Holman United Methodist Church | JUNE 2020 | Church of the Bells

RACISM REV. PAUL A. HILL

It had been a challenging journey as my mother hurriedly led me and my siblings on a trek across town in Dallas in pursuit of new shoes for her 6 children. I was the third of 6 scheduled to get new shoes on what had been an exhausting trip. This journey would require 2 buses to and back home to address a normal need in every person’s life. Understandably fatigued from the journey with small children in tow, my mother took the first seat available in the shoe store upon arrival in an attempt to catch her breath. We were the only people of color in the store; I was 4 years old. We waited and waited and waited for someone to offer us some help with the purchase of some shoes. However, we must have become invisible to the store staff as they hurriedly waited upon all of the white customers, making several trips to the stockroom to satisfy their white customers without them having to ask for help. Finally my mother asked (in a calm and quiet way) if someone could help us. In a harsh and angry way the white customer service person turned to my mother and said, “Girl, we can’t help you unless you go into the stockroom behind the curtain.” Hurt and probably also angry, my mother gathered us up like a mother hen and led us to the stockroom. At the age of 4 years I received one of my first lessons of racism that service, common courtesy, and equality was not to be extended or expected by Black people from White people. That was reserved for Whites. Particularly if you are a black person who has the rare opportunity to be hired and to extend service to white people. I didn’t fully understand all that this encounter meant to my mother, but judging by the tears that ran down her face I could tell something hurt her and maybe going to buy shoes is not something to look forward to again. The protest against racism has been a constant experience in my life for as long as I have lived, and it started at age 4 years for me. I know what it means to be ignored, overcharged, to be followed in almost any store (and in some cases to become the target of suspicion even before crossing the threshold of some retail establishments). I know what it means to be assigned as a United Methodist pastor who has jumped through all the hoops of United Methodism seeking to love God’s people no matter who they are and where they are from. I even know what it means to be drafted into the United States Army and assigned to protect and defend the people of South Korea (in South Korea) only to be shoved, pushed, overlooked and told that the mistreatment of Black people is due to how we are treated back home in the USA—in South Korea we are third class people. Need I say more about this pain I have lived with since I was 4 years of age??!! Perhaps there should be a pre-warning given at conception of what is in store for people born of color!!! Two weeks ago I heard the recording of rhythm and blues singer the late Marvin Gaye entitled “What’s Going On.” This collection of songs not only give you an insight into my life as a young man becoming, but seeks to address the same pain and anger exhibited during the 60s and 70s as I became a young man. The experiences of racism have never stopped but often are more cleverly levelled on people of color. “What’s Going On?” Dare we ask in the face of another senseless “murder” by those

(Continued on page 15 -— RACISM)

FAITH FORMATION Deborah A. Mitchell Director of Children’s Ministries

There Is More than One Way to See John 9:1-12 (NIV)

3 . . . said Jesus, . . “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” God has equipped us with many ways to see. We not only see with our eyes, but with our understanding. Our eyes are able to view an image, view anything that is visible, but our understanding is from within. It is like a light bulb turning on or an idea that just pops into one's mind. Jesus taught us about this in the scripture above when He gave sight to the blind man who had been blind from birth. People asked how it was possible for the man to see. They questioned if his blindness was caused by the sins of his parents. Even though the people doubted, the formerly blind man did not. He knew Jesus had given him sight. He only knew that his eyes had been opened! Jesus asked the man, "Do you believe in the Son of God?" The man said, "Lord, I believe!" and he worshipped Him. There is more than one way of seeing. The man who had been blind came to realize that there is also a “spirit way” of seeing. We see with our eyes and we also see and come to understand the love of God with our hearts. America is going through a very rough spot right now. The killing of has sparked protests here and abroad. People's eyes are now being opened to the reality of what it means to be a black man in America. They are now "seeing" from within and saw with their own eyes how a black man was “lynched” because of the color of his skin. It is sad that circumstances had to get to this extreme for the American people (of all ages) and the world to open their eyes to the plight of the African American community. Let us keep our eyes wide open, physically, and spiritually for a move of God that ends systemic racism in this country and let us abide by the Word of God which states, "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Questions for reflection: • Why is it important to understand that people are born spiritually blind? • What practical implications does this have when you present the gospel?

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In Fellowship

LOOKING AHEAD

1 DIANE BERNSTEIN 1 DAWN GLENN OUR WORSHIP 2 INGRID E. VERNON CELEBRATIONS 4 RICK ALLEN PERSAUD 6 JANE WILSON VIA RADIO BROADCAST ON 7 DOLORES GRAHAM KJLH RADIO 102.3 FM 7 HAZEL STOREY WWW.KJLHRADIO.COM 7 ROZALIN A. SMITH and 8 DAN SIEVER 8 MARY BOYD LIVE STREAM VIA FACEBOOK 9 BEN BROWN, SR. 9 THEODORE KING Sun. June 7 10 AMA THOMAS Worship 11 am 11 JUNE BLEAVINS ⬧TRINITY SUNDAY 12 PATRICIA QUAYE Peace With Justice Sunday 13 BRIGETTE THOMPSON Holy Communion Sunday 13 DON WATERS 14 LEVAUGHAN WELCH 14 DARNELL MITCHELL-CLAY Sun. June 14 17 JOAN GILL Worship 11 am 18 JOYCE ALLEN ⬧2nd Sunday after Pentecost 18 SAUNDRA VARNADO-WILBURN 18 KAROLYN HAMM Sun. June 21 19 VIVIAN HALL Worship 11 am 20 MAUREEN NEAL ⬧ 22 ROBERT LEWIS Father’s Day 22 JOANN LANCASTER-WILLIAMS 24 KERRY L. NORWOOD Sun. June 28 25 CARLA HILL Worship 11 am 27 WALTER CATHEY ⬧4th Sunday after Pentecost 27 MILLARD LATHROP 28 JACK HAYES 29 MARZUK LEWIS 29 RICARDO LJ MOWATT

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Nurture through Witness The 2020 RESET MEMO By Howard Hobson III

Every year after December 31st a new year begins. I see this first day of the New Year as a clean slate. An opportunity to reset my plans, and jot down new goals in my life that I want to pursue to advance and improve my quality of life in the New Year. For 2020, I looked forward to completing my last semester of my history degree program at Cal State University Northridge, traveling to Europe for the summer, and then returning in the fall to begin the teaching credentialing program at Northridge. Unfortunately, it seems that the rest of the world did not get the reset memo, because 2020 has not gone as intended, and many of my plans have been interrupted or completely terminated. The disruptions in my plans, however, are not as devastating as those for others. In each month of the new year the news has been more heartbreaking and devasting then the last. From the death of Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant and the 7 other victims in a helicopter crash, to the Coronavirus outbreak that has infected and changed the lives of millions on a global level, to the recent suffering and uproar that the black community is facing with the death of so many of their brothers and sisters due to senseless murders and . It seems as if 2020 is just going to continue to get worse and worse as the months go by, until December 31st comes back around. Will 2021 allow us to reset and forget about these tragic couple of months and start anew like every other year? Can I/ we reset? Can I/we forget? Yes, I/we can reset, but no, I/we cannot forget. “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” George Santayana – 1905. We must remember and learn from these events so that we are not doomed to relive similar events and consequences. We must reset and find ways to prevent the cruel behaviors or lack of awareness that lead to these unnecessary losses and heartache. We must reset our global health and justice systems to respond accurately and purposefully for the benefit of all peoples so as to prevent and protect everyone from such tragedies. Most importantly, as we look back and learn from these experiences, I believe we need to make sure that we take care of ourselves and the ones near and dear to us while we cope and find ways to move forward. Like many seniors throughout the nation in high school or college I was blessed to graduate this year, moving closer to starting a life on my own. Unlike many, I do not think that I was as devastated when my graduation was canceled due to COVID-19 because my first instinct was to make sure that everyone was safe around me and that they did not put themselves at risk. I did not care that I would be missing out on my graduation. I know that a lot more is in store for me and there will be more events for my family to get together and celebrate the milestones in my life. My heart does go out to those students who did see this as an important milestone. I do hope that they found a way to cope or even make a different version of their graduation ceremonies so that their families could safely attend. In regards to the recent deaths of black men, women, and members of the transgender community, my mind and heart has been all over the place. My heart goes out to the families and friends who will no longer be able to talk and wrap their arms around their friends or family members. I have been struggling with these deaths the most because I am at a point in life were I feel my influence is limited. I struggle with how big of an impact I can make over the current circumstances. I often wonder if my signature on a petition, my donation or my contribution is even worth it,

(Continued on page 12⎯ THE 2020 RESET MEMO)

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We GROW through inspired learning!

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE! By Jennifer Hill

“All’s my life I had to fight…,” words that for a black person in this country hold a significant meaning. They aren’t just words spoken by Miss Sophia in the classic Alice Walker novel, “The Color Purple,” or words shouted years later by rapper Kendrick Lamar in his hit song “Alright,” but a mantra that my generation has accepted for years. We as black people in this country, fight for our lives every day. Whether it’s advocating for proper healthcare, or paying attention to our surroundings in our worship services, or just trying to make it home safely without being stopped by the police, it is not uncommon for us to some days feel like we are fighting to live a life that some people in the world don’t want us to live because we were born with skin a darker tone then theirs. While this is nothing new, it isn’t fair, it isn’t right, and it MUST be acknowledged. The video that was released over a week ago now of Minneapolis man George Floyd, taking his last breaths for 8 mins and 46 seconds became a metaphor of sorts to many black people in this country. The police officer’s knee in George’s neck symbolized the knee this oppressive system has had on the necks of all black people in this country for centuries. Watching him struggle to breathe reminded us that we live in a country that every second of every day can make you feel like it’s hard to fully and freely breathe. To see George call for his mother, finally take his last breath, and his body go limp really shook me in a way that I can’t, even now, fully explain; but it symbolized to me how this country can carelessly hold their knees to our necks until we finally, no matter how hard the fight, die from the pressure. Then they’re free to get up and casually walk away with no fear of consequence. For years, I’ve witnessed my people, myself included, pleading with anyone who will listen to stop killing us. But for whatever reason, we were speaking and no one was listening. This time was different—our words were heard, and our feelings were felt. Only in pictures have I seen so many people of different ethnicities, races, and cultures come together for a cause, and not just any cause, but a cause that mainly revolves around the rights of black people in this country. As we press ahead with our fight for justice these next few days (I pray this is until the systems change), let us remember to not turn a deaf ear to those that are really trying to be our allies in the struggle for justice. We wanted them to listen because we know that this battle won’t be won without their support, so SPEAK. Use your voice to educate, use your social media platforms, and your forums at work to speak about your experiences as a black person in this country. MAKE THEM HEAR YOU. They are ready to listen. To the young people who feel that protesting is not their lane of protest like myself, THAT IS OK. During the Civil Rights Movement, many were called to be lawyers, organizers, drivers, fact checkers. People opened their homes to activists visiting town, made signs for the protestors, wrote think pieces, painted pictures. You are encouraged to find, use, and do whatever it is that allows you to help with the liberation of our people. If you need help, our congregation is FULL of people that have stood on the front lines during the fight for justice for years. Reach out to them. I’m positive they will be willing to speak as long as you are willing to listen. To our elders of the congregation, I am aware of Holman’s history in the fight for social justice in our community, and I want to first, tell you THANK YOU. Thank you for everything you have risked so that my generation and generations after me have a strong foundation grounded in self-worth, dignity, respect of all people, and a passion for challenging systems that try to deny us our unalienable rights as citizens of this country. We proudly stand on your shoulders. I’m not sure where this battle will lead us but to quote Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” again, “…but if God got us, then we gone be alright.”

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We GO into joyful service!

OPERATION LOVE: CARE PACKAGES FOR FAMILIES

About 100 South Los Angeles families with young children received free meals, groceries, diapers and hand sanitizers at Operation Love: Care Packages for Families, an event sponsored by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas in partnership with several nonprofits and businesses. “Operation Love emerged from the question: What do families most impacted by this pandemic need?” Supervisor Ridley-Thomas said at the event, hosted by Holman United Methodist Church. “Operation Love is our way of showing vulnerable households that we care about their well-being and we are here for them.” Ambyr Rose of Parents in Partnership, a support group for parents in the child welfare system, said, “These care packages are making a difference in the life of children and families and is a reminder that the community is here to support them in times of need.” Faith Foster Families Network (3FN), a collaborative of six-faith based organizations and churches, is overseeing the coordination of Operation Love, a series of four food and diaper distribution events in South LA, Inglewood and Compton. Today's event was the second in the series. “It is crucial that the faith community is present and providing life sustaining resources for those affected by the child welfare system, some of the most vulnerable in our communities,” 3FN Executive Director Nancy Harris said.

Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas with DCFS Chief Deputy Director Ginger Pryor, Faith Foster Families Network (3FN) Executive Director Nancy Harris pose with volunteers and some of the care packages. Photo by Aurelia Ventura/Board of Supervisors

(Continued on page 7⎯ OPERATION LOVE)

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Witness through Outreach

(Continued from page 6 ⎯ OPERATION LOVE)

LA County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) staff were on hand to help families access benefits and to offer their expertise in child welfare and child protection. “Today’s gathering is a visual example of hope in action and the generosity of community partners who care deeply about the well-being of children and families,” DCFS Chief Deputy Director Ginger Pryor said. “After many weeks of being homebound, perhaps struggling emotionally and economically, this is a welcome and meaningful outpouring of kindness and support for Los Angeles County families.” The families who received care packages had been referred by various LA County departments as well as faith-based and community organizations. The LA Regional Food Bank provided them with 36-lb. grocery bags while the Good+Foundation handed out boxes of diapers. Kilroy Realty purchased to-go meals from Sweetgreen and The Waffle, which are closed because of the extended Safer at Home order. Fueling the Fearless coordinated delivery of the meals and showed up with sweet surprises for volunteers and children who have birthdays in late May. “As a member of this community, Kilroy Realty Corporation is proud to partner with Operation Love,” the company’s Senior Planning Manager, Marina Martos Dabel, said. “Our purchase of more than 1,000 meals helps feed families in need while also supporting local restaurants whose businesses have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.” “We are dedicated to serving nourishment where it is needed most," added Fueling The Fearless Director Brooke Baker Kronschnabel. The nonprofit's mission is to help struggling restaurants stay afloat while providing nourishment to healthcare heroes, essential workers, and families in need. RPP Products, an automotive chemicals and lubricants company, began manufacturing hand sanitizers during the pandemic and donated several boxes of them. “Taking care of our fellow Southern California community, especially the homeless and food- insecure, is very important to us,” RPP Products CEO Eric Zwigart said. “The COVID-19 crisis and need for hand sanitizer will last for a long time, and we are dedicated to producing and donating hand sanitizer for as long as it’s needed. I want to thank Supervisor Ridley-Thomas’s office for including us in this opportunity to give back.”

Source: https://ridley-thomas.lacounty.gov/index.php/operation-love/

West Angeles COGIC Crossroads UMC

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Nurture through Outreach

By Candace Hobson

A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. John 21:71 (NLT)

Holman’s 3FN Ministry, an active member of the Faith Foster Families Network (3FN), in coordination with Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, Department of Child and Family Services, and the business and non-profit partners listed below, answered the call of Jesus, we fed his sheep. On May 22nd, Holman UMC hosted the second of 4 sponsored events entitled: “OPERATION LOVE: Care Packages for Families”. The church campus was transformed into a drive through distribution center for food and health resources, including diapers, hand sanitizers, fresh meals and birthday cakes for families celebrating May birthdays. Approximately 100 vulnerable families, within the foster family system, received assistance to help them manage these difficult times, arising out of the coronavirus outbreak, and subsequent closing of local schools and businesses. Nancy Harris, Executive Director of Faith Foster Families Network (3FN), and a member of Holman UMC, oversaw the coordination of the Operation Love distribution events in South LA, Inglewood and Compton. The partnering business and non-profits included: The LA Regional Food Bank, Kilroy Realty (who purchased meals from Sweetgreen and The Waffle), Good+Foundation, Fueling the Fearless (with cakes from Little House Confections), and RPP Products. Sincere thanks go out to Holman members and faith and community partners who donated their time and resources to the Holman event and the 3 other events. Special thanks to Jayson Johnson and his family who purchased and donated 6 walkie talkies for Holman church to use during this event and future events and emergencies.

Even At Home I Can Do Something By Donna Richardson During the month of May as we travelled this road of social / physical distancing, it occurred to me that there might be extra copies of the Upper Room. All copies I was able to collect, I shared with neighbors of various ages and backgrounds (especially those more senior than I, and homebound). I also gave them to my mail carrier and trash collector. I mailed others to friends who were not able to get out. One person left a thank you message indicating that the Upper Room was what she used each night to create a calm and peaceful space so that she could get to sleep. We can all find ways to be helpful even in trying times. A simple gesture can bring joy to another person’s life.

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Witness through Outreach

By Nola Coley

In the middle of March of this year, I was heading into mid-terms in what was my next to last semester at North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro. There were growing concerns about student safety, but when the school put out a statement that we had SIX days to move out of campus housing everyone was in shock. One email ended in-person classes, basketball games, social gatherings, and most importantly for my friends who were seniors, Graduation! As my friends and I returned to our parents’ homes across the country, and were just getting used to stay at home orders, face masks and Zoom classes, all of our worlds were upended AGAIN on May 25, 2020. That was a Memorial Day no one living anyplace in this country and maybe the world will forget any time soon. That day a 46 year old African-American father, brother, fiancé and friend lost his life in a brutal murder at the hands of a Minneapolis cop. This man, George Floyd, was killed in front of our very eyes by a white cop’s knee that was on his neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds while he repeated, “I can’t breathe.” The irony is that May 25 was Memorial Day, a day when this country honors the men and women who died in active military service. The celebration would stop when the video of George Floyd’s murder surfaced and ignited indignation and protests against systemic acts of racism the likes of which I have never before seen in my lifetime. When I saw the video I could not find the words to articulate my pain, and in a lot of ways I am still struggling to express myself. I know I want to DO SOMETHING…SAY SOMETHING! Just in the 3 months since I’ve been home, at least two other innocent Black people have been brutally murdered at the hands of what I can only say are racists: Ahmaud Arbery & Breonna Taylor. Protests and marches have been happening all over the country and the world with crowds of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds showing their support for the black community and to take a stand against racism and division. I attended my first protest in Downtown LA just this week. I couldn’t be a by-stander to this movement any longer. I wanted to express my anger and experience the passion of the protesters I’ve been seeing on television. As the crowd shouted, “” and “No Justice, No Peace,” what surprised me was the small number of Black people who were out there. Maybe our numbers were small at this particular rally but the fact that Black people were outnumbered, puzzled me. Many of the supports I saw were shouting and holding up signs—and I welcome everyone’s solidarity—but this is not their fight. If there was ever a time, since the Civil Rights Movement of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, for Black people to show up, the time is NOW! For others who are not black or a person of color, this is an issue that does not directly affect them everyday like it does in our community. I believe that the protesters need to see US, up close and personal… to see our pain from not only this tragic event but for the countless others. I see a lot of us “standing up” on social media platforms, but there is a difference when you show up in person. With the world on pause due to COVID-19 people have an opportunity to slow down, really SEE each other, become more aware and uplift one another. People are taking up this cause for racial injustice in America, France, Australia, and other countries around the world. I feel so encouraged to see so many people fighting for me and the Beautiful Black Community that I am so proud to be a part of. I hope the conversation, rallies and protests continue and moves America toward true change…even when we all get to go back to our “normal” lives. Black lives do matter, and I pray that people around the world will forever embrace that we matter too.

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We GO into joyful service! DON’T TALK ABOUT IT, BE ABOUT IT! By Jennifer with children Donoven, Dakota and A'Dayla Elzein

Where do I start?!! I know I am feeling every emotion possible. When our protest started, my 10 year old Dakota wanted to be a part of the movement and join the protest! Normally I would have said, “Let’s go!” But being a Mom and knowing the risk of COVID-19, I couldn’t allow myself to put my children, myself and others in danger. But I wanted my kids to be a part of the beginning of our pursuit for Justice for our people!! And so we, including baby A’Dayla in her stroller, went out one day and stood at the corner of La Brea and Obama Blvd.— right in our community—with our handmade signs of support: “No Justice, No Peace,” “I Can’t Breathe,” “My Life Matters” and “R.I.Power George Floyd.” The kids fully participated, raising their signs for passersby to see, and were encouraged by the horn toots from those driving by as they engaged as activists to support the cause for seeking justice. So we say, DON’T TALK ABOUT IT, BE ABOUT IT! This is just the beginning!!

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Outreach through Witness

Ubuntu Spirit Defines This Moment for AU May 18, 2020 - Nashville, TN

In the eight weeks since authorities instituted COVID-19-related stay-at-home orders in Zimbabwe, ubuntu—a core value of community life at Africa University—has been central to the actions of the institution and its students, faculty, and staff. Ubuntu is a Zulu word that is often translated as “humanity” or “I am because we are.” However, in a deeper sense, ubuntu speaks to our interconnectedness as human beings and responsibility to and for each other. As the global health crisis evolves, the ubuntu spirit is alive at Africa University.

SUPPORTING THE FACULTY AND STAFF: The expertise, creativity, and “can do” attitude of its staff are helping the Africa University to function, adapt, and move to the next level in a time of crisis. Since most of its employees and students are based at home right now, Africa University has negotiated more affordable data bundles with providers. The university is also providing access to broadband internet under a partnership with other universities and the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE). Examinations are being administered online, while administrators plan for a hybrid approach to instruction when the new academic year begins in August 2020. Teams are manufacturing hand sanitizer and face masks. The University Farm is using an App, developed in-house, for home delivery of its products. Students are assisting vulnerable families in the wider community. These initiatives are all being supported by a core group of staff who serve in essential roles. For the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Munashe Furusa, the ongoing contributions of the staff are crucial to the future of Africa University. "Institutions that survive are those that manage to adapt to the changing environment and innovate in the process,” said Furusa. “This is the approach we have taken, and we are proud of our staff who have answered to this call to keep the community engaged, well-fed, safe, connected and thriving, in spite of COVID-19.” In Zimbabwe, as elsewhere, the pandemic and the measures instituted to fight it are challenging for many residents. Food and other day-to-day essentials are in short supply and prices are rising. In reponse, Africa University is instituting welfare measures for its staff. Last week, staff received food hampers comprised of basic items such as flour, sugar, salt, cooking oil, juice concentrate, tooth paste and soap. Staff are accessing other staples including meat, poultry, eggs, milk/yogurt, and fresh vegetables from the university farm.

(Continued on page 12 ⎯ UBUNTU SPIRIT)

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Nurture through Outreach

(Continued from page 11⎯ UBUNTU SPIRIT)

“My work is to aid people…even as a student, I am there to aid people,”

STUDENTS VOLUNTEER TO MAKE REUSEABLE MASKS: International students who are still residing on the Africa University campus due to travel restrictions are making reusable cloth masks for the community. The students volunteered to make the masks following a recent directive from Zimbabwean health authorities requiring everyone to wear a mask in public. “This situation of coronavirus is very serious, so we have to do what we can to minimize the infections,” said Maik Kat Musans Benedicte, a United Methodist pastor from the Democratic Republic of Congo. “My work is to aid people…even as a student, I am there to aid people,” said Maik. The students are producing more than 100 masks per day. They plan to distribute the masks to the campus community at a cost .50 cents each and invest the income in materials to continue production. Source: https://www.support-africauniversity.org/2014/news-and-media/news-and- events_story_108_campus_update_may_18_2020

(Continued from page 4⎯ THE 2020 RESET MEMO) since I am not seeing the immediate impact or having direct interaction with an impacted person. Although I am quick to realize that any effort in battling the systemic racism that our people face— big or small—is a step in the right direction, these simple gestures have still left me unsatisfied. I think that the silver lining amongst all of these recent tragedies, is that 2020 is bringing more people closer together. In the literal sense I, like many college students, have been forced to move back in with my family prematurely after colleges closed in March. Others, moved in with family and friends so as not to shelter in place alone in response to the Coronavirus stay at home orders. And others moved in with family and friends for financial support from the loss of income. After and during each tragic event, I have seen communities come together in support for one another and lift each other up by various means, such as food drives, clothing drives and providing shelter. Communities around the country are putting aside their differences to stand together in the protests against police brutality and racist policies and unjust treatment, and to collectively speak up for the liberty and rights for all. Quality of life for all is a right worth demanding and fighting for no matter what time or year. So although I worry that we will not learn from our past, and therefore be doomed to repeat it after we reach one milestone, I am not giving up. I will continue to pray that communities reset their demands and goals until they are achieved. Since I have been home I have been doing a lot more self-reflection and meditation with God, focusing on the things that are important to me and controllable in my life. I am not letting aspects out of my control hinder me. I am strengthening my faith and letting God guide me on the path he has set for me, while I do everything in my power to make sure that I am ready for his future plans for me. And since we were all put on this earth for a reason, and that reason never stops no matter what stage in life we find ourselves, I pray that everyone will take time out of their daily lives to reflect on everything that is going on, see how they fit into the bigger picture of it all, and find something they could be doing that will help them be a part of the solution or that will help contribute to the cause.

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Outreach through Witness

Keeping In The Word WORTH REPEATING In 2020 By Deborah Mitchell (Disciple 2) POWER FROM WITHIN By Donna Richardson Acts 2:3-4 (NRSV)

Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, In the midst of Coronavirus stay-at-home and a tongue rested on each of them. guidelines for senior citizens, the Tuesday All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit Morning Disciple 2 Class continues to move and began to speak in other languages, toward the finish line. Though we are at home, as the Spirit gave them ability. we continue to read, study, pray and remain in touch by telephone and email. Do you speak another language besides English or do you know of someone who does? The title of lesson 32, our last lesson in this Have you tried having a conversation with that series, is “Ordering Our Lives.” In this final person? It's difficult, isn't it? How about trying to segment we are asked to reflect on the year’s learn a new language? Unless you begin learning study and consider “How do we try to walk as at an early age, it can be quite challenging. We disciples of Jesus Christ?” With a partner, we don't have the power or ability to learn instantly. It discuss putting God first, use of time, use of takes practice and lots of patience to begin to resources, family responsibilities and ministering even understand the language. to the needs of others. Finally, challenging In God's kingdom, learning a new language ourselves to put our study into Practice with can be achieved by the power of the Holy Spirit, each person deciding how the message from which dwells within each of us. When God sent God’s Word will guide the ordering of life and His Spirit to be with the people of this world, the setting priorities. Bible tells us that those people “were all filled with It is our plan to end this year’s study with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other a teleconference worship experience. We are languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to infused with the power of God’s steadfast love speak” (2:4). This happened in Jerusalem and the and committed to sharing the Good News people there were amazed because persons from through word and deed. other lands spoke to them in their own language. Can you imagine how surprising this would be? They understood each other because God’s Spirit had given them the ability to do so. We may not be able to speak other languages, but we can learn how to understand each other. God’s Spirit teaches us to learn to listen, trust God, and feel His love. When this happens we are able to reach out to others, as God gives us the ability. Listen and trust! God’s Spirit gives us the language of love. You don’t know what the Holy Spirit will empower you to do, but we know that it will empower you to do great things for Jesus. They might seem like great things––like speaking in languages that you have never learned. Or they might seem more ordinary–– like helping someone who needs help. As you listen to that Spirit within, you will be guided in the ways of God.

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Our Connectional Ministry

the episcopal office

BISHOP HAGIYA’S UPDATE ON PUBLIC HEALTH (May 25, 2020)

. . . We have witnessed some of our national and state leaders proclaim that it is safe for our churches to return to open and public worships. I do not believe these decisions are based solely on sound medical advice and practice, but rather a rush to reopen everything due to the pressures of popularity or the bottom line of reviving the economy. I also realize that our churches are hurting financially, but we need to value people’s health and lives over any material possessions. If it is a choice of protecting people’s health and saving lives, versus whether or not our churches financially survive, it is clear to me that people matter far more than physical objects. Hopefully, we can attend to both of these. But, on a priority list, there is no question that people rank far higher than any church property. I do want to share our phased plans for reopening of in-person worship. We, as your California-Pacific Conference leadership propose a process for your own local church. Here are the broad steps involved: • Follow the protocols set forth by your state, county or city in reopening in-person worship services. • Develop a detailed plan of action that will be implemented before the date of resuming in-person worships. • Create a local church task force that will create and implement the plan. • Have the plan approved by your Administrative Council or leadership equivalent. • Submit the final plan for to your District Superintendent for final approval.

We are working on a check-off form to guide your local church plan, ...... Our proposed Cal-Pac steps outlined above can be worked on immediately, and if followed, they will not take long to be approved by your District Superintendent. Please remember that this applies to any groups who currently rent from your local church. According to our Book of Discipline, all appointed clergy do have the authority over the worship service itself, and clergy do have the authority to delay the reopening of in-person worship if they feel it is not yet safe. We have full confidence that our appointed clergy and lay leadership will be able to work this out amicably. For those who will be receiving a new pastor this coming July, we ask that you include your incoming pastor in the plans for relaunching. There will be major adjustments to our worship services until a vaccine is discovered, mass produced and administered to everyone. We really hope that some form of outdoor worship can be created to begin with. Our sanctuaries are some of the worst places to protect people from the virus, due to poor

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we supposedly pay to protect and defend “all of us”? I can still see the bright flames of ventilation and an enclosed space. So, outdoor riots, anger and destruction and smell the worship is preferred if possible. This also involves the smoke that reminded all of us that we were banning of public singing as all the research shows that witnessing the anger, fear, destruction and this can spread the virus precipitously. The Skagit rebellion of a people who have been Valley choir practice in the state of Washington is the dismissed, disdained and disillusioned once prime example, where one person infected 87% of again with the senseless madness those attending the three-hour choir practice, and encouraged by the white police officers who tragically two died of COVID-19. too often allow their fear, hatred and anger get out of hand. My brothers and I have One additional caution will be very difficult for us: We already been schooled in how to survive the strongly urge that those over 65 or who have underlying bigotry of Whites, particularly those hired to medical conditions avoid public worship at this time. protect and defend “Who?” This time the Our Book of Discipline is quite clear that we cannot ban police body cameras stayed on and did what anyone from attending our worship services, so those they were created to do, disclose the truth. who are in those categories and are willing to risk their Unfortunately we were bought to the curb health and safety by coming to physical worship must side of a Minneapolis street where a be accepted. However, the church must make some handcuff brother, George Floyd was “not kind of arrangement for their safety, in a separate room allowed to breathe,” instead he was or section of the sanctuary. This will be part of your compelled to die. plan for relaunching your worship services. I join the millions of people of every This is the reason that online or streamed worship color, clan, age, socio-economic, academic, services should be continued indefinitely. It will be a and sexual identity in mourning the loss of way for those who are 65+ or who have medical brother George Floyd. I hope having heard conditions can safely participate while remaining at his plea for compassion, help, and mercy, home. including pausing for those 8 minutes and 46 seconds that gave way to his death, will be There will be much more detailed information the end of this beastly behavior which is coming to you . . ., but I wanted to brief you on how defined as “ keeping the peace.” I pray that we will proceed to relaunching our public in-person after all these years, all these laws, all these worship services. . . . As always, we are available for police officers and victims, all the weaponry, counsel or questions, and just contact your own District and all the sinful deaths that we have Superintendent. discovered and will act upon stopping the For inspiration this week, I recommend that you take a hating others and working to start pursuing look at this video of Chino Hills High School students: the love of Christ. Thank God our community was not Be the Hope, trashed and burned this time—that makes as these students are the hope for our future! me hopeful. May those who feel victimized remember what it feels like when they resort Bishop Grant J. Hagiya to their old evil ways. May a real peace rise Los Angeles Area Resident Bishop from the ashes of recent fires and non- whites realize BLACK LIVES MATTER . . . .

Complete message available at: https://mailchi.mp/calpacumc/bishop-hagiya-update-on- A child of God, yours in Christ, public-health-may-25-2020?e=29e88a047d Rev. Paul A. Hill

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Inviting ALL into Discipleship with Jesus Christ!!

FOR YOUR SPIRIT “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you. Isaiah 41:13

WORD FOR THE SOUL The DEADLINE for the next Issue of the “Be a lamp or a life boat Bellringer is Sunday, June 21, 2020 or a ladder, for the JULY publication. Bellringer deadline is every THIRD Sunday. help someone’s soul heal. Walk out of your house like a shepherd.” “A Hub of Hope & Healing, Rumi A Center of Wellness & Wholeness”

Rev. Paul A. Hill, Interim Senior Pastor Dr. Marguerite L. Phillips, Minister of Congregational Care and Support Ministries Bettye Fontenot, Operations Manager Joni Arlain, Administrative Assistant to the Pastors Jules Green, Assistant to Ministry & Operations Aamina Mahir, Receptionist

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