Epiphany!  Such a powerful, bright and hopeful season!   And as you have heard me say in various ways, there is little more our country and world need than bright shining UCC folk to shine your light for this shadowed world.  To encourage you in your shining, I share a favorite poem of mine, written by Marianne Williamson but popularized by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 inaugural speech.  I share it because I too often see church folk not accepting the bright Spirit power that God wants to give us to shine for the world.  But God needs us, friends, so Let it Shine!  After the poem, please take another minute to scroll down and read about UCC responses to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and how you can help shine the light of God's love there....  I am so saddened about this endless conflict and can be tempted to be hopeless but a friend has reminded me that as people of faith we do not have the right to be hopeless.  So hope we must---and pray mightily.  I know you all join me in prayer for ALL suffering in the crisis of Palestine/Israel and for the miracle of peace.

jane

 

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness,

That most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I

To be brilliant, gorgeous,

Talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small doesn't serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking

So that other people

Won't feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest

The glory of God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.

And as we let our light shine,

We unconsciously give other people

Permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear,

Our presence automatically liberates others.

 

 

 

 

 

The United Church of Christ and Disciples of Christ Global Ministries have strong relationships in the Middle East.   We are attempting to gather $75,000 for relief in this desperate humanitarian situation.  To read about our Global Ministries appeal for the Gaza Crisis, click here.  You may donate online or, if your congregation wishes to gather a special offering, you may send it through the Conference office CLEARLY MARKED:  UCC Response to Gaza Crisis. 

 

Thank you.