When faced with difficult questions like these, United Methodists have historically relied on listening to one another as a means of hearing God speak and call us to action. Joining with members of a Sunday School class, small group, or getting together over coffee to wrestle together with big questions can open our hearts and lives to the work of the Holy Spirit.
The United Methodist Book of Discipline contains the Social Principles, which are a prayerful and thoughtful effort of the General Conference to speak to the issues in the contemporary world from a sound biblical and theological foundation. Although the "War and Military Service" section states, "The church deplores war and all other forms of violent conflict and urges the peaceful settlement of all disputes," it also acknowledges that United Methodists are not in agreement about the use of force. Thankfully, we have one another to help us hear God speaking to our hearts. Honest and respectful conversations among people of faith are a means of grace that allows the Holy Spirit to touch our hearts through the words of others.To help you facilitate such a conversation, here are some questions to consider:
“We urge our policymakers and leaders to support the War
Powers Resolution and put an end to the United States’ attacks on Iran. We must
pursue alternative routes toward peace, including the active involvement of
women in peace negotiations. Violence cannot be the path forward.
These attacks have already resulted in the deaths of U.S.
citizens as well as many hundreds of innocent people in Iran. Reports confirm
that the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school was struck during the bombing
campaign, killing more than 165 schoolgirls and staff. Reports also point to
indiscriminate destruction of civilian infrastructure, including damage to
desalination facilities that communities rely on for access to clean water.
Such devastation is senseless and horrifying, and we will not remain silent amid
these grave injustices.
“We mourn and pray for these children and their families,
and for all civilians who have been killed or displaced by these attacks. As an
organization dedicated to the well-being of women, children, and youth, we call
on the United States to end the bombing. Innocent people, especially women and
children, bear the heaviest burden in times of war. They are most likely to be
displaced, to suffer gender-based violence, and to be exploited.
“War also carries profound environmental consequences.
Military conflict is a significant source of climate pollution and
environmental degradation. The energy demands and destruction associated with
war reinforce the urgent need to accelerate a just transition to renewable
energy.
“We will not stop advocating for a just and lasting peace.”
United Women in Faith is the largest denominational organization for women in the United States.
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| The communion table at Buckfast Abbey. |
Call to Worship – Psalm 24:3-6 (CEB)
Who can ascend the LORD’s mountain? Who can stand in God’s holy sanctuary? Only the one with clean hands and a pure heart; the one who hasn’t made false promises, the one who hasn’t sworn dishonestly. That kind of person receives blessings from the LORD and righteousness from the God who saves. And that’s how things are with the generation that seeks God—that seeks the face of Jacob’s God.
Hymn: “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us,” #381
Prayer: May God, who comes to us in the things of this world, bless your eyes and be in your seeing. May Christ, who looks upon you with deepest love, bless your eyes and widen your gaze. May the Spirit, who perceives what is and what may yet be, bless your eyes and sharpen your vision. May the Sacred Three bless your eyes and cause you to see. Amen. – © Jan L. Richardson.
Gloria Patri: #70
Pastoral Prayer & Lord’s Prayer
Gospel Lesson: Matthew 26:20-25
Hymn: “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross,” #301
Gospel Lesson: John 12:1-8
Sermon: “A Traitor in Our Midst”
Hymn: “Beneath the Cross of Jesus,” #297
Please visit this blog tomorrow morning to see the bulletin with links to the hymns and scripture readings.
