As one year ends and another begins, many are taking time to consider what was accomplished in the last 12 months and to plan for what lies ahead. Members of Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Decatur, Georgia, have been busy and there are no signs they’re letting up. Amy Crownover of Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services of Atlanta, a …
Through a Humanitarian Lens: An Unusual Year
Chris Herlinger |
As originally published by Huffington Post, 12/27/2013, 4:16 p.m. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-herlinger/through-a-humanitarian-le_b_4508556.html If we look at 2013 through a humanitarian lens, what do we see? An unusual year in some ways — a year in which conflict situations nearly equaled natural disasters outside the United States (think Syria, South Sudan, Central African Republic) and yet, natural disasters still proved potent and powerful …
Refugees Follow Jesus’ Path to Egypt
Paul Jeffrey | December 28, 2013
Following the birth of Jesus, a politically insecure Herod wants to know where the new king has been born. Yet the streetwise Magi take another route home, leaving Herod in the dark. The furious king strikes out blindly, sending his troops to Bethlehem to kill all the boys under two years of age. When Joseph learns of the impending violence, …
In Japan, Many Remain in Limbo as ‘Nuclear Refugees’
Chris Herlinger | December 26, 2013
Disasters occur. They uproot people. The world pays attention for a bit. And then the world largely forgets what happened to those who survived. It’s part of being human, I guess, but it’s still a too-common scenario. And sad, whenever or wherever it happens. Case in point: the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan that crippled the Fukushima nuclear …
During Advent, Waiting for Change
Rev. John L. McCullough | December 24, 2013
As originally published by Huffington Post, 12/23/2013, 2:08 p.m. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-mccullough/during-advent-waiting-for_b_4493895.html As the church has celebrated during this Advent season, we often hear the expression that “Advent is a season of waiting.” But as I hear this refrain repeated, I wonder if maybe these words have lost their meaning in the commercial rush of Christmas and even in the traditional nativity …
Church Answers Call to Welcome; Provides Legal Assistance to Immigrants
December 23, 2013
As many around the world prepare to celebrate Christmas, it’s common to consider what messages the Christmas story holds for us in our daily lives. What does it mean to make room for strangers? For members at Manhattan’s Park Avenue Christian Church the call to extend hospitality is clear, and they have taken action. “We’re living out our theology,” says …
“Like New”
Joya Colon-Berezin |
Christmas can be a profoundly joy-filled holiday. Beyond all of the gift giving, and gift getting, it is a celebration, for Christians, of the birth of Jesus. The meaning of Christmas can be understood as the incarnation of God’s Kingdom on earth; there is something new born into the world that has the power to redeem us. This is an …
Why I Fasted Three Days for Immigration Reform
Rev. Noel Andersen | December 20, 2013
I never thought that I would have had the will power to fast for more than just a day. And maybe I had a good excuse since most of my friends in the Fast for Families tent agreed that I was already too thin and lanky. However, after I got through the first day of fasting from food something happened: …
Bumpy Roads
Rev. Isaac Varner | December 18, 2013
As originally published by Irreverin, December 10, 2013 http://www.patheos.com/blogs/irreverin/2013/12/bumpy-roads/ A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the …
2 Degrees and CWS Partnership
William Wildey | December 14, 2013
As originally published by Two Degree Food, 12/9/2013 http://twodegreesfood.com/2013/12/2-degrees-church-world-service-partnership/ I like snack bars. But, who would have thought the snack bars I eat could be related to my passion for fighting hunger? Working for CWS, where we believe strongly that no one ever go hungry, I am very excited about 2 Degrees and the promise it holds for hungry children. …