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Incarcerated People Are Not Vermin

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I am part of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon a group of churches cooperating together to seek, among other things, justice in our criminal justice system. As part of this effort I was asked to help put together a “Criminal Justice Sabbath” which would try to raise awareness and gain support at the congregational level. I’ve been involved in various kinds of jail ministry for about seven years, so I’m grateful for this chance to reflect on that experience.

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Sunday, September 22, 4:30– 7 PM‬ (offsite) Families with elementary-age children (please bring older siblings, too!) come to a BBQ dinner (burgers, dogs, veggie burgers, and desert provided; bring a side to share) at Bingham, Christine, Averly, Elizabeth Grace, and Mani’s house. You can RSVP at by messaging us, by emailing Louise@saint-marys.org, or at church!
Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (from the Book of Common Prayer, p.816) #eugeneoregon #love #peace
A couple photos from today’s 9:30 AM service. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the backpack blessing and open house. What a great way to start the program year at St. Mary’s! See you next week for the Sunday School Assembly at the end of the 9:30 AM service! This year’s theme: See Faith Grow at St. Mary’s! “I planted the seed, another watered the plants, but God made you grow.” 1 Corinthians 3:6 #episcopal #eugeneoregon #kidsinchurch #godlovesyou
Scenes from the Block Party! We are here til 8 or til the hot dogs (and veggie dogs) run out! #eugeneoregon #blockparty
Backpack Blessing Sunday, September 8 at the 9:30 AM service Students, bring your backpack to be blessed. We will also have a blessing for teachers - those in our community’s schools and our volunteer Sunday school teachers. Sunday School Open House Sunday, September 8 after the 9:30 AM service Join us for coffee, tea, and yummy snacks, and connect with our Sunday school staff and teachers. #backpackblessing #backtoschool #kidsinchurch #episcopal #eugeneoregon #sundayschool
Why do we say a blessing at meal time?  Also often referred to as Grace, this word is found in other languages with meanings including an act of thanks or thankfulness.  In religious terms, we look to both the Old Testament and the New Testament for examples.  God provides manna from heaven for the Israelites as they wandered in the desert. You find thankfulness for food in Psalm 104 and 136. Jesus prayed over the food in the story from Luke of the Road to Emmaus . And Saint Paul prayed before the meal in the Acts of the Apostles. But why do we ask for a blessing on our food?  Often done before the meal at dinner time, it becomes the habit of thanking God, and inviting God into our presence.  It can become an important tradition and can cultivate a grateful heart, beginning even in the youngest of children. “And when he had sat down with them at table, he took bread and said the blessing; broke the bread, and offered it to them.” Luke 24:30. #grace #blessing #episcopal #eugeneoregon #thisoregonlife #god #thankful

Worship. Serve. Grow in Faith.