First May Newsletter
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University Lutheran Church
May 6, 2008, 5:21:26 PM5/6/08
to unilu...@googlegroups.com
Greetings Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
As the academic year draws to a close, the surrounding neighborhoods reflect the departure of students for summer positions and life-long career transitions. Our prayers go with you all as this time of change and challenge replace studying and composing. May God who loves us and looks after us fill your lives with joy and happiness.
We will continue with the liturgy of Farewell and Godspeed each week over the coming weeks as part of each Sunday's worship. If you are leaving us for the summer, or for good, please consider participating in this ritual on your last Sunday with us. Its a brief prayer of thanks for your time with us over the past year, as well as a prayer for your safekeeping in the next phase of your lives. It occurs during the announcements.
On May 18th we will be celebrating those student graduating in 2008. Please contact the office with the names of any students who have been involved here at UniLu who will be graduating this year. The names we have so far are: Kristen Myer, Kristen Patton, Kara Yokley, and John Eskate.
Worship Assistants for Sunday: Cantor: Sara Posey; Verger: Gary Bronson; Deacon: Bruce McCullough; Sub-deacon: Sharon McCullough; Crucifer: Steve Mann; Torchbearers: Janah Szewczyk, Steve Szewczyk; Lector: Michelle Eckert; Communion Assistant: Rebekah McCullough; Prayer Leader: Bobbie Burnett; Coffee Hour: Fred and Melinda Quivik; Usher: Irene Wong; Greeter: Lisa Shoemaker
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Music for Sunday Morning
Prelude: Komm, Heiliger Geist [Come, Holy Ghost]
- Georg Philipp Telemann [1681-1767]
Entrance Hymn: # 395 – Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord
Kyrie: # 153 -Kyrie
Hymn of Praise: # 164 Glory to God, Glory in the Highest
Gospel Acclamation: # 175
Hymn of the Day: #397 – Loving Spirit
Offertory Anthem: Now We Have Received – Heinz Werner Zimmermann (b.1930)
Text: Florence Johnson [based on 1 Cor. 2: 10-12]
Communion Hymn: #499 – O Lord, We Praise You
Communion Chant Veni Creator (canon)
Sending Hymn: #582 – Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling
Postlude: Prelude in E-flat Major, BWV 552 – J.S. Bach [1685-1750]
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sunday, 7PM UniLu Pentecost Vespers
Please join us on Sunday, May 11 at 7:00 PM for a special Pentecost Vespers service at University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, as we gather together to celebrate the gift and power of the Holy Spirit. The Choir of University Lutheran Church will sing beautiful anthems by the English composer Christopher Tye, the German composer Heinz Werner Zimmermann, and the Swedish composer Harald Fryklöf. Drew Cardinale, baritone soloist, will join Richard Van Stone, violinist, in an aria from J.S. Bach's Cantata no. 59. The candlelit service will be accompanied by organ, and will be rich in Scripture and congregational song. All are welcome!
Music for Vespers
CHORAL INTROIT
Pingstsång – Harald Fryklöf [1882-1919]
Holy Spirit, true Spirit, come to accompany us.
Tune us not falsely, or
midlead us, but guide us to another goal:
to the throne of light, faith and
stillness. Certainly,
O Lord, give to us from on high the Spirit.
Hymn #563 – O Light Whose Splendor Thrills St. Clement
Psalm 141, a song of forgiveness and protection.
Hymn # 398 – Holy Spirit, Truth Divine Song 13
Reflection
Anthem: Die Welt mit allen Königreichen – J.S. Bach [1685-1750]
Text by Erdmann Neumeister [1671-1756]
Bass aria from Cantata no. 59, composed for Pentecost Sunday, 1723
Drew Cardinale -- Bass
Die Welt mit allen Königreichen,
The world with all its kingdoms,
Die Welt mit aller Herrlichkeit
The world with all its glory
Kann dieser Herrlichkeit nicht gleichen,
cannot be compared with this glory
Womit uns unser Gott erfreut:
with which our God makes us glad:
Daß er in unsern Herzen thronet
that his throne is within our hearts
Und wie in einem Himmel wohnet.
and there he dwells as in heaven.
Ach Gott, wie selig sind wir doch,
Ah God, how blessed we are now,
Wie selig werden wir erst noch,
how blessed we shall then be
Wenn wir nach dieser Zeit der Erden
when after this time on earth
Bei dir im Himmel wohnen werden.
shall live with you in heaven.
Reflection
Anthem: O Holy Spirit, Lord of grace – Christopher Tye [c.1505-?1572]
Reflection
Hymn # 423 – Shall We Gather at the River
Hymn # 405 – O Spirit of Life O Heiliger Geist
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sunday, 5-11, 4:30PM Brandywine Peace Community;
Showing of "Investigation of a Flame:A Documentary Portrait of the Catonsville 9" and more,
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of The “Catonsville 9"& Continuing Resistance to War
May 11 (how fitting, its Mother's Day) Brandywine Peace Community’s Monthly Potluck Supper*/Program,
University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St., Phila., PA
(*bring main dish, salad, or dessert)
*Showing of “Investigation of a Flame: A Documentary Portrait of the Catonsville 9”;
*Readings from Daniel Berrigan’s Play “The Trail of the Catonsville 9"; and
*Discussion on “Resistance, Then & Now”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Scholarship Fundraiser for Neighborhood Youth 5-9
Fundraiser to Help Neighborhood Students Friday, May 9th 8 to 10 pm
47th and Warrington Streets Abbraccio
Cost: $25 includes:
All you can drink draft Yuengling and house red and white wine.
Bruscetta and Nacho Appetizers provided
Live music!!!
Proceeds benefit the Cedar Park Neighbors Scholarship Committee
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact:
Laurie Friedman at laur...@msn.com (215) 747-1910
This scholarship effort was one of Joan Wells' favorites, she served on the committee which administered the fund for 15 years.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Fundraiser Honoring Louise Shoemaker, May 30
Please join the Christian Association in honoring Dr. Louise Proehl Shoemaker, Dean Emerita of the School of Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania. During her years as a social worker, educator, and Dean, Louise demonstrated her passion for service and social justice. Both her heart and vision are apparent in her work in Africa, with African refugees in the United States, and with African-American students and faculty at Penn.
It is this passion for Africa that the Christian Association wants to cultivate. The Open Mind Grant for Africa in Honor of Louise Shoemaker will fund an annual financial grant for one or more Penn undergraduates or Social Policy and Practice graduate students to pursue studies or projects that will further social justice in Africa and help raise consciousness of Africa’s issues at home.
Named a “Pioneer” by the National Association of Social Workers Foundation, Louise has always worked to introduce students to the social justice issues in Africa, such as education, women’s rights, and refugees. From developing Nigeria’s first master’s degree program in social work at the University of Ibadan, to welcoming Sudanese refugees into her home and then educating and raising them, to social activism with the Evangelical Lutheran Church, to attracting more African-American students and faculty to the School of Social Work, Louise has been a significant contributor to the field of social work and an exemplar for all who follow her.
We know you will want to join us in honoring Louise Shoemaker and help promote future social advocates in one or more of the ways listed on the following page.
Join us at the kickoff fundraising event for the
Open Mind Grant for Africa in Honor of Louise Shoemaker
on Friday, May 30, 2008 at the LGBT Center,
3907 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19104.
for more info http://www.upennca.org/index.php?id=285
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Scholarship/Work-study opportunities abroad
Attention young adults ages 18-26, seminarians and students:
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is sponsoring young people to attend the International AIDS Conference (IAC) in Mexico, under the Theme “Universal Action now”. Held every two years, the conference draws more than 20,000 health workers, scientists, government representatives, journalists, activists, corporate leaders, people living with HIV and AIDS, and religious leaders and representatives. The IAC provides extensive opportunities for sharing and networking across all levels of care and response to the epidemic.
In addition to the main conference, the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance is hosting a pre-conference which will bring together 500 people from more than 35 countries to address trends and issues in the faith-based response to HIV and AIDS. Following the conferences, there will be a one-day debriefing for young people who come as part of the ELCA and Lutheran World Federation delegation to discuss learning and next steps.
Globally, young people ages 15-25 make up nearly half of all new HIV infections. At previous IACs, young people have formed their own caucuses, presented working papers, and met with world leaders to advocate for policies that address the needs of youth. Besides being a great learning and advocacy opportunity for young people, the IAC registration fee is significantly reduced for students and young people age 26 and under. Recipients of the scholarship will be expected to participate in a preparatory email listserve, read background materials, and commit to sharing their experience with their community upon returning home.
The scholarship program includes 3 components:
· The Ecumenical Pre Conference: July 31 – August 2
Join over 500 people from more than 35 countries in this three-day conference addressing trends and issues in the faith-based response to HIV and AIDS. More information: http://www.e-alliance.ch
· The International AIDS Conference: August 3- 8
The IAC will draw more than 25,000 health workers, government representatives, journalists, activists, corporate leaders, people living with HIV and AIDS, and religious leaders. For more information go to: http://www.aids2008.org
· LWF youth debriefing: August 9
This meeting will include a discussion about experience and follow-up work among the participants. http://lwfyouth.org
The scholarship includes pre-arranged housing, transportation and a stipend for meals. However, we encourage you to seek additional fundraising from your local congregations, university and community, which will allow us to provide scholarships for more participants.
This scholarship is made possible by the ELCA World Hunger program.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Young Adult Volunteer Opportunity in Europe
Beginning September this year!
Liberty Lutheran Services & Slezska
Diakonie sponsor a year-long program of
Professional Volunteer Exchange in Silesia,
Czech Republic. 19-29 year olds work in
Lutheran human services with other EU youth,
learn Czech, and build partnerships. Housing
and living expenses provided (Sep-Aug). RT
airfare to Prague to be covered by volunteer.
Information: we...@libertylutheran.org
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
More Poetry from Kevin Saunders
Grace and Mercy A poem from Kevin B. Saunders
Grace and mercy can lift a burden.
Grace and mercy can lessen pain.
Grace and mercy can heal hurt emotions.
Grace and mercy can open unseen wisdom.
Grace and mercy can solve spiritual problems.
Grace and mercy can turn anger to joy.
Grace and mercy can change hate to love.
Grace and mercy can tread you through waters that'll grant you a newfound life.
Grace and mercy can make you happy.
Grace and mercy can brighten your grief.
Grace and mercy can give you a choice; a choice to live, to die; to hand, to receive; to decide how you want to live the rest of your life; to decide how you want to see the rest of your existence while you're still here.
Live a little. Love a lot.
Amen.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Linda Warner has been traveling in Israel, and has been sending daily updates of her experience. This is a brief excerpt from last Friday's update:
"Today we met Howie's cousin Voly and Miri for a tour of some of the Christian churches in the Old City. We went to a couple out of the way places. The guide only spoke Hebrew, so Voly and Miri translated for us. We walked from 12:45 until 4:30! It was well worth it. We went to one place that was on a roof. Below us was an Arab Souk. Where we were the Christian, Jewish and Arab sections converged. At one church, another group came in and brought with them an opera singer who sang twice. It was a beautiful experience.
Jerusalem is a very religious city. At dusk on Friday, the city closes down until dusk Saturday. There are very few restaurants open, no shops are open and the buses don't run. This is because it is the Jewish "Sunday" – Shabbatt. During Shabbatt, the Orthodox Jews cannot do anything: drive, cook, open doors, etc. So, for instance, women make food ahead of time and keep it on low for 24 hours. When Shabbatt is over on Saturday evening, the town is jumping! Tel Aviv is more metropolitan and does not close down."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
An update from Harrisburg on SB 1250
Gary and I went to the Rally sponsored by Value All Families at the Capital in Harrisburg on Monday. It was a moving experience, with several hundred people opposing the bill crowding the stairs in the rotunda. People of faith were well represented, but the bill has been voted out of committee, and may be voted on by the full senate in the immediate future. Your help is needed NOW!
This bill is being pushed by people claiming that if it's not passed, churches will be forced to perform religious ceremonies against their wills. They are building on people's fear, in a repeat of what has happened in previous elections where important issues around poverty, health care, and education are overshadowed by the Trojan Horse called "Defense of Marriage" The PA senate has had three hearings on this issue in it's current session, but only one hearing on Health Care.
If passed, this bill would open a path for the right wing to challenge all existing legislation to date which has been passed to define rights of LG (and too often not BT or Q persons) as being the same as all other people. (For example, health care for domestic partners made available by municipalities like Philadelphia, or Educational Institutions like State Universities, where right wing groups have previously objected to such programs)
Please call your state Senator and Representative on Tuesday and ask them to oppose SB 1250. To find out the name of your state legislators and their contact information, visit our Legislator Locater -- just enter your address, then click on the "state" tab above the legislators' pictures.
Please visit Equality Advocates Pennsylvania website for updated information.
There were approximately 400 people who opposed the legislation in the Capitol rotunda. Senators Connie Williams, Jim Ferlo and Vince Fumo spoke against the bill, as well as Representatives Babette Josephs, Dan Frankel and Mike O'Brien. Senator Wayne Fontana and Representatives Steve Nickol, David Steil, Kathy Manderino and Mike Gerber were also in attendence.
Other speakers included members of the Value All Families Coalition: Stacey Sobel of Equality Advocates Pennsylvania; Karen Buck of the SeniorLAW Center; Rev. Paul Fullmer, Chaplain, Lebanon Valley Community College; Diane Topakian, SEIU; and Andy Hoover of the ACLU of Pennsylvania.
Legislators, staffers and citizens heard and saw the rally. In fact, legislators said that they could hear the chants of "STOP THIS BILL" on the House floor.
Thank you to everyone who has called, written and visited your state legislators -- it truly makes a difference!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Shalom, salaam, peace,
Fred
Fred Wolfe
Interim Coordinator for Campus Ministry
University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation
Chestnut Street at 37th Street Walk
215.387.2885
admini...@uniluphila.org www.uniluphila.org
messageboard http://uniluphila.informe.com
Look for us on Facebook
As the academic year draws to a close, the surrounding neighborhoods reflect the departure of students for summer positions and life-long career transitions. Our prayers go with you all as this time of change and challenge replace studying and composing. May God who loves us and looks after us fill your lives with joy and happiness.
We will continue with the liturgy of Farewell and Godspeed each week over the coming weeks as part of each Sunday's worship. If you are leaving us for the summer, or for good, please consider participating in this ritual on your last Sunday with us. Its a brief prayer of thanks for your time with us over the past year, as well as a prayer for your safekeeping in the next phase of your lives. It occurs during the announcements.
On May 18th we will be celebrating those student graduating in 2008. Please contact the office with the names of any students who have been involved here at UniLu who will be graduating this year. The names we have so far are: Kristen Myer, Kristen Patton, Kara Yokley, and John Eskate.
- Feast Incarnate tonight: Help the folks from St. Davids with tonight's meal.
- Wednesday Night Bible Study, 6PM
- Thursday, 5-8, Mid-day Eucharist commemorating Julian of Norwich, renewer of the church. Kim-Eric Williams presiding.
- Sunday, May 11, Pentecost Sunday 9AM Choir, 9:30 Adult Forum: SEX, 10:30 Celebration of Holy Communion;
- Sunday, 4:30 Brandywine Peace Community;
- Sunday, 7PM UniLu Pentecost Vespers
- Scholarship Fundraiser for Neighborhood Youth 5-9
- Fundraiser Honoring Louise Shoemaker
, May 30 - Scholarship/volunteer opportunities abroad
- More Poetry by Kevin Saunders
- An Update from Linda Warner from Israel
- An update from Harrisburg on SB 1250
Worship Assistants for Sunday: Cantor: Sara Posey; Verger: Gary Bronson; Deacon: Bruce McCullough; Sub-deacon: Sharon McCullough; Crucifer: Steve Mann; Torchbearers: Janah Szewczyk, Steve Szewczyk; Lector: Michelle Eckert; Communion Assistant: Rebekah McCullough; Prayer Leader: Bobbie Burnett; Coffee Hour: Fred and Melinda Quivik; Usher: Irene Wong; Greeter: Lisa Shoemaker
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Music for Sunday Morning
Prelude: Komm, Heiliger Geist [Come, Holy Ghost]
- Georg Philipp Telemann [1681-1767]
Entrance Hymn: # 395 – Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord
Kyrie: # 153 -Kyrie
Hymn of Praise: # 164 Glory to God, Glory in the Highest
Gospel Acclamation: # 175
Hymn of the Day: #397 – Loving Spirit
Offertory Anthem: Now We Have Received – Heinz Werner Zimmermann (b.1930)
Text: Florence Johnson [based on 1 Cor. 2: 10-12]
Communion Hymn: #499 – O Lord, We Praise You
Communion Chant Veni Creator (canon)
Sending Hymn: #582 – Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling
Postlude: Prelude in E-flat Major, BWV 552 – J.S. Bach [1685-1750]
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sunday, 7PM UniLu Pentecost Vespers
Please join us on Sunday, May 11 at 7:00 PM for a special Pentecost Vespers service at University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, as we gather together to celebrate the gift and power of the Holy Spirit. The Choir of University Lutheran Church will sing beautiful anthems by the English composer Christopher Tye, the German composer Heinz Werner Zimmermann, and the Swedish composer Harald Fryklöf. Drew Cardinale, baritone soloist, will join Richard Van Stone, violinist, in an aria from J.S. Bach's Cantata no. 59. The candlelit service will be accompanied by organ, and will be rich in Scripture and congregational song. All are welcome!
Music for Vespers
CHORAL INTROIT
Pingstsång – Harald Fryklöf [1882-1919]
Holy Spirit, true Spirit, come to accompany us.
Tune us not falsely, or
midlead us, but guide us to another goal:
to the throne of light, faith and
stillness. Certainly,
O Lord, give to us from on high the Spirit.
Hymn #563 – O Light Whose Splendor Thrills St. Clement
Psalm 141, a song of forgiveness and protection.
Hymn # 398 – Holy Spirit, Truth Divine Song 13
Reflection
Anthem: Die Welt mit allen Königreichen – J.S. Bach [1685-1750]
Text by Erdmann Neumeister [1671-1756]
Bass aria from Cantata no. 59, composed for Pentecost Sunday, 1723
Drew Cardinale -- Bass
Die Welt mit allen Königreichen,
The world with all its kingdoms,
Die Welt mit aller Herrlichkeit
The world with all its glory
Kann dieser Herrlichkeit nicht gleichen,
cannot be compared with this glory
Womit uns unser Gott erfreut:
with which our God makes us glad:
Daß er in unsern Herzen thronet
that his throne is within our hearts
Und wie in einem Himmel wohnet.
and there he dwells as in heaven.
Ach Gott, wie selig sind wir doch,
Ah God, how blessed we are now,
Wie selig werden wir erst noch,
how blessed we shall then be
Wenn wir nach dieser Zeit der Erden
when after this time on earth
Bei dir im Himmel wohnen werden.
shall live with you in heaven.
Reflection
Anthem: O Holy Spirit, Lord of grace – Christopher Tye [c.1505-?1572]
Reflection
Hymn # 423 – Shall We Gather at the River
Hymn # 405 – O Spirit of Life O Heiliger Geist
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sunday, 5-11, 4:30PM Brandywine Peace Community;
Showing of "Investigation of a Flame:A Documentary Portrait of the Catonsville 9" and more,
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of The “Catonsville 9"& Continuing Resistance to War
May 11 (how fitting, its Mother's Day) Brandywine Peace Community’s Monthly Potluck Supper*/Program,
University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St., Phila., PA
(*bring main dish, salad, or dessert)
*Showing of “Investigation of a Flame: A Documentary Portrait of the Catonsville 9”;
*Readings from Daniel Berrigan’s Play “The Trail of the Catonsville 9"; and
*Discussion on “Resistance, Then & Now”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Scholarship Fundraiser for Neighborhood Youth 5-9
Fundraiser to Help Neighborhood Students Friday, May 9th 8 to 10 pm
47th and Warrington Streets Abbraccio
Cost: $25 includes:
All you can drink draft Yuengling and house red and white wine.
Bruscetta and Nacho Appetizers provided
Live music!!!
Proceeds benefit the Cedar Park Neighbors Scholarship Committee
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact:
Laurie Friedman at laur...@msn.com (215) 747-1910
This scholarship effort was one of Joan Wells' favorites, she served on the committee which administered the fund for 15 years.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Fundraiser Honoring Louise Shoemaker, May 30
Please join the Christian Association in honoring Dr. Louise Proehl Shoemaker, Dean Emerita of the School of Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania. During her years as a social worker, educator, and Dean, Louise demonstrated her passion for service and social justice. Both her heart and vision are apparent in her work in Africa, with African refugees in the United States, and with African-American students and faculty at Penn.
It is this passion for Africa that the Christian Association wants to cultivate. The Open Mind Grant for Africa in Honor of Louise Shoemaker will fund an annual financial grant for one or more Penn undergraduates or Social Policy and Practice graduate students to pursue studies or projects that will further social justice in Africa and help raise consciousness of Africa’s issues at home.
Named a “Pioneer” by the National Association of Social Workers Foundation, Louise has always worked to introduce students to the social justice issues in Africa, such as education, women’s rights, and refugees. From developing Nigeria’s first master’s degree program in social work at the University of Ibadan, to welcoming Sudanese refugees into her home and then educating and raising them, to social activism with the Evangelical Lutheran Church, to attracting more African-American students and faculty to the School of Social Work, Louise has been a significant contributor to the field of social work and an exemplar for all who follow her.
We know you will want to join us in honoring Louise Shoemaker and help promote future social advocates in one or more of the ways listed on the following page.
Join us at the kickoff fundraising event for the
Open Mind Grant for Africa in Honor of Louise Shoemaker
on Friday, May 30, 2008 at the LGBT Center,
3907 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19104.
for more info http://www.upennca.org/index.php?id=285
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Scholarship/Work-study opportunities abroad
Attention young adults ages 18-26, seminarians and students:
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is sponsoring young people to attend the International AIDS Conference (IAC) in Mexico, under the Theme “Universal Action now”. Held every two years, the conference draws more than 20,000 health workers, scientists, government representatives, journalists, activists, corporate leaders, people living with HIV and AIDS, and religious leaders and representatives. The IAC provides extensive opportunities for sharing and networking across all levels of care and response to the epidemic.
In addition to the main conference, the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance is hosting a pre-conference which will bring together 500 people from more than 35 countries to address trends and issues in the faith-based response to HIV and AIDS. Following the conferences, there will be a one-day debriefing for young people who come as part of the ELCA and Lutheran World Federation delegation to discuss learning and next steps.
Globally, young people ages 15-25 make up nearly half of all new HIV infections. At previous IACs, young people have formed their own caucuses, presented working papers, and met with world leaders to advocate for policies that address the needs of youth. Besides being a great learning and advocacy opportunity for young people, the IAC registration fee is significantly reduced for students and young people age 26 and under. Recipients of the scholarship will be expected to participate in a preparatory email listserve, read background materials, and commit to sharing their experience with their community upon returning home.
The scholarship program includes 3 components:
· The Ecumenical Pre Conference: July 31 – August 2
Join over 500 people from more than 35 countries in this three-day conference addressing trends and issues in the faith-based response to HIV and AIDS. More information: http://www.e-alliance.ch
· The International AIDS Conference: August 3- 8
The IAC will draw more than 25,000 health workers, government representatives, journalists, activists, corporate leaders, people living with HIV and AIDS, and religious leaders. For more information go to: http://www.aids2008.org
· LWF youth debriefing: August 9
This meeting will include a discussion about experience and follow-up work among the participants. http://lwfyouth.org
The scholarship includes pre-arranged housing, transportation and a stipend for meals. However, we encourage you to seek additional fundraising from your local congregations, university and community, which will allow us to provide scholarships for more participants.
This scholarship is made possible by the ELCA World Hunger program.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Young Adult Volunteer Opportunity in Europe
Beginning September this year!
Liberty Lutheran Services & Slezska
Diakonie sponsor a year-long program of
Professional Volunteer Exchange in Silesia,
Czech Republic. 19-29 year olds work in
Lutheran human services with other EU youth,
learn Czech, and build partnerships. Housing
and living expenses provided (Sep-Aug). RT
airfare to Prague to be covered by volunteer.
Information: we...@libertylutheran.org
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
More Poetry from Kevin Saunders
Grace and Mercy A poem from Kevin B. Saunders
Grace and mercy can lift a burden.
Grace and mercy can lessen pain.
Grace and mercy can heal hurt emotions.
Grace and mercy can open unseen wisdom.
Grace and mercy can solve spiritual problems.
Grace and mercy can turn anger to joy.
Grace and mercy can change hate to love.
Grace and mercy can tread you through waters that'll grant you a newfound life.
Grace and mercy can make you happy.
Grace and mercy can brighten your grief.
Grace and mercy can give you a choice; a choice to live, to die; to hand, to receive; to decide how you want to live the rest of your life; to decide how you want to see the rest of your existence while you're still here.
Live a little. Love a lot.
Amen.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Linda Warner has been traveling in Israel, and has been sending daily updates of her experience. This is a brief excerpt from last Friday's update:
"Today we met Howie's cousin Voly and Miri for a tour of some of the Christian churches in the Old City. We went to a couple out of the way places. The guide only spoke Hebrew, so Voly and Miri translated for us. We walked from 12:45 until 4:30! It was well worth it. We went to one place that was on a roof. Below us was an Arab Souk. Where we were the Christian, Jewish and Arab sections converged. At one church, another group came in and brought with them an opera singer who sang twice. It was a beautiful experience.
Jerusalem is a very religious city. At dusk on Friday, the city closes down until dusk Saturday. There are very few restaurants open, no shops are open and the buses don't run. This is because it is the Jewish "Sunday" – Shabbatt. During Shabbatt, the Orthodox Jews cannot do anything: drive, cook, open doors, etc. So, for instance, women make food ahead of time and keep it on low for 24 hours. When Shabbatt is over on Saturday evening, the town is jumping! Tel Aviv is more metropolitan and does not close down."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
An update from Harrisburg on SB 1250
Gary and I went to the Rally sponsored by Value All Families at the Capital in Harrisburg on Monday. It was a moving experience, with several hundred people opposing the bill crowding the stairs in the rotunda. People of faith were well represented, but the bill has been voted out of committee, and may be voted on by the full senate in the immediate future. Your help is needed NOW!
This bill is being pushed by people claiming that if it's not passed, churches will be forced to perform religious ceremonies against their wills. They are building on people's fear, in a repeat of what has happened in previous elections where important issues around poverty, health care, and education are overshadowed by the Trojan Horse called "Defense of Marriage" The PA senate has had three hearings on this issue in it's current session, but only one hearing on Health Care.
If passed, this bill would open a path for the right wing to challenge all existing legislation to date which has been passed to define rights of LG (and too often not BT or Q persons) as being the same as all other people. (For example, health care for domestic partners made available by municipalities like Philadelphia, or Educational Institutions like State Universities, where right wing groups have previously objected to such programs)
Please call your state Senator and Representative on Tuesday and ask them to oppose SB 1250. To find out the name of your state legislators and their contact information, visit our Legislator Locater -- just enter your address, then click on the "state" tab above the legislators' pictures.
Please visit Equality Advocates Pennsylvania website for updated information.
There were approximately 400 people who opposed the legislation in the Capitol rotunda. Senators Connie Williams, Jim Ferlo and Vince Fumo spoke against the bill, as well as Representatives Babette Josephs, Dan Frankel and Mike O'Brien. Senator Wayne Fontana and Representatives Steve Nickol, David Steil, Kathy Manderino and Mike Gerber were also in attendence.
Other speakers included members of the Value All Families Coalition: Stacey Sobel of Equality Advocates Pennsylvania; Karen Buck of the SeniorLAW Center; Rev. Paul Fullmer, Chaplain, Lebanon Valley Community College; Diane Topakian, SEIU; and Andy Hoover of the ACLU of Pennsylvania.
Legislators, staffers and citizens heard and saw the rally. In fact, legislators said that they could hear the chants of "STOP THIS BILL" on the House floor.
Thank you to everyone who has called, written and visited your state legislators -- it truly makes a difference!
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Shalom, salaam, peace,
Fred
Fred Wolfe
Interim Coordinator for Campus Ministry
University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation
Chestnut Street at 37th Street Walk
215.387.2885
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