Honoring Colleagues

This Week at UCMHE; blog below

Learning Opportunities

Monday: noon: Misquoting Jesus—chapter 6 led by Dr. Fred Richart, in the circle area, food court, MBSC

Tuesday: Noon: The God within—led by Barbara Catterton; Library coffee

Wednesday: noon: Community of Faith—led by Liz Polivka; MBSC food court.

And we’ll be putting out flyers to get the word out about the trip to New Orleans, leaving December 30. Lori will be designing them, so expect something creative and dynamic.

Now the blog:

Last night I attended a gala event (read fundraiser) honoring five people who have made a difference. I’ve known all five since the early 90s when this historic gathering began. Each of the five has a different story to tell, but the stories always came back to this: our faith is about building relationships with people and listening to the answer of this question: “What are the most important problems in your community?”

The answers to this question was heard, compiled and deciphered with others across Omaha. Research was done to identify core issues and previous responses, what could, might and should be done, and finally plans were laid to do something about three of the main issues. Continuing process included this information was taken back to the people to mentioned the problem in the first place. The session would then go something like this: “This is what heard was the problem, this is how some of us looked at it, and this is what we plan to do about it. Does this make sense to you?”

Speaking truth to power is a Jesus thing. It can be euphoric, but it is most often a process of slogging through the fears and inertia laden pockets of community. Physics is operational in the community: what is at rest remains at rest unless acted upon by an outside force. There are always reasons why things remain the way they are, and it’s usually because it’s easier that way or someone gains or retains power or profit because it is that way.

With further information, Omaha Together One Community (almost forty churches of a variety of types) moved into the community to change it. My honored colleagues took a leadership role in gathering folks into this new way of doing church, building relationships and changing community based on research. It’s a God thing, and the community is better and more about what God is than before.

So to experiment with community, why not just invited someone for coffee, or whatever, and inject into the conversation: How is it in your community where you live? And see what happens and if God gives you a clue. Who knows what you and your friends might do next?

Time is running short to sign up for the “volunteer to make a difference” trip to New Orleans during the Christmas break (December 30-January 8).

Here’s what you get for $250:

• Round trip passage to Gretna

• Food while you’re there

• An opportunity to serve those who have been busted by Hurricane Katrina

• Worship opportunities with a progressive bunch

A week out of Omaha
Here are some tips for raising the money:

• Do some research on the project and the needs in New Orleans: the city and the towns around are still suffering from Hurricane Katrina

• Decide you want to do something tangible,

Then, ask for support and arrange time to make a difference:

• Ask your parents

• Ask some friends

• Write a note to grandma

• Ask your church, synagogue or civic organization

• Talk to your boss at work

Most folks will lend a hand if you tell them what you’re going to do.

Interested folks should give me a call. You can be a member of any faith group.

Here's one spot to go to get you thinking: VIM

--Fred