Hello Friends:

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This week has seen ICE presence in our streets and the escalating scapegoating of the Somali community. People are rightfully on edge, especially our non-white neighbors who seem to be the targets of an ethnic cleansing of our nation. Thankfully, Minnesotans are outraged and organized.  Faith communities and non-faith communities are stepping up and stepping out. Here is a resource that we have available at UBC to distribute to our at-risk friends: www.ilrc.org/redcards. I know the good people of UBC will continue to stand in solidarity with any who are persecuted by this reckless and bold quasi-military action in our community. I invite you to use your phones, your presence and your other creative acts of audacity to expose this abuse of power and protect our most vulnerable community members. As you think about holiday purchases, please consider supporting immigrant stores and restaurants whose normal customer base is too frightened to visit.

 

Here’s a wonderful article on the subject penned by the pastor of Judson Baptist Church across town.

 

This gives new meaning to our Advent season. In the midst of a similarly apocalyptic time in an occupied state, God chose to break through with an offer of hope. Luke 1:26-45 recounts the story of how an angel of God came to young Mary to announce a new relationship with the world. My sermon is entitled, “God’s New Project.” How might we be part of God’s revolutionary movement? What terror might we oppose and expose? What hope can we embody? The UBC Chorale will sing and Paula Moyer will be the worship leader.

 

After church, there will be a carol singing forum and the children will be making Christmas cookies in the Adele Fadden Assembly Room.

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Check the schedule below for more of what’s happening this week.

 

​Blessings and Peace,

 

Doug Donley