tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57094320442459860122024-02-07T18:19:35.216-08:00UCC Justice NorthwestThe site for the Justice and Witness Ministries Committee of the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Church of Christ.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709432044245986012.post-23537758455653346062016-02-15T20:53:00.000-08:002016-02-15T20:53:00.246-08:00Resources for Reducing Our Carbon Footprint by Meighan Pritchard
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Resources for Reducing Our Carbon Footprint<o:p></o:p></div>
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By Meighan Pritchard<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p>On occasion, I preach about climate change and how we as
Christians are called to be good stewards of the planet. After one of these
sermons, a member of my congregation who is in his 80s said, “I appreciate your
words; unfortunately I just can’t see giving up my car. I think my bicycling
days are through.” And I would have to agree. But there is still plenty he
could do.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We all have many ways to be good stewards of God’s creation.
Getting rid of one’s car is one option, but it’s not for everyone. Here are
some other ways to live more lightly on the planet:<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Consider what things you buy and whether they
are made in sustainable says. <o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Reduce driving by arranging to carpool,
combining errand trips, taking the bus, biking, or walking when possible. <o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Reduce consumption, reuse items, and recycle. <o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Eat lower on the food chain, as raising animals
for food takes a huge amount of resources. <o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Eat more food produced within 100 miles of home
(perhaps in your own garden!).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Made sure houses are well sealed and insulated
so as to heat efficiently. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Use energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances.<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Advocate for good climate-friendly legislation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There are many more possibilities.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What you may not know is that the UCC has numerous resources
to help individuals and congregations meet these challenges. Here are some
links to get you started:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Carbon neutral congregations: <a href="http://www.ucc.org/carbon_neutral_web_resources_for_congregations"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://www.ucc.org/carbon_neutral_web_resources_for_congregations</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Green Justice Congregations: <a href="http://www.ucc.org/environmental-ministries_just-green-congregations"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://www.ucc.org/environmental-ministries_just-green-congregations</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Books, periodicals, and films on environmental
themes: <a href="http://www.ucc.org/environmental-ministries_resources"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://www.ucc.org/environmental-ministries_resources</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Environmental Justice Workshops: <a href="http://www.ucc.org/centers-for-environmental-justice"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://www.ucc.org/centers-for-environmental-justice</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Pollinator</i>, a blog and newsletter on environmental justice issues by the
Rev. Dr. Brooks Berndt, UCC minister for environmental justice: <a href="http://www.ucc.org/pollinator"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://www.ucc.org/pollinator</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Worship resources on environmental themes: <a href="http://www.ucc.org/environmental-ministries_worship-renewal"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://www.ucc.org/environmental-ministries_worship-renewal</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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suggestions:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.macucc.org/carbonfast"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://www.macucc.org/carbonfast</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
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Our world leaders have agreed that we need to hold rising
global temperatures to 1.5 degrees Centigrade. It is up to each of us, as
inhabitants and stewards of God’s good creation, to make sure we all reach this
goal.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181967702804059958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709432044245986012.post-52046482979841189842016-01-25T20:29:00.002-08:002016-01-25T21:00:36.623-08:00MAJOR 2016 ECONOMIC JUSTICE INITIATIVE<br />
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Minimum Wage and Leave Initiative </span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">By: Steve Clagett</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Co-Chair JWM</span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">This
blog post will alert you about a tremendous 2016 economic justice opportunity.
The, as yet to be formally named, Minimum Wage and Leave Initiative will
provide plenty of work for UCC members to ensure its success. The
initiative will increase the state minimum wage to $13.50 per hour, higher
where local ordinances require it, and mandate that sick, family, and safe
leave be afforded to employees. The initiative was filed with the
Washington Secretary of State this month and is going through a vetting process
to determine its final title and contents. Initiative petitions should be
coming out in mid-February. To be safe, about 325,000 signatures will be
needed by the end of June. Assuming that succeeds, the campaign will move
entirely into an effort to ensure voter approval at the November Presidential
Election. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Experts
agree that $13.50, not even $15.00, is a livable wage for most families.
Still, this initiative would be a huge step forward for Washington State
families and should benefit from the increased attention national candidates
are giving our growing income equality and diminishing middle class. The
initiative is supported by a coalition of more than thirty organizations,
Working Washington (</span><a href="http://www.workingwa.org/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri";">www.workingwa.org</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";">)
being one of the leaders.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The Justice Witness Ministries Committee will provide full
details on how you can become involved with the campaign when they become
available. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181967702804059958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709432044245986012.post-17703545758480731352015-11-11T15:42:00.000-08:002015-11-11T15:42:14.491-08:00<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blog Post for JWM by Briana Frenchmore<br />
Farmworker and Food Justice<br />
November 8, 2015<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Familias Unidas por la Justicia</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">: The Spiritual Connection of the Strawberry <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDzrIRr3mvS9ScW6_IpZVSeqZE3zCRCFTWI9vBywszWeV9npSmbAtstrj0c2WPBAuw6Br-nsFlBp4oMtSaAUOCUocdQdYwI6ZCLOkWWdXzF0J-_2Ur2FK9y_rxOcM-M53_xh23SzD2q0/s1600/Farmworker+blog+pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We know autumn has arrived when the
ubiquitous pumpkin greets us everywhere we go. It is a sign of the changing of
the seasons, inviting us to get cozy indoors and probably start making a lot of
soup!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the same way, the arrival of
strawberries signals the joys of summer picnics and time spent basking in the
sunshine. How many of us enjoyed some simply sweet strawberries that brought a
smile to our face just a couple of months ago? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today, I’d like to
bring our attention to the intersection between the food we love to eat, farmworkers
and our connection as people of faith. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In 2013, a group of berry pickers at Sakuma Bros. Farms in
Burlington, WA in the Skagit Valley, went on strike demanding better pay and
working conditions. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Familias Unidas por la Justicia</i></b> (FUJ-Families United for
Justice), an independent farm worker union (recognized by the WA State Labor
Council AFL-CIO) was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">formed as a
response to unattainable production standards and unjust pay, wage theft, and
hostile working and living conditions.</b> To-date FUJ has about 400 members,
the majority of whom are from indigenous towns in southern Mexican states such
as Oaxaca. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Since 2014, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Familias Unidas por la Justicia</i> has
called for a boycott of Driscoll’s, one of the largest suppliers of berries,
and Haagen-Dazs strawberry ice cream who are purchasers of Sakuma Bros. Farms’
berries.</b> In 2015, boycott teams from Burlington to Portland engaged Costco
and Whole Foods in efforts to stop selling products from Sakuma Bros. Farms
(these 2 companies were chosen due to their tendency to pay more attention to
issues of worker and environmental justice when sourcing their products). FUJ
continues to ask for community support in the boycott and putting pressure on
Sakuma Bros. to recognize their union. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we look at the issue of standing with Familias Unidas
por la Justicia, we are quickly reminded of our connection to the land and our
dependence on those who labor to produce the food that sustains us. We know
that food not only nourishes us, but is an important part of our culture—who
doesn’t look forward to community gatherings where a meal is shared? And as
Christians, the ritual of remembering Jesus’ last meal with his disciples,
connects us to the land and to each other when we break bread and drink from
the cup of blessing around the communion table. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--[endif]--><o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDzrIRr3mvS9ScW6_IpZVSeqZE3zCRCFTWI9vBywszWeV9npSmbAtstrj0c2WPBAuw6Br-nsFlBp4oMtSaAUOCUocdQdYwI6ZCLOkWWdXzF0J-_2Ur2FK9y_rxOcM-M53_xh23SzD2q0/s1600/Farmworker+blog+pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDzrIRr3mvS9ScW6_IpZVSeqZE3zCRCFTWI9vBywszWeV9npSmbAtstrj0c2WPBAuw6Br-nsFlBp4oMtSaAUOCUocdQdYwI6ZCLOkWWdXzF0J-_2Ur2FK9y_rxOcM-M53_xh23SzD2q0/s320/Farmworker+blog+pic+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></o:p><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For those in the
area, I invite you to join us on </span></b><a href="file:///C:/Users/Linda/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/National%20Farmworker%20Ministry/FUJ%20Teach-In%20Nov%2014%202015-full%20page%20flyer.pdf"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Saturday, November 14<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> from
10am-12pm at Keystone UCC</span></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> in
Seattle for a </span></b><a href="http://boycottsakumaberries.com/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Familias Unidas por la Justicia</span></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> teach-in hosted by </span></b><a href="http://nfwm.org/campaigns/support-familias-unidas-por-la-justicia/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Farmworker Ministry Northwest.</span></b></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>Join us to be a part of the
conversation on how we as people of faith can stand and walk in solidarity with
Familias Unidas por la Justicia and other farmworkers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="ES-MX" style="mso-ansi-language: ES-MX;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">¡Si se puede!<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLA-I-_hmJiUni3OB0KrW_QDDy5XxqzckzI5p6wx7Tte0EJ03Ink-GjrFW4j2V6g-uYkATcOI56gAIAwE-L-qyj50KtxhP-Rd8qbVSHTe8wX9a6_JwOwYJcO7y7-Vycj8HDLMkwu_qVw/s1600/Farmworker+blog+pic+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLA-I-_hmJiUni3OB0KrW_QDDy5XxqzckzI5p6wx7Tte0EJ03Ink-GjrFW4j2V6g-uYkATcOI56gAIAwE-L-qyj50KtxhP-Rd8qbVSHTe8wX9a6_JwOwYJcO7y7-Vycj8HDLMkwu_qVw/s320/Farmworker+blog+pic+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></o:p></u></b></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="ES" style="mso-ansi-language: ES;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Visit
</span></span><a href="http://boycottsakumaberries.com/"><span lang="ES" style="mso-ansi-language: ES;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Familias Unidas por la Justicia’s</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="ES" style="mso-ansi-language: ES;"> website. </span>Watch these short videos:
</span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6dNGCMnzqM#action=share"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Fruits of
Justice</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> and </span><a href="https://vimeo.com/94948238"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Campesino</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Get connected with </span><a href="http://nfwm.org/campaigns/support-familias-unidas-por-la-justicia/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Farmworker
Ministry Northwest</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> to plan an educational forum at your congregation:
contact<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Briana Frenchmore at </span><a href="mailto:b.frenchmore@gmail.com"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">b.frenchmore@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Find resources from </span><a href="http://nfwm.org/campaigns/support-familias-unidas-por-la-justicia/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">National
Farmworker Ministry</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> such as an </span><a href="http://nfwm.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/June2015FUJ-educationdocforwebiste.pdf"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Overview
of FUJ and Driscoll’s Boycott</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.ucc.org/justice_farmworkers"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">UCC
Resources on Farmworker Justice</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Opportunities for action
and advocacy:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Commit to boycott Driscoll berries and Haggen
Daaz ice cream. Find sample letters to send to store managers where you shop, asking
them to honor the boycott. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(</span><a href="http://nfwm.org/campaigns/support-familias-unidas-por-la-justicia/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">sample
letter accessible here</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Join the Farmworker Ministry Northwest
organizing and education team to plan actions to support FUJ in 2016: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>contact<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Briana Frenchmore at </span><a href="mailto:b.frenchmore@gmail.com"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">b.frenchmore@gmail.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Join the </span><a href="http://www.ufw.org/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">United
Farm Workers (UFW)</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> list serve for regional and national advocacy updates. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181967702804059958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709432044245986012.post-30519930563168702442015-10-19T05:28:00.000-07:002015-10-26T08:28:11.052-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After Marriage Equity….What’s next for the LGBTQ Community
‘Yeah we can’t hire you, it wouldn’t work here’. That was the response that a UCC peer who is in the midst of a search and call process within the United Church of Christ received from a church who she had just told she was married to a woman who she parented a child with. That happened this week, within the UCC. <br />
<br />
It is experiences like this that remind me of the work that still exists as we move towards equality and justice for all of God’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender children. In addition to the workplace discrimination that occurs against the LGBT community continues in many states, it’s estimated that 20% of homeless youth are LGBT and those youth commit suicide at dramatically higher rates. Violence against the LGBT community continues with over 2,000 incidents of anti-LGBT violence in the past year with the transgender, gay people of color and gay male communities facing the most severe violence. Gay conversion therapy (despite being opposed by the American Psychological Association) is still allowed in the vast majority of states. LGBT families continue to face discrimination in many states to foster and or adopt children.<br />
<br />
And that is just in this country. If you step outside of the US, our LGTB brothers and sisters in many countries in this world face realities that are particularly grim. In 78 countries around the globe, LGBT people are arrested, imprisoned, or even put to death simply for who they are or whom they love. In Nigeria, for example, federal law classifies same-sex sexual activity as a felony punishable by imprisonment. <br />
<br />
But today in the United States, lesbians and gays can get married. That is something that I, a lesbian woman who has been with my partner for 23 years and share in the parenting of two children, do not take lightly. The day I legally married my spouse in front of our friends and family was a blessing beyond my wildest imaginings and it is out of that foundation of legal privilege that I can now stand and be sustained for the continued struggles for equity and justice. It is out of that state of privilege that I feel a continued call to bring my time, my resources and my passion to the continued work of justice and equality for all of God’s children. <br />
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Being married is wonderful, but walking in a world where all of God’s LGBT children can travel safely, do work that they are called to do, love with dignity and authenticity, be honored for the gifts they bring to this world and raise families that continue the work of justice….that is a dream that is worth continuing to fight for. <br />
<br />
Marci Weis<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3H074v2bCZL3z-4VCJ9lr_D7nXe-yQMNREcWmZoEZDcEYFAbYmZooMJDYQAEX4vBWYREDgVWggedSqydabdf9YTF_uda1y-wOZhyphenhyphenTPLwki5lXw9QIARmFBHIQ0qAFEn-vKrXz1nsbDA/s1600/JWM+Blog+Marriage+equality+photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3H074v2bCZL3z-4VCJ9lr_D7nXe-yQMNREcWmZoEZDcEYFAbYmZooMJDYQAEX4vBWYREDgVWggedSqydabdf9YTF_uda1y-wOZhyphenhyphenTPLwki5lXw9QIARmFBHIQ0qAFEn-vKrXz1nsbDA/s320/JWM+Blog+Marriage+equality+photo+2.JPG" width="320" /></a>Member in Discernment
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<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span><a href="http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/lgbtq.html"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/lgbtq.html</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><a href="http://old.ilga.org/Statehomophobia/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2013.pdf">http://old.ilga.org/Statehomophobia/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2013.pdf</a>. </span></span></span></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181967702804059958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709432044245986012.post-7354901426249760762015-04-23T23:29:00.000-07:002015-04-23T23:29:04.506-07:00Seattle Pride Parade, June 28th, 2015Join me and other members of the United Church of Christ in marching in the Seattle Pride Parade on June 28 in downtown Seattle meeting on 4th Ave around 10 AM. <br /><br />We are planning Communion before stepping out with each other in support of our GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender), friends and families.<br />
We, in Washington, think the work for GLBT equality is almost over. Fortunately in this state we have marriage equality and laws in place to protect GLBT people in housing and the workplace.<br />
Recently there have been gay bashings in our neighborhoods. More education is needed about transgender people and the not so subtle discriminations they face. Roughly 30% of the homeless youth on our streets are identifying as gay. Safe shelter is imperative for these youth. So we still have work to do. <br />
Why am I so interested in this justice issue? I have a gay son, Troy. In 1996 UCC minister, Rev. Bob Fitzgerald, told my husband Bob and me, as we prepared to march in our first Seattle Pride Parade, we would be forever changed by the experience. We were moved to tears by the people who had been abandoned by their families and churches. As we heard these heartbreaking stories we knew we had to do something to change society. We were transformed. <br />
Bob, my partner on this journey remains with me in spirit. He passed 9 years ago. I see him in the sea of rainbows that flood 4th Ave and the Seattle Center. I see prospects for a safer life for my gay son.<br />
I also see others fear this change. Fear is nothing to dismiss. As some states draw up laws to allow discrimination in our stores etc. based on religion we need to tell our faith stories of our gay children and friends. Yes, you can be Christian and gay. Christians can support and love gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.<br />
Join us for communion. Join us to show that some UCC families and friends are not afraid to step out and support those who may be different. We are living into our motto "God Is Still Speaking". We are required to do love and justice. So I promise you a colorful, rainbow experience and maybe even a transformation or two.<br />
Thank you,<br />Jeaneane Hill<br />University Congregational UCCAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10181967702804059958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709432044245986012.post-36279790998073006212015-01-16T19:46:00.000-08:002015-01-16T19:46:00.123-08:00State Legislative Season<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2015 <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Washington</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place>
Legislature<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The 2015
Washington State Legislative session starts January 12th and continues for 105
days. It is a biennial (2 year) Budget session for 2015-2017. Information on
the Legislature is available at this link: </span><a href="http://leg.wa.gov/Pages/default.aspx"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">WA Legislature Info</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> This link includes rosters of legislators, information on
the legislative process, and also is your access to all advocacy days (listed
under events).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As those
concerned with the Common Good, we have various versions of Legislative advocacy
available to us. </span><a href="http://fanwa.org/"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Faith Action Network</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> has an advocacy agenda that includes thess issues:
Reducing Wealth Inequality, Forging a Sustainable Budget, Dismantling the
Culture of Violence, Protect Housing and Prevent Homelessness, and Sustaining
Washington’s Environment. More information may be secured on their webpage
(click </span><a href="http://fanwa.org/"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">FAN</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
). Interfaith Advocacy Day is Thursday February 19. You may register at their
webpage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">More
specific to policies for safe, healthy, affordable homes, raising wages for
jobs that can afford a home, and other efforts to raise revenue, the </span><a href="http://www.wliha.org/"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Washington
Low Income Housing Alliance</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> also has a Legislative agenda that may be found on its webpage (click
their name). Additionally, on Tuesday February 17 the Housing Homelessness
Advocacy Day is held. Last year more than 600 persons came to the Capitol and
advocated on these issues.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Your local
area more than likely has specific advocacy agendas that direct attention to
issues that are more local but require State attention. Be in touch with your
local Continuum of Care (for homelessness, usually your local County staff),
with nonprofits who work with: children, domestic violence victims, seniors,
veterans, those battling mental health, those struggling with substance abuse,
and so on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Your voice
is necessary and important as we seek to be just with regard to the least, the
lost, the lonely, the left behind, and the lowest on the economic ladder. If you have questions, you may contact me: The
Rev. Bill Kirlin-Hackett, Director, Interfaith Task Force on Homelessness,
University Congregational UCC Seattle<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a> member, </span><a href="mailto:itfh@comcast.net"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">itfh@comcast.net</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, 425-442-5418.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709432044245986012.post-19311442037887545982015-01-09T19:03:00.000-08:002015-01-09T19:03:02.485-08:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The Justice and Witness Ministry (JWM) Committee of the
Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Church of Christ (PNC) is dedicated
to assisting individuals and congregations of the PNC to get involved in the
work of justice and peace. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">We believe that such work is the work of the whole faith
community. If you and/or your congregation would like to work on an issue of
peace or justice, or if you would like to acquire particular skills (such as legislative advocacy) to carry out that work, please feel free to contact us for
assistance. </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0