Thanks for taking a moment to check out these events in our shared life & the wider world.
If you’d like something included in an upcoming newsletter, please let Andrew know! You can reach him by email (office@waucc.org) or at 773-935-0642 (text or call).
The Israeli army has detained four female Birzeit University students following a series of overnight raids across the Ramallah area as part of a growing pattern of targeting students and academic institutions in the occupied West Bank. The detainees were identified as Jolan Abu Awwad, who was seized after Israeli soldiers stormed student housing in Birzeit, north of Ramallah; Sama Safi, taken from her family home in Ramallah; Leila Na’el Khalil, forcibly taken from her home in Beitunia, west of the city; and Natalie Abu Diah, who was seized from her family residence in Birzeit. On the same night as the student arrests, at least 31 Palestinians were detained across the occupied West Bank in a series of raids, including several former prisoners.
Liberator Christ, you know what it is like to face the injustice of empire. In our despair at a system that benefits from war and punishes those who speak out against war, we remember that you are a God who loves justice, who “reveals the deep things of darkness and brings utter darkness into the light.” (Job 12:22) Be with those who are imprisoned and those who protest, and let their examples encourage others to speak louder against injustice.
God in your mercy…hear our prayer.
From the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center
We encourage people that in addition to prayer, to reach out to your representatives and governments to pressure Israel to immediately release these students and all Palestinians being held without charge or trial.
The Haitian Children’s Food Program was started 25 years ago by a member of Wellington, Margaret Trost.
Margaret writes: “It’s only because of you and our partner in Haiti, Na Rive, that we’ve reached this milestone. Together, step by step, year by year, the food program grew… school scholarships were offered… a summer camp started… Na Rive became a Haitian nonprofit organization… and the Father Jeri School was built.
Today, over 700 students are enrolled and are learning that they are part of the next generation of leaders in Haiti. And over 5,000 meals will be served this week to children and families at the food program.
Rosie Luxama, a Program Team leader who has cooked and served meals since 2004, describes her experience this way:
“It is love that has brought us this far. This is a mission of the heart. The meals served are not only a source of nourishment, but also a symbol of hope and solidarity for families striving to build their lives. Beyond hunger relief, we foster hope, dignity, and community. Thank you to all of you who have supported us in this great circle of Love.”
This program has miraculously continued through all the countless challenges in Haiti … including a coup, a catastrophic earthquake, the heartbreaking passings of Father Jeri and Lavarice Gaudin, and years of political and economic turmoil. Na Rive has always found a way to keep serving their community.
“These are extremely difficult times in Haiti,” Rosie continues. “We are so thankful that Ti Plas Kazo continues to remain safe from the violence that is happening in other parts of Port-au-Prince.” She says that the community needs the food program now more than ever, as more and more displaced families are coming in search of help and hope.
The Haitian Children’s Food Program was started 25 years ago by a member of Wellington, Margaret Trost.
Margaret writes: “It’s only because of you and our partner in Haiti, Na Rive, that we’ve reached this milestone. Together, step by step, year by year, the food program grew… school scholarships were offered… a summer camp started… Na Rive became a Haitian nonprofit organization… and the Father Jeri School was built.
Today, over 700 students are enrolled and are learning that they are part of the next generation of leaders in Haiti. And over 5,000 meals will be served this week to children and families at the food program.
Rosie Luxama, a Program Team leader who has cooked and served meals since 2004, describes her experience this way:
“It is love that has brought us this far. This is a mission of the heart. The meals served are not only a source of nourishment, but also a symbol of hope and solidarity for families striving to build their lives. Beyond hunger relief, we foster hope, dignity, and community. Thank you to all of you who have supported us in this great circle of Love.”
This program has miraculously continued through all the countless challenges in Haiti … including a coup, a catastrophic earthquake, the heartbreaking passings of Father Jeri and Lavarice Gaudin, and years of political and economic turmoil. Na Rive has always found a way to keep serving their community.
“These are extremely difficult times in Haiti,” Rosie continues. “We are so thankful that Ti Plas Kazo continues to remain safe from the violence that is happening in other parts of Port-au-Prince.” She says that the community needs the food program now more than ever, as more and more displaced families are coming in search of help and hope.Hel
Honey Pot Performance is one of our building partners at 425 S. Central Park Avenue – and they have a full afternoon of fun planned for Juneteenth.
Claudette, Jim, Kryss, Donna, Ann-Louise & Shelby can all testify that last year’s inaugural event was great!
Book Club is
IN PERSON this month!
Saturday, June 20th at 10am
hosted at Karen Graham’s home
with special guest,
Karen Stockwell,
who will lead us through a discussion of her novel
Dreams of Darkness and Light.
We will also have a Zoom option so folks who are out of town can still join in!
Wow, your very own Church Administrator booked a gig at Steppenwolf Theatre! Come see Andrew and his weirdo collective Mocrep perform a newly devised piece for the theater’s LookOut Series, celebrating 10 years this summer! Performances run from June 25th – 27th at Steppenwolf’s black box theater.
Full details and tickets can be found HERE!
Some things to expect: the Narcissus myth, a Tammy Wynette song, drone music, talking mirrors, and maybe even a lil’ dance. 😉
Coffee Talk returns next month! Join your host, Dave Safeblade, on Wednesday morning to check in & chat.
Please MARK your Calendars for Saturday, July 11th to say NO the multi-billion dollar surveillance from Palestine to ICE, targeting Palestinians, migrants, and supporters. Join in solidarity with the Palestine West Bank Burin community to support their annual Kite Festival of resistance to the Israeli occupation of their land. Contact Chris Inserra to volunteer: cminserra@sbcglobal.net
4th of July Fireworks
on the rooftop of the Breakers
with Pat & Ray!
Congregational Life will be organizing us to celebrate in style once again! Let Claudette know if you can help organize refreshments.
Worship & Picnic in the Park
will take place on
Sunday, July 26th,
at our usual spot close to
the AIDS Garden Chicago &
Belmont Harbor.
Don’t miss this summer highlight!
We will enjoy every minute of summer…but when it draws to a close, there’s no better way to start the fall than with our All Church Retreat at Tower Hill Camp in Sawyer, MI.
Mark your calendar now for Friday evening, September 11 through Sunday lunch, September 13.
God’s grace leads us into the hope and prayer to continue to rise.
We Rise
Batya Levine
Touch the Earth Lightly
St. Mark’s Lutheran Winnipeg
Sometimes you just need a document!
Click below if you’re looking for:
- This Sunday’s BULLETIN
- The latest version of the CHURCH DIRECTORY (updated 6/1!)
- The approved CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES (May mtg)
- Buying something for church? Remember that it’s tax-exempt! CLICK HERE for a copy of the form.
- Need to be reimbursed for a church expense? Download a Wellington REIMBURSEMENT FORM and submit it to the Church Office!
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