Snow covered patio
A rare sight in Texas -- a homeowner's deck covered in snow. (Photo Courtesy of Susan Valley Barton Scheib from Facebook)
A United Methodist Insight Column
Being physically located in Texas, United Methodist Insight has endured a homegrown crisis this week with constant power outrages related to extremely cold temperatures. News and views will be brief, but no less serious.
Lenten observances focus on creation care
United Methodists and other people of faith are focusing on creation care this Lenten season.
UM Creation Justice Movement will hold two webinars on how to advocate for public policies to lessen the climate crisis. The first is “New Congress, New President, New Opportunity for Climate Advocacy: Creation Justice Federal Climate Legislative Team Webinar,” Feb 25, 6-7:30 pm CT. Participants will:
- Learn about the federal policies needed to reverse the climate crisis and help those affected by it.
- Hear a synopsis of the climate change actions already taken or planned through executive action by the new administration.
- Consider the make-up of the new Congress and Cabinet and its impact to hinder or help passage of federal legislation.
- Learn how the Church can become involved in federal advocacy.
A second webinar on state level advocacy will be held March 23. Details are forthcoming.
Meanwhile, Creation Justice Ministries offers a Lenten calendar on creation care practices during the 40 days leading up to Easter. Creation Justice Ministries started under the umbrella of The National Council of the Churches USA, and operated as the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program until 2013. John Hill, staff member of the General Board of Church and Society, serves on CJM’s board of directors. Download the Lenten calendar.
Anti-racism webinars set
Eastern Pennsylvania Conference is moving ahead with a second anti-racism session: “Dismantling Racism II to explore Latinx experience with racism.” From the conference NEWSpirit newsletter: “The Conference’s next Dismantling Racism—Level 2 training event will explore “The Hispanic/Latino (Latinx) Experience—Racism: the Struggle is Real!” All are invited to participate in what should be a fascinating, three-hour webinar on Zoom, on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 9 AM to noon. Register online now!”
Discipleship Ministries’ Path 1 program will sponsor “De-Colonizing the Church: A Commitment to Anti-Racism” a five-week event every Thursday from 1 - 2:15 pm beginning Feb; 18. From the website: “A team of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) pastors and church planters developed the webinar in the hopes that judicatory leaders, pastors and laity could learn more about the inherent racism in the church and commit to de-colonize The United Methodist Church in America. Curriculum includes:
- Week 1: The Theology of Racism
- Week 2: Embodied Racism
- Week 3: Racism in the UMC
- Week 4: De-Colonizing Church Planting
- Week 5: Anti-Racism
Click for more information and registration.
Meanwhile, Indiana Bishop Julius C. Trimble is calling United Methodists to direct their prayers toward dismantling racism each Wednesday during Lent. Download this list of suggested topics to put on your refrigerator or mirror to help remind you to pray.
Media Mentions as of Feb. 17, 2021
Ash Wednesday during a pandemic means sprinkles instead of markings to keep distance – Delaware News Journal *
Biden signs executive order reestablishing White House faith office – Religion News Service
Kindness during COVID-19: Science, Religion, and Uncertainty – Denison University
Africa University develops zumbani medicinal cough drops – The Herald
Schools, students struggle with COVID-19 closures | United Methodist News Service – United Methodist News Service
Local Methodist churches form Justice and Reconciliation Team – Smoky Mountain News
Historic churches of the Lewes United Methodist Charge remembered – CapeGazette.com
Religion and the death penalty collide at the Supreme Court – Wilmington News Journal, OH
Faith groups say refugee program will take time to rebuild – Seymour Tribune
Martin Gugino committed to struggle, despite grand jury dismissal – Religion News Service
Getting serious (and precise) about Christian nationalism – Religion News Service
Survey: More than a quarter of white evangelicals believe core QAnon conspiracy theory – Religion News Service
Larry Sonner, Methodist minister who married lesbian couple against church doctrine, dies of COVID-19 – desmoinesregister.com
'Fill the Fence With Warmth and Love' clothing project underway at Jackson United Methodist Church – jacksonprogress-argus
Liberia: Weah Rescues Challenged Theological Students in Gbarnga – Front Page Africa
Right-wing justices think religion is under siege. Will the full Supreme Court follow? – CNN
For African Americans, faith is not confined to the hope of heaven – The Baltimore Sun *
*Paid subscription required.
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.