Reconciliation Outreach News

Feed Hungry Neighbors in North Carolina

2007-08-12T21:05:00.000-04:00

Worship Jesus by feeding your hungry neighbor with Society of St. Andrew. You, your family, or church, with members aged 3 to 93, can get involved with a great hands-on ministry opportunity accomplished in a field in NC. The Society of St. Andrew can make this mission a reality and help feed our neighbors who are the most vulnerable. Please contact Society of St. Andrew at: sosanc@endhunger.org or call (866) 453-2662. See: Endhunger . Please give to NC Advance, (#S-00081) and see the Rainbow Covenant for more information: Humanitarian Relief/Medical .

Simple Action to Prevent Malaria

2007-08-12T21:02:00.000-04:00

Nothing But Nets

Malaria kills. Every 30 seconds a child dies from malaria, more than a million children a year. Yet, we can act to change this nightmare. For only $10, you can engage in one of the most effective preventive measures for malaria, you can purchase a mosquito net. Nothing But Nets is our UM outreach effort to change this reality. Donations can be made by placing a gift in local church offering plates and noting on the check: Nothing But Nets – Advance #982015. 100% of your donation will go toward this gift of nets. Donations can be made on-line and more information is available, including downloadable resources at: Nothing But Nets

Outreach Meeting - 3/16/07

2007-03-17T20:50:00.000-04:00

Upcoming Projects

Habitat for Humanity – Will be joining with other churches in doing a Habitat Practice. We have set a goal of contributing $2,000 towards this project. Will be announcing and asking for donations on April 1. Next meeting is 4/26/07. Derek Brown has agreed to be Coordinator for RUMC.

Bread for the World – Rev. Sara Phillips and Kathy Murray attended BFW meeting on 3/13/07. A benefactor has offered to provide the financial commitment to make Reconciliation a Covenant Church. This would involve conducting a periodic “Offering of Letter” to Congress on issues of hunger. This year’s project involves the renewal of the Farm Bill.

United National Association Conference – April 14. Reconciliation will have a display table. Volunteers to be at the table would be helpful.

Crop Walk is coming up on 4/1/07 – Walkers and sponsors of walkers are needed.

IHN Hosting – 4/15/07 – Marianne Daye is trying to arrange a small cook-out, if we can think of a public park or some place like that.

Advent Contemplative Prayer Group

2006-11-27T22:25:00.000-05:00

Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas. Take a break from the holiday rush, clear out obstacles to experiencing Christ's light in our heart, and refocus our spiritual vision for the coming year. Will use meditation, spiritual reading, personal sharing and practicing the "prayer of the heart". Contact Kathy 688-3079, ext. 262 - daytime 419-7059 - home

This group will meet on Tuesdays, November 28, December 5, 12 and 19. All are welcome.

Important Presentation Thursday, 10/26/06

2006-10-22T21:10:00.000-04:00

Talking to Terrorists
How the Church Makes Peace in a Violent World

A presentation by David W Porter, Duke Divinity School
As Director of the Centre for Contemporary Christianity in Ireland, David has been in dialogue with both Irish Republican and British Loyalist paramilitary groups for over two decades. He is currently a Visiting Practitioner Fellow as the Center for Reconciliation at Duke Divinity School.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26th
7:30 pm to 9 pm
BLACKNALL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1902 Perry Street Durham, NC 27705
Contact: Kate Goodall (919) 660-3578 or reconciliation@div.duke.edu

Important Voting Information

2006-10-07T12:44:00.000-04:00

The schedule for the Board of Elections is printed below. This Friday is the last day to register. Also, there will be a period of pre-election day "no excuse" voting. See http://www.durhamcountync.gov/departments/elec/2006_Election/2006_One_Stop_No_Exc.html

Absentee Ballots available for Election
Monday, 09/18/06
NCGS 163-227.3(a)

Registration books close for Election
Friday, 10/13/06 by 5:00PM
NCGS 163-82.6 (c 1,2 & 3)

One Stop voting begins at BOE
Thursday, 10/19/06 at 9AM

Absentee Applications by mail must be received at BOE
Tuesday, 10/31/06 by 5:00PM

One Stop voting ends
Saturday, 11/04/06 at 1:00PM

Absentee ballots must be received at BOE
Monday, 11/06/06 by 5:00PM

Date of Election
Tuesday, 11/07/06 6:30 AM until 7:30PM

Durham CAN Delegates Assembly - Oct 22, 2006

2006-10-07T12:36:00.000-04:00

Durham Congregations, Associations and Neighborhoods (CAN)

Over 250 leaders that represent 24 different organizations have pledged to attend the Durham CAN Delegates Assembly. The Assembly is the public space where the organizations implement their public business. The Assembly will take place on October 22, at 4:00 PM at Judea Reform Congregation http://www.judeareform.org/

Can has been active in working toward living wage, insuring the uninsured, working to improve housing in Durham and a variety of other projects. Visit their website at http://durhamcan.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1&Itemid=41

This assembly will be a good chance to get acquainted with this grassroots political activism organization and get involved in issues you are about.

Take Action to Stop Torture - Call Senators Today

2006-09-27T01:03:00.000-04:00

Ariel Dorfman is the Walter Hines Page Research Professor of Literature and Professor of Latin American Studies at Duke University. He has written an editorial in the Washington Post on torture, which struck me very deeply. In it he says that torture not only contaminates the victim, the perpetrator and any intelligence that might be gathered, but it also contaminates anyone who stands by and lets it happen. To see it, go to the following link:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/blog/2006/09/25/BL2006092500493.html

I know that tomorrow I am calling my Senators and asking them to vote against any legislation that compromises our adherence to the Geneva Conventions and letting them know that I believe that torture is a moral issue, contrary to the true values of our country and our religion. Also, most experts agree that it doesn't work - other methods of interrogation are more effective. http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Amnesty International is having a campaign aimed at influencing the current discussion in the Senate seeking a "compromise" on allowing torture to occur in our detention facilities. You can find more information on their website - http://www.amnestyusa.org/index2.html

See Pastor Kevin's blog http://christianconversations.blogspot.com/ for a more in-depth analysis of this subject and, if you feel led to, call your Senators.

Report on Outreach Meeting – 9/17/06

2006-09-20T21:33:00.000-04:00

Discussed joining Bread for the World as a covenant church and having a membership drive. Novelty idea would be baking loaves of bread as an incentive for individual memberships. We will have a letter-writing campaign in the Spring. Could possibly join up with Immaculate Conception on this. Sarah Phillips will discuss this idea with Kevin.

IHN
Discussed IHN fundraiser on November 11 – dinner and silent auction. Reconciliation will be putting together a basket with an athletic theme. Next IHN hosting is November 12. Volunteers are needed for food, transportation and overnight.

The Montegnards have some family members joining them who will need some services. Kent Gill expressed an interest in connecting with them.

Discussed having another movie and discussion group in conjunction with other churches with the theme of poverty. Melissa Rasberry is investigating obtaining a copy of the Morgan Spurlock episode on 30 days, in which he lives on a minimum wage job for 30 days. She will also facilitate a discussion after the showing.

Hispanic Outreach
Discussed having Latino dance class before the RUMC picnic date. Sarah will explore this idea further and her garage may be a potential site.

Outreach Team lunch.

2006-09-15T11:41:00.001-04:00

Outreach Team lunch meeting to be held after worship on Sunday, September 17, at Baba Ghannouj in Erwin Square. We will talk about our projects for the coming year. Check out the June archives for the report on our past meeting and proposed projects.

On September 11, Join the Call for Freedom from Fear

2006-09-04T23:50:00.001-04:00

It is a well-known psychological fact that fear, anxiety and stress actually closes down the rational part of the brain. Blood actually rushes from the neo-cortex to the older, more primitive reptilian brain (yes we all have one). The only responses available in that state are Fight or Flight. Needless to say, since September 11, 2001, there's been a lot of fighting and violence going on in the world with no end in sight. In addition, I fear we have been fleeing from many of our most precious values and rights in the name of security.

It's time for our country to step out of it's collective reptilian brain (remember the Garden of Eden), and start finding creative, loving and more Godly solutions to the problem of terrorism and war. Therefore, I wish to inform you of the following endeavor.

The Friends Committee on National Legislation (the oldest registered religious lobby in Washington, DC., run by the Quakers) is joining with the Center for Justice & Peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University, Faithful America, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, National Council of Churches of Christ, NETWORK, Peace Action, United Church of Christ Justice and Witness Ministries, Unitarian Universalist Association, United for Peace and Justice (UFPJ), Women's Action for New Directions (WAND) in calling for Freedom from Fear.

In response to 9/11, the U.S. invested in war--and got what it paid for. Five years after 9/11 it's time to invest in peace.

Reflect and pray on September 10 and act for change on September 11 by joining the Nationwide 9/11 Call for Freedom From Fear. For more details on how to participate, go to http://www.fcnl.org/index.htm

Pray for the People of Darfur—Act on Their Behalf

2006-09-04T23:37:00.000-04:00

Pray for the People of Darfur—Act on Their Behalf

Government-sponsored militias are carrying out ethnic cleansing, rape, murder, starvation,
and displacement in the Darfur region of western Sudan, Africa

¨ 400,000 people brutally slaughtered
¨ 2.5 million people displaced
¨ 200,000 refugees in neighboring Chad
¨ More than 10,000 people dying each month
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Candlelight Vigil
Thursday, September 7 at 8:00 pm
Fuquay-Varina UMC – Courtyard

A Service of Prayer and a Call to Justice
Sunday, September 17 at 3:45 pm
Fuquay-Varina UMC – Centrum

These events are planned in conjunction with the Global Day for Darfur on September 17. The Save Darfur Coalition is calling on communities across America to organize 10 Days of Action in anticipation of this event. These are not fundraisers; no monies will be collected. They are opportunities for Christians from across this land of privilege to gather in Jesus’ name for the sake of those whom he loves: the poor and dispossessed, the abused and mistreated, the forgotten and those who mourn.

For more information contact Debra Dean Murphy at Fuquay-Varina UMC at 552-4331
For a schedule of national events check out www.savedarfur.org

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.
Proverbs 3:27

IHN - Dinner Hosting for FULL HOUSE on August 27th

2006-08-23T17:12:00.000-04:00

The Durham IHN has reached it's maximum capacity of twelve guests consisting of four adults and eight children ages 2 - 10. Thanks to all who have already signed up to bring food. We still need people to help out with meat, starch, and a healthy desert. The food can be brought to worship service Sunday morning, or delivered directly to the IHN house on S. Roxboro Street that afternoon. We also need drivers to help transport ten people to Trinity at 7:00 PM, and back to the IHN house early the next morning; it's a five-minute drive. And finally, we need one more overnight host. For more information, or to participate, please contact Marianne at 308-9594, or mdaye@nc.rr.com. Thank you for supporting IHN in their effort to get homeless families back on their feet.

"Hope for Middle East Peace"Interfaith Prayer Service (Aug. 13)

2006-08-02T10:47:00.000-04:00

The escalating military confrontations and violence in the Middle East are dominating the news and sadden our sensibilities. During the past few days there has become a very broad based effort to organize a Prayer Service for our hope for peace in the Middle East.

This Triangle-wide interfaith service will be held 3 p.m., Sunday, August 13, 2006, in Meymandi Hall, Progress Energy Center For The Performing Arts, 1 East South Street in Raleigh. This service will be attended by people of many faith traditions.

PRESIDING OFFICERS
Mr. Orage Quarles III, President & Publisher, The News & Observer
The Reverend Dr. Alfred Gwinn, Bishop (invited), N.C. Conference United Methodist Church

WELCOME
The Honorable Charles C. Meeker, Mayor, City Of Raleigh

PRAYER FOR OUR HOPE FOR PEACE
Rabbi Lucy Dinner, Temple Beth Or Synagogue

REDEMPTION WE SEEK
The Honorable Oliver Muhammad, Imam, As Salaam Islamic Center Of Raleigh

A PRAYER FOR ALL PEOPLES
The Reverend Diane B. Corlett, Pastor, Episcopal Church Of The NativityRaleigh

MUSICAL SELECTION
Triangle Interfaith Alliance Youth Choir Jubilee, Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill

LIFTING HEARTS IN PRAYER
Dr. Daisaku Lkeda, Teacher, Soka Gakkai Buddhist Temple, Raleigh

A PRAYER FOR UNIVERSAL PEACE
Mohammed Baianomie, Iman (invited), Islamic Center Of Raleigh

WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS TO BE SELF EVIDENT
The Monsignor John F. O'Connor, Pastor,Saint Michael The Archangel Catholic Church Cary

JOYOUS CHORUS FOR PEACE
The Incomparable Wray Sisters, Raleigh

OUR QUEST FOR PEACE PRAYER
Dr. Judath Segal, Executive Director, Raleigh-Cary Jewish Federation

OUR QUEST FOR SOLIDARITY PRAYER
Dr. Akram Khater, Director, Middle East Studies, North Carolina State University
Triangle Lebanese Association

TOGETHER WE STAND PRAYER
The Reverend Dr. Dumas A. Harshaw Jr., Pastor, First Baptist Church, Raleigh

CLOSING PRAYER
The Reverend Jack McKinney, Pastor. Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, Raleigh

POST PROGRAMING NOTE
All dais participants and attendees are cordially invited to remain after the service for a one hour meet and greet fellowship reception in the grand lobby. We encourage you to stay a while to introduce yourself to those around you.

A Statement of the National Council of Churches USA on the Current Violence in the Middle East

2006-07-28T00:10:00.000-04:00

“As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, ‘If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace!’” (Luke 19: 41-42a, NRSV)

Jesus’ lament echoes over the landscape of the Middle East, and in the hearts of men and women everywhere, as we witness the senseless violence engulfing the region. Is there ever to be an end to violence in the land we call holy?

What has violence solved these last 60 years? What has violence solved these past weeks?

Any hope for peace, itself a miracle in the midst of occupation, was stifled with Israel’s missile strike on Gaza and the death of innocent Palestinians.

Any chance of reconciliation was hindered by the retributive attacks and kidnapping of an Israeli soldier by Hamas.

Any call for restraint was ignored with disproportionate retaliations by Israel.

Any plea for reason was cast aside with the capture of two more Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah.

Any prayer for an end to this escalation of hostilities was silenced with the Israeli incursions into Lebanon, the subsequent shelling of Haifa and Beirut, and the death of more and more civilians.

We hear Jesus’ lament in the cries of the Israelis, Palestinians, and Lebanese, the Christians, Jews, Muslims, and others whose lives are threatened by this unending violence. Where can this cycle of vengeance, retribution and violence lead?

When will all Israeli leaders see that aggression only breeds more aggression, and that security cannot be achieved through the oppression and humiliation of others? When will all Palestinian leaders understand that calls for justice demand the doing of justice, and that suffering injustice does not confer moral license to respond with violence?

When will the United States see that being an honest, effective broker for peace requires fairness in our dealings with both the Israelis and the Palestinians, and now the Lebanese, and that doing nothing to end the violence costs us dearly in spirit, blood, treasure, and moral integrity?

The National Council of Churches USA and Church World Service:

§ Calls upon our own government and all governments, recognizing the success of former peace initiatives, to encourage aggrieved parties to engage in earnest negotiation, and through the United Nations to work with all concerned parties to address immediate humanitarian needs and to resolve the long-term issues underlying the continued violence;

§ Calls upon all parties in the Middle East to end the current hostilities, to develop non-violent strategies for engagement, and to work toward a just and sustainable settlement of the issues that plague the region;

§ Calls upon the religious communities of the region to pray, teach and lead their people in the ways of peace, and upon religious communities throughout the world to walk with them in solidarity until peace is achieved; and,

§ Calls upon its member communions to pray for all those who have suffered and died as a result of this violence, and their families and communities, and to engage in humanitarian and advocacy actions for peace.

We issue this statement remembering the words of Jesus Christ: “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52, NRSV).
For more information

Submit a prayer for peace in the FaithfulAmerica prayer room.Take action by sending a letter to your members of Congress urging them to pressure the White House to take the lead in restoring peace.

Youth Group in Biloxi - Slide Show - 8/13

2006-07-26T23:43:00.000-04:00

With the help of all of your prayers and contributions, the youth mission trip to Biloxi was truly a moving and eventful experience that we would love to share with you. Did you know that we also went to New Orleans?

Join us as we break bread and present our slide show at Asbury UMC on August 13th at 5:00 PM. Youth from participating churches will relate their experiences and observations. RSVP is appreciated for meal planning purposes, but not required. Please contact Marianne Daye.

Kairos 25 Prison Ministry

2006-07-26T23:38:00.000-04:00

Kairos 25 will occur at North Carolina Central Correctional Institution for Women in Raleigh on October 12, 13, 14 and 15. Please pray for the team who will start their training on Saturday, July 29th and for those who will be participants from inside.

For Kairos 25, Reconciliation will have 4 members on team, Lisa Wells, Barbara Hale, Sara Webb Philips and Patti Owen. Kairos (Greek for the right or opportune moment) is an international prison ministry in which volunteers bring Christ's love and forgiveness to incarcerated individuals and their families, fulfilling the Christian call to care for those in prison.

Our team will need to bring 400 DOZEN cookies to the prison! What happens with the cookies? Good question. Each inmate and staff member receive a dozen homemade cookies during the weekend. It is sort of the trademark of Kairos and whenever there is a walk scheduled at the prison, the ladies know that the cookies are on the way. The cookies are a symbol of love, showing the prisoners that they have not been forgotten, that God still loves them, and that there are people who are praying for them and willing to reach out to them. Lisa Wells is looking for some folks who are interested in great fellowship and baking. As we mix and scoop and bake and cool and bag the cookies, there is ample time for prayer and fellowship (and just plain fun!)

CRASH Movie Viewing and Workshop

2006-06-21T15:48:00.000-04:00

Crash — A Snapshot of Challenges & Opportunities in a Multiethnic Society
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Trinity United Methodist Church
From 9-12 PM

Viewing Friday, July 21, 2006 7PM at home of Sarah Phillips.

The Oscar winning movie Crash depicts the intersection of the lives of ethnic groups in many American cities today. Examining the challenges the characters face albeit painful, complex and disturbing, present an opportunity for all of us to embark on a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation.

In this workshop, participants will discuss clips from the movies to:

· Explore the impact of culture and stereotypes on human behaviors and relationships.
· Discuss ways to reduce or eliminate barriers to building trust and respect in a multiethnic society.

Put this on your calendar. More details to follow. Contact: outreach@rumc.org

Special Movie Showing - Register Soon, Space Limited

2006-06-06T17:11:00.000-04:00

UPDATE:
For those who are not interested in the discussion, the movie will be shown on an ongoing basis starting 6/16 at both the Carolina Theater in Durham and the Varsity Theater in Chapel Hill.

The University of North Carolina School of Public Health invites you to a special showing of "An Inconvenient Truth A Global Warning" followed by a discussion about the film’s message and Earth’s future.

SATURDAY, JUNE 17, NOON
Varsity Theatre
Franklin Street, Chapel Hill

TheFilm: The documentary follows former U.S. Vice President Al Gore’s “fervent crusade to halt global warming's deadly progress in its tracks by exposing the myths and misconceptions that surround it.”

Discussion: Douglas Crawford-Brown, PhD, director of the Carolina Environmental Program, professor of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, and director of the U.S. branch of the Community Carbon Reduction (CRed) Project, will lead a discussion following the film.

Crawford-Brown and other scientists predict that if nothing is done to curb carbon dioxide emissions from automobiles, homes and industry, climate change will quickly become THE public health threat of the 21st century. The discussion will focus not only on why society must act, but on how we all can contribute to the solution in North Carolina.

To register, go to www.sph.unc.edu.

The School of Public Health thanks Varsity Theater owner Bruce Stone
for allowing the School to host this special showing.
Admission is free, but donations will be accepted to defray costs.
For more details about the film and global warming, visit www.climatecrisis.net.
For more information about Dr. Crawford-Brown and the Carolina Environmental Program, visit www.cep.unc.edu.

Report On Outreach Team Meeting - 6/4/06

2006-06-05T21:02:00.000-04:00

Outreach Meeting – 6/4/06

Thank you to the Outreach Team for attending our first team meeting on Sunday. I look forward to working with you all in the coming year in creating community and providing services to the larger community. Here’s a recap of some of the projects discussed.

The Interfaith Hospitality Network - will be hosting homeless families on Father’s Day weekend at Trinity United Methodist Church. Food donations, transportation and hosting will be needed. Contact: Marianne Daye

Crop Walk: There was good participation in the Crop Walk on March 19, 2006. The idea came up to have an educational video-clip during worship when the final report comes in. Discussed improvements for next year, including:

- More participation in meeting and education.
- Better recruiting for Crop Walk – need help making phone calls.
- Involve youth more in Crop Walk
- Be intentional around gathering together at March - having a meeting place.
- Provide a bag lunch for marchers.
- More orderly payment arrangement.
Contact: Barbara Lesane

Disaster Relief – Several of our youth are going to Biloxi in July. Sue and Kent Gill participated in a joint mission trip to New Orleans earlier this year and were appalled at the damage and the lack of rebuilding that has taken place. Trinity UMC has an ongoing Disaster Relief Group going on throughout the year. They are amassing and storing supplies for relief trips and fundraising. There are work groups which can be hired to provide home repair and other services locally. Proceeds to go to Disaster Relief effort. Contact: Susan Gill

CRASH Workshop - Workshop on the movie CRASH is scheduled for Saturday, July 22, from 9-12. This will take place at Trinity United Methodist Church an they will be partnering in the event. Ask for $5 contribution. Kathy Murray will do Registration.
Sarah Phillips will a host movie showing in advance for those who wish to watch it as a group. Contact: Kathy Murray

Reconciling Prayer Group – The group had its first meeting on Wednesday, 5/30. It was an uplifting and educational experience for both church members and shelter residents. The group will continue to meet at 5:30 at Urban Ministries of Durham. The address for Urban Ministries is 410 Liberty St., Durham NC 27701. See the website at: http://www.umdurham.org/. It is adjacent to the Durham Public Library. Come as often as you like, whenever you can. It is an open group focusing on prayer.

Children’s March
The NC United Methodist Children’s March will be Tuesday, June 20 beginning at 1pm at Edenton St UMC Youth Center. Curriculum resources for adults and children are now available at the website: www.umchildrenmarch.org. To receive a paper copy of the curriculum or registration form – contact the Office of Children’s Ministries at the Methodist Building.

Proposed Project - Natalie Gidney-Cole would like to start up an Outreach Project for younger children.

The following people expressed an interest in various projects. Let me know if their are any corrections to this list, or you would like to be added: Contact Kathy Murray, Outreach Chair, outreach@rumc.org. Phone is 919-419-7059 (Home), 688-3079 (Office).

INTERESTS

IHN
Marianne Daye
Barbara Lesane
Maggie Pierce

Crop Walk
Barbara Lesane
Marianne Daye
Melissa Rasberry
Natalie Gidney-Cole

Disaster Relief
Susan Gill
Marianne Daye

Reconciling Prayer Group
Bill Murray
Natalie Gidney-Cole
Melissa Rasberry
Barbara Lesane

Race and Reconciliation Dialogue Groups
Bill Murray
Danielle Reid
Melissa Rasberry
Natalie Gidney-Cole

Crash Workshop Planning
Bill Murray
Sarah Phillips
Barbara Lesane
Melissa Rasberry

Bread for the World
Sarah Phillips

Movie Nights Planning
Melissa Rasberry

Children's March
Kathy Murray
Natalie Gidney-Cole
Bernice Johnson is very heavily involved in this project
Youth are invited to attend.

Latino Outreach
Sarah Phillips
Barbara Lesane
Melissa Rasberry

An Invitation to Join the RUMC Outreach Team

2006-05-27T10:55:00.000-04:00

An Allegory About Compassion and Justice

A man was walking along a riverbank and happened to see someone in the water calling for help. He pulled the man to shore only to see another person floating down the river. The man also pulled out the second person and soon needed to pull out a third. As the fourth person floated into view, the man began to walk away. Bystanders yelled at him "Where are you going? Someone else needs help." The man replied, "I am going to walk upstream and find out who is throwing all these people in."

Pulling the person out of the water is an act of compassion and is certainly important to that person who was pulled out. At Reconciliation we do acts of compassion regularly – hosting IHN, addressing hunger during the Cropwalk, prayer groups at Urban Ministries, plus all the care we take of people through the Good Samaritan Fund. Unlike the man above, we will not walk away from these ministries, as they are essential and important. Pulling people out of poverty and disenfranchisement, and helping them to help themselves is essential to Christian Ministry.

Fortunately, we are more than one person. Some of us can go upstream to address the issues of poverty, hunger, disenfranchisement, marginalization of the poor, etc. These are the systemic issues that keep people impoverished - keep them falling into the river. Issues such as minimum wage, inadequate health care, unemployment, racism, sexism, our criminal justice system, all contribute to the conditions that set people adrift in our society and must be addressed under our mission of “Justice” - making sure all people get enough of the earth’s resources to live a healthy and holy life.

The mission of the RUMC Outreach Team is both to offer compassion to those in need, while doing all we can to seek justice in the world. Participating in the committee will enable us to be informed and look more deeply into the issues affecting our lives today, and empower us to join with others to take action to make positive changes in the world.

On this Blog, we hope to create a forum to share ideas, resources, events and projects. Reports and photos of projects completed would also be a welcome addition. Most importantly, we can inform each other of opportunities to take positive action. One person and one church can make a big difference.

We invite you all to take part, in some way, in our Outreach Ministries. Joining together, becoming informed and learning the tools of advocacy and action are an antidote to the feelings of helplessness and powerlessness that many of us experience in the face of the world’s problems. If you have a pet project, a pet societal peeve, or a dream of something you would like to see happen in our world, please let us know and join with the Outreach Team at whatever level your time, interest and energy will permit. Contact Kathy Murray, Outreach Chair, outreach@rumc.org. Phone is 919-419-7059 (Home), 688-3079 (Office).

Outreach Team Meeting, June 4

2006-05-27T09:03:00.000-04:00

Outreach Team Meeting Sunday, June 4 after service. We will convene Babaghannouj Bistro, 2200 West Main Street, Durham, NC. It is underneath the Wachovia Building in Erwin Square.

Plans for this year include:

Reconciling Prayer Group at Urban Ministries (homeless shelter)
Viewing and discussion group of the movie "Crash", which raises interesting issues around racism and prejudice.
Participation in Bread for the World Program
Continuation of Cross-Racial dialogue group
More Tamale Parties and outreach to Hispanic communities
Continue support of IHN and Cropwalk

Contact Kathy Murray at outreach@rumcdurham.org if you will be able to attend.

Reconciling Prayer Group

2006-05-25T14:12:00.000-04:00

We are launching a new group for the Durham community called the Reconciling Prayer Group. It offers an opportunity to pray alongside the residents of Urban Ministries of Durham (UMD) who are currently homeless. Pursuing friendship with the poor is a sacred opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and the prophets. Various forms of prayer will be suggested by the leaders and participants. This group is open and welcoming to all.

Time: Wednesdays 5:30 to 6:45 with optional meal afterwards. Starting Wednesday, May 31, 2006. Contact Bill Murray for more information: 419.7059.

The address for Urban Ministries is 410 Liberty St., Durham NC 27701, (919) 682-0538 x27. See the website at: www.umdurham.org/