[Grace UCC News] [Council] Fwd: A Pastoral Letter for Ash Wednesday 2022

Thu Mar 3 09:20:00 EST 2022

This is great.  It was on our agenda for our meeting this Sunday. We will
make a push.  Donations online or to the church to forward to UCC.  Also,
One Great Hour of Sharing is this month which supports all refugee
efforts.  Thanks for being on top of this.

On Wed, Mar 2, 2022 at 2:35 PM Jim Clausing via Council <
council at graceucclancaster.org> wrote:

> FYI
>
> ---Jim (he/him)
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ---------
> From: Heartland Conference <office at heartlanducc.org>
> Date: Wed, Mar 2, 2022 at 1:33 PM
> Subject: A Pastoral Letter for Ash Wednesday 2022
> To: <clausing at computer.org>
>
>
> Our hearts are heavy with grief for the people of Ukraine
> Dear Friends in Christ of the Indiana-Kentucky and Heartland Conferences,
>
> As we begin the Lenten journey on this Ash Wednesday, our hearts are heavy
> with grief for the people of Ukraine as they seek to defend themselves
> against the war of aggression that has invaded their lives under the
> direction of Russian President Vladimir Putin. We hold all God’s people who
> are suffering in this situation in our prayers hoping that even at this
> late date hearts may be turned and that a new way forward may be
> found. Because of the long-standing relationship carried by many of you in
> the Heartland Conference with Ukraine through the ministry of S.A.R.A.
> (Sharing America’s Resources Abroad)
> <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001yDkpv1za-gEznP4KZK4d3SbZIb3cWAk1J407_JcD72D1MztR8nLttgreUpRDVgz2HHLrLjleCXqBIYqtYvGdxBi5_aGv5bba2xsSdQysgJ933O02PCi7WLihXuannkvuzwBdNSOHA9tJl1OE_5CsjxYPOy5Wbd21wJ6Moj-Y9mRGRh8f5a0Iq2fF9Get-QeshwGwa4xUZvs=&c=ArvhLtEEGGc0y-Bc7waU8updqBwnFXmdSXzET13APRoHyeczNZh06Q==&ch=UGJJKoiLUrwlzbgy-SuOyWYljEof08HG2j_Mqf-k5h_l0ua_spQsSA==>,
> this war is one that affects people who are personally known and loved by
> many of us.
>
> Many have asked if there is a way in addition to our prayers that we may
> be of aid to those who are suffering. The answer to that question is
> “yes”! The Heartland Conference S.A.R.A. partnership
> <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001yDkpv1za-gEznP4KZK4d3SbZIb3cWAk1J407_JcD72D1MztR8nLttgreUpRDVgz2HHLrLjleCXqBIYqtYvGdxBi5_aGv5bba2xsSdQysgJ933O02PCi7WLihXuannkvuzwBdNSOHA9tJl1OE_5CsjxYPOy5Wbd21wJ6Moj-Y9mRGRh8f5a0Iq2fF9Get-QeshwGwa4xUZvs=&c=ArvhLtEEGGc0y-Bc7waU8updqBwnFXmdSXzET13APRoHyeczNZh06Q==&ch=UGJJKoiLUrwlzbgy-SuOyWYljEof08HG2j_Mqf-k5h_l0ua_spQsSA==>
> will serve as a conduit for aid to partners in Ukraine who are suffering as
> a result of the war. Daily, our partners are bringing food and water relief
> to displaced Ukrainians in Transcarpathia. Those wishing to make a donation
> via this channel may do so by clicking below
> <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001yDkpv1za-gEznP4KZK4d3SbZIb3cWAk1J407_JcD72D1MztR8nLttgreUpRDVgz2HHLrLjleCXqBIYqtYvGdxBi5_aGv5bba2xsSdQysgJ933O02PCi7WLihXuannkvuzwBdNSOHA9tJl1OE_5CsjxYPOy5Wbd21wJ6Moj-Y9mRGRh8f5a0Iq2fF9Get-QeshwGwa4xUZvs=&c=ArvhLtEEGGc0y-Bc7waU8updqBwnFXmdSXzET13APRoHyeczNZh06Q==&ch=UGJJKoiLUrwlzbgy-SuOyWYljEof08HG2j_Mqf-k5h_l0ua_spQsSA==>. Please
> know that your gifts of any size make a difference in this critical time.
>
> Additionally, yesterday, the national setting of the United Church of
> Christ released a message outlining ways in which individuals and
> congregations can make donations through our Common Global Ministries.
> <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001yDkpv1za-gEznP4KZK4d3SbZIb3cWAk1J407_JcD72D1MztR8nLttgreUpRDVgz2FfQ0R80Lo-SuSaz-91Wi5nsA4zxeVv9Deba-Q_ttPj--bmfbAGdjOaZbKAwwx_ZpAcwbBSRqf09sLRj2BBIeFC563LkGaUF17ewm6x-VgdIiEp2CzsLT95mnNstZkT9-RkAYxpNuYV8=&c=ArvhLtEEGGc0y-Bc7waU8updqBwnFXmdSXzET13APRoHyeczNZh06Q==&ch=UGJJKoiLUrwlzbgy-SuOyWYljEof08HG2j_Mqf-k5h_l0ua_spQsSA==> This
> money will be shared with our global partner, the Reformed Church of
> Hungary, which is already engaged in ministry with those from Ukraine who
> have fled their country. More information about giving through this channel
> may be found by clicking the link below.
> <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001yDkpv1za-gEznP4KZK4d3SbZIb3cWAk1J407_JcD72D1MztR8nLttgreUpRDVgz2FfQ0R80Lo-SuSaz-91Wi5nsA4zxeVv9Deba-Q_ttPj--bmfbAGdjOaZbKAwwx_ZpAcwbBSRqf09sLRj2BBIeFC563LkGaUF17ewm6x-VgdIiEp2CzsLT95mnNstZkT9-RkAYxpNuYV8=&c=ArvhLtEEGGc0y-Bc7waU8updqBwnFXmdSXzET13APRoHyeczNZh06Q==&ch=UGJJKoiLUrwlzbgy-SuOyWYljEof08HG2j_Mqf-k5h_l0ua_spQsSA==>
>
> Finally, because we are people who believe that God is at work in all
> seasons, as we enter this Lenten season we offer the following prayer and
> invite you to use it throughout Lent as part of your personal and shared
> discipline of spiritual deepening in God and for the good of the world.
> O God of all nations
> image bearer of every living soul,
>
> We turn our hearts towards you
> in this hour of yet another step
> towards the alluring love for power
> and military might over peace,
> compassion, or justice.
>
> We have been here before, God…
> on the brink of human lives
> created in your image
> being destroyed.
>
> We have been here before, God…
> where attempts to work
> towards peace and diplomacy
> have been met
> with defiance and violence.
>
> We have been here before, God…
> where children will grow up
> without parents,
> where families will be displaced,
> and where trauma will live
> in memories and bodies
> for generations to come.
>
> It is not enough for us
> to express to you
> our being brokenhearted…
> Even though we are.
>
> It is not enough for us
> to shed our genuine tears
> on behalf of those living in Ukraine…
> Even though we do.
>
> It is not enough
> to offer a post on social media…
> Even though solidarity is needed.
> We need a true Just Peace
> that begins with our lives.
> Use us in our communities,
> Empowering God,
> To embody justice, compassion,
> and peace in our relationships.
>
> Embolden us to urge
> those with influence
> in our global policies
> To embrace a vision
> of liberation and hope
> that will ensure the safety
> and peace of all.
>
> O God,
> Make us instruments of your peace,
> In our lives, in our churches,
> in our conferences,
> our ecumenical partnerships,
> in our global missions,
> And in all of our relationships.
>
> Through your ways of peace
> made known in Jesus,
> We are called
> as the author of Ephesians reminds us
> To live “with all humility and gentleness,
> with patience,
> Bearing with one another in love,
> Making every effort
> to maintain the unity of the Spirit
> in the bond of peace.”
>
> Let there be peace on earth
> and let it begin with us.
>
> May it be so. Amen.
>
> Please know that we hold you in our prayers in this and every season, even
> as we hold the world and especially our Ukrainian siblings.
>
> Lenten blessings,
> S.A.R.A. Ukrainian Emergency Relief Donations
> <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001yDkpv1za-gEznP4KZK4d3SbZIb3cWAk1J407_JcD72D1MztR8nLttgreUpRDVgz2HHLrLjleCXqBIYqtYvGdxBi5_aGv5bba2xsSdQysgJ933O02PCi7WLihXuannkvuzwBdNSOHA9tJl1OE_5CsjxYPOy5Wbd21wJ6Moj-Y9mRGRh8f5a0Iq2fF9Get-QeshwGwa4xUZvs=&c=ArvhLtEEGGc0y-Bc7waU8updqBwnFXmdSXzET13APRoHyeczNZh06Q==&ch=UGJJKoiLUrwlzbgy-SuOyWYljEof08HG2j_Mqf-k5h_l0ua_spQsSA==>
> UCC Ukraine Emergency Appeal
> <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001yDkpv1za-gEznP4KZK4d3SbZIb3cWAk1J407_JcD72D1MztR8nLttgreUpRDVgz2FfQ0R80Lo-SuSaz-91Wi5nsA4zxeVv9Deba-Q_ttPj--bmfbAGdjOaZbKAwwx_ZpAcwbBSRqf09sLRj2BBIeFC563LkGaUF17ewm6x-VgdIiEp2CzsLT95mnNstZkT9-RkAYxpNuYV8=&c=ArvhLtEEGGc0y-Bc7waU8updqBwnFXmdSXzET13APRoHyeczNZh06Q==&ch=UGJJKoiLUrwlzbgy-SuOyWYljEof08HG2j_Mqf-k5h_l0ua_spQsSA==>
>
> <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001yDkpv1za-gEznP4KZK4d3SbZIb3cWAk1J407_JcD72D1MztR8nLttgreUpRDVgz2FfQ0R80Lo-SuSaz-91Wi5nsA4zxeVv9Deba-Q_ttPj--bmfbAGdjOaZbKAwwx_ZpAcwbBSRqf09sLRj2BBIeFC563LkGaUF17ewm6x-VgdIiEp2CzsLT95mnNstZkT9-RkAYxpNuYV8=&c=ArvhLtEEGGc0y-Bc7waU8updqBwnFXmdSXzET13APRoHyeczNZh06Q==&ch=UGJJKoiLUrwlzbgy-SuOyWYljEof08HG2j_Mqf-k5h_l0ua_spQsSA==>
> Heartland Conference | PO Box 1230, Worthington, OH 43085
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