that there are many positive forces working for change. Lois and a team of Broadway folks are there now, breathing justice and God’s inclusive love into the mix. cathy knight and several members from the Church Within A Church Movement are also there providing a place of peace and healing – a place of community – a voice of equality. So, God is present in many ways. We remain in prayer for an equitable outcome.
Sisters and brothers, May is that month of anticipation; we can feel spring around us. Even as we experience below normal temperatures, we know that warm weather is on the way. As we prepare for spring and summer activities, I invite us to turn our hearts to events in the city and nation that need our attention through prayer and action. There has been little coverage of the latest hate crime in Chicago against a trans woman of color. She was found dead on April 16th. There is a call to justice that we are invited to be a part of:
Taskforce for Prevention and Community Services will be hosting a rally for slain Chicago-area trans woman Paige Clay on Tuesday, May 1 from 6:30-9 p.m. at the Taskforce office: 9 North Cicero Avenue.
I know this is short notice, but if you are able to attend, please do; if not, please keep our trans sisters and brothers in your prayers. They are the latest victims of hate crimes and there is a need to raise awareness of these heinous crimes that often get very little press. Our prayers are with Paige’s family and friends.
My heart is full as I recognize the work that we do to welcome all and the vast amount of work that yet needs to be done. As community we encourage and support one another in our efforts to make a difference in the world. Know that as we work to that end, God is present with us.
In Peace and Justice,
Vernice