Sunday Devotion - Observing International Day of Non-Violence

The United Nations designated Saturday, October 2nd, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence, as the International Day of Non-Violence.  Community of Christ offered a Taizé Worship Service in observance of non-violence. In Taizé worship there are songs, chanted prayers, meditation and periods of silence. In recognition and observance of our mutual desire for a world of non-violence, today we offer elements of a Taizé worship. May the peace offered in this devotion’s time and space speak to you, inspire you and fill you with the desire for peace for all the earth and for all people.

Experience the worshipful words of asking God to hear our prayers.  The music is simple, repetitive and beseeching,
​“O Lord, Hear our prayer”.  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-2WZFf_uAc&list=PLLYXW8JdtsuifD8DIv78__nfKCBjhTZD5&index=4

​Prayer of Peace: Dear God of All People and All Creation. We come meek and humble, acknowledging the pain and suffering of your world and your children. Our hands do not always reach out in peace. Forgive us. Our hearts are not always filled with compassion. Forgive us. Help us to transform our energy, thoughts and actions to reflect your love and the peace of your son, Jesus. May all people feel their worth because we treat all people as worthy. Help us to heal the scars on this earth by recognizing the damage we inflict and taking steps to renew, regrow and revive its beauty and richness. May we embrace the vision You have for us and this world. Amen
The Kingdom of God is justice and peace and joy in the Holy Spirt.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMaCK9JFAZc  What is the Kingdom of God to you?
 
In the words of Ravi Sathavivam, seek the peace of the world.
When you look for peace
then the peace lies within you
When you search for peace
then it is not hard to find
When you want to keep peace alive
then you allow white doves to fly over you
When you make peace with others
then the whole world lives in your heart
When you let peace be in the world
then you live in wonderful world
 
Dear God, Look upon us and bless us. May we be all that you have to offer us.  Amen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYLKrFOLS-E&list=RDj4YgfHcyLlE&index=2

Author

Bonnie Barber is the Pastor for the Washington, DC, Community of Christ and the Team Leader for the Chesapeake Bay Mission Center Mission/Social Justice Team. 

Sunday Devotion - Social Justice
September 26, 2021

September 26, 2021. Welcome to the Sunday Devotion. As I prepared for classes and worship using this week’s scripture, I learned a biblical act of righting a social injustice. Queen Esther was a Jew, and when she was chosen to be the wife of King Ahasuerus, she hid the fact that she was Jewish, initially out of fear for her and her people’s safety within the kingdom. But as the threat to their lives became greater, Esther became emboldened and risked her life to step forward, identifying herself as a Jew and asking the King for protection for all the Jewish people so they would not be killed. The King vowed protection and got rid of the individual in his court who was the threat. In the Book of Esther, we see this early example of social injustice, confronted and rectified. As the mission center leader for the Mission/Social Justice Team, I find myself growing in painful awareness of the social injustices of our community, our country and our world, and the weight of these struggles weigh on my heart. Do we have a responsibility to respond? Can we make a difference?
 
In Doctrine and Covenants 165:1a,d-e we are told, “a. Community of Christ, a divine vision is set before you. Presented over the years through various inspired phrases and symbols, it is expressed now through initiatives in harmony with Jesus Christ’s mission.
d. Undertake compassionate and just actions to abolish poverty and end needless suffering. Pursue peace on and for the Earth.
e. Let nothing separate you from this mission. It reveals divine intent for personal, societal, and
environmental salvation; a fullness of gospel witness for creation’s restoration.”
 
To raise people’s awareness about social injustices, we’ve identified many issues and ways to help. We’ve followed the bicyclist Ron Edwards, member of Community of Christ, who biked across the country as a fundraiser for Outreach International (OI). One of the amazing things about OI, is that as a charity organization that focuses on poor countries around the world, it operates under PhD, Participatory Human Development. Under PhD the members of the communities are expected to participate in the aid project that OI establishes. OI supports groups who construct new water wells, establish low-interest loan programs, repair roads, grow vegetables, and much more. It empowers people to lift themselves, sustainably, into a future defined by opportunity.
 
In July we highlighted the needs of Camp Opportunity (CO), a non-profit organization that for the past 35 years has reached out to kids in the Baltimore area who have experienced abuse and/or neglect and built relationships with these youth that go beyond the camp experience. This organization was founded and is supported by Community of Christ members in the Chesapeake Bay Mission Center. We stepped up to the challenge and Camp Opportunity received $4,130 worth of materials purchased through Amazon Smile. Camp Opportunity says a big “Thank you!”
 
A student in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program run by the Washington, DC Community of Christ told us she was trying to collect clothing for the people in her town in Columbia, South America, and again, we responded. We gathered donations of clothing, eyeglasses and money. She was overwhelmed by the response and declared Community of Christ a beautiful community of love and compassion.
 
That very same ESL program is in its 8th year of classes. In the name of The Worth of All Persons and Unity in Diversity, we invited students from all over the world into our caring community. Some joined us in fellowship and worship opportunities. Many even brought in their own donations to be added to the Christmas Shoeboxes for the Homeless in DC. When the pandemic caused us to close our church building, we took the classes online. It’s been an adventure and it is thriving. And we need help. We teach Beginner through Advanced English classes and need part-time or fulltime Teaching Assistants in Beginner Level 2, Intermediate and Advanced level classes. Sometimes that extra ear, a fresh discernment of need, or extra words of encouragement can really make a difference. What qualifications are needed? A compassionate heart and an offering of your time. Please consider joining this program. Come and visit an online class. Our students’ stories, struggles and accomplishments are amazing. Building relationships is the most incredible benefit. Contact Bonnie Barber at [email protected] to ask questions or volunteer.
 
These are only a few of the social issues we have addressed. Who in the world do you know is hurting and suffering? What needs do you see in your community? Share what is on your heart. We can share with our readers and make a difference together.

We are told in Doctrine and Covenants 165:1e, “Continue to align your priorities with local and worldwide church efforts to move the initiatives forward. Additional innovative approaches to coordinating congregational life and supporting groups of disciples and seekers are needed to address mission opportunities in a changing world.”
 
Dear God who loves us all,  may our eyes be open to the social injustices in our communities, in our country and in our world.  Help us to focus our hearts and our minds on the brothers and sisters who need our kindness and compassion. Help us turn our thoughts into action. Energize our hands and our feet. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, the Peaceful One.  Amen

Author

Bonnie Barber is the Pastor for the Washington, DC Community of Christ and the Team Leader for the Chesapeake Bay Mission Center Mission/Social Justice Team.