East Central IL District, NASW-IL Honorees

Wesley's Christian Social Action Ministry extends congratulations to Jeff Scott, member and former chairperson of CSAM, for recognition as the NASW IL Chapter East Central District Social Worker of the Year for 2010 and to Donna Camp, director of the Wesley Evening Food Pantry, for recognition as the NASW IL Chapter East Central District Citizen of the Year for 2010. They will be honored on March 23 along with Lifetime Achievement Award winner Carol Weissman-Acord, Co-founder of Circle of Friends Adult Day Center & Geriatric Consultants and Care Manages, Inc.

Conceptualizing Creation and Human Participation in God's Creating Works

People continue to come together to articulate a vision of creation and humanity's relationship to it in response to the effects of climate change and the harm wrought by humans upon the planet. A few examples stood out to those present at the Lenten Lentils study yesterday.

The first is the United Methodist Church's position on the environment as stated in its social principles.

160 All creation is the Lord's, and we are responsible for the ways we use and abuse it. Water, air, soil, minerals, energy resources, plants, animal life, and space are to be valued and conserved because they are God's creation and not solely because they are useful to human beings. God has granted us stewardship of creation. We should meet these stewardship duties through acts of loving care and respect. Economic, political, social, and technological developments have increased our human numbers, and lengthened and enriched our lives. However, these developments have led to regional defoliation, dramatic extinction of species, massive human suffering, overpopulation, and misuse and overconsumption of natural and nonrenewable resources, particularly by industrialized societies. This continued course of action jeopardizes the natural heritage that God has entrusted to all generations. Therefore, let us recognize the responsibility of the church and its members to place a high priority on changes in economic, political, social, and technological lifestyles to support a more ecologically equitable and sustainable world leading to a higher quality of life for all of God's creation.

Recently the Council of Bishops of the UMC released a pastoral letter, "God’s Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action" and launched an accompanying web site.

The development of “God’s Renewed Creation” reflects the purpose of The United Methodist Church to “Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World.” We know the world is being transformed and we seek to cooperate with God’s renewing Spirit, especially through our denomination’s Four Areas of Focus: (1) developing principled Christian leaders for the church and the world, (2) creating new places for new people and renewing existing congregations, (3) engaging in ministry with the poor, and (4) stamping out the killer diseases of poverty. Focusing on these four areas will shape our discipleship such that those who seek God will see an image in our behavior that is inviting, encouraging, healing, and inspiring. This project, “God’s Renewed Creation,” furthers these goals.

The Earth Charter Secretariat, Earth Charter Commission members, National Committees, partner organizations and many other groups, organized consultations focused on the ideas and principles to be included in the Earth Charter. These meetings took place over a five-year period from 1995 to 2000. The preamble of the Earth Charter reads:

We stand at a critical moment in Earth's history, a time when humanity must choose its future. As the world becomes increasingly interdependent and fragile, the future at once holds great peril and great promise. To move forward we must recognize that in the midst of a magnificent diversity of cultures and life forms we are one human family and one Earth community with a common destiny. We must join together to bring forth a sustainable global society founded on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice, and a culture of peace. Towards this end, it is imperative that we, the peoples of Earth, declare our responsibility to one another, to the greater community of life, and to future generations.

Earth, Our Home

Humanity is part of a vast evolving universe. Earth, our home, is alive with a unique community of life. The forces of nature make existence a demanding and uncertain adventure, but Earth has provided the conditions essential to life's evolution. The resilience of the community of life and the well-being of humanity depend upon preserving a healthy biosphere with all its ecological systems, a rich variety of plants and animals, fertile soils, pure waters, and clean air. The global environment with its finite resources is a common concern of all peoples. The protection of Earth's vitality, diversity, and beauty is a sacred trust.

The Global Situation

The dominant patterns of production and consumption are causing environmental devastation, the depletion of resources, and a massive extinction of species. Communities are being undermined. The benefits of development are not shared equitably and the gap between rich and poor is widening. Injustice, poverty, ignorance, and violent conflict are widespread and the cause of great suffering. An unprecedented rise in human population has overburdened ecological and social systems. The foundations of global security are threatened. These trends are perilous—but not inevitable.

The Challenges Ahead

The choice is ours: form a global partnership to care for Earth and one another or risk the destruction of ourselves and the diversity of life. Fundamental changes are needed in our values, institutions, and ways of living. We must realize that when basic needs have been met, human development is primarily about being more, not having more. We have the knowledge and technology to provide for all and to reduce our impacts on the environment. The emergence of a global civil society is creating new opportunities to build a democratic and humane world. Our environmental, economic, political, social, and spiritual challenges are interconnected, and together we can forge inclusive solutions.

Universal Responsibility

To realize these aspirations, we must decide to live with a sense of universal responsibility, identifying ourselves with the whole Earth community as well as our local communities. We are at once citizens of different nations and of one world in which the local and global are linked. Everyone shares responsibility for the present and future well-being of the human family and the larger living world. The spirit of human solidarity and kinship with all life is strengthened when we live with reverence for the mystery of being, gratitude for the gift of life, and humility regarding the human place in nature.

We urgently need a shared vision of basic values to provide an ethical foundation for the emerging world community. Therefore, together in hope we affirm the following interdependent principles for a sustainable way of life as a common standard by which the conduct of all individuals, organizations, businesses, governments, and transnational institutions is to be guided and assessed.

WASH For Lent Devotion

Check out WASH for Lent's devotion for the first Sunday of Lent.

Lenten Lentils: Melting Ice: Climate Change and the Humanities

Carolyn Merchant is the Chancellor's professor of Environmental History, Philosophy, and Ethics in the Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management at the University of California, Berkeley. She spoke at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on February 22. These are notable pieces from that lecture.

Status

• Kyoto set aggressive goals, but did not have the support of the United States and Australia. Progress has been halted in recent months; however, Merchant believes that political will to address climate change is proportional to economic strength.
• The world has already experienced extensive environmental damage resulting from climate change: rising ocean temperatures, causing extensive bleaching of coral reefs; greater flooding; higher worldwide temperatures; and we are closer to creating the fabled northern shipping route.
• An example of coral bleaching: in Papua New Guinea reef fish communities were greatly impacted by coral loss due to ocean warming and sedimentation run-off from the conversion of forest to oil palm plantations.
• Polls Merchant quoted indicate a broad supermajority exists in support of action to mitigate the dangers of climate change with a spike after the release of An Inconvenient Truth.
• Glacier National Park is at risk, for it is losing its glaciers.

Climate Ethics

The Humanities can respond to the climate change crisis by developing ethics systems. Merchant believes that an ethics system must address:

• The impact of climate change upon socio-economic groups
• Actions taken to mitigate climate change are ethically grounded
• Contextually nuanced to account for differences in carbon needs (e.g., many communities’ greater carbon footprint is in the use wood to cook)
• The need to create a global governance structure to share responsibility for the atmosphere

How might the church (universal), the United Methodist Church, and Wesley particularly be part of the conversation about Climate Ethics?

Climate Justice

Merchant defines justice as “ethics on the ground”. She sees tensions between a utilitarian (needs of the many) and rights based (individual) approach to the question. Environmental hazards adversely and disproportionately impact persons in poverty, necessitating direct involvement of marginalized people in the conversation. Exacerbating the problem is the deep gap between wealthy and impoverished residents in the United States compared to other industrialized nations. A higher percentage of people in poverty live near toxic sites, spend a higher percentage of income on food, are susceptible to diseases caused by toxins, and do not have health insurance. Native populations—arctic native and native American populations—are burdened by the impact of climate change (e.g., shoreline dropping off into the ocean and the loss of spiritually acceptable water). Finally, the humanities should develop a justice centered on the common good that addresses species and habitat loss.

How might the church (universal), the United Methodist Church, and Wesley particularly be part of the conversation about Climate Justice?

Climate Change and the Arts

Perceptions are often developed through exposure to artistic expressions. Many artistic pieces relating to climate change challenge the notion that humanity is set apart from, more important than and at the center of creation. Examples include the Cape Farewell Project, the “Ice Car”, landscape art, and romantic poets and writers.

How can the church (universal), the United Methodist Church, and Wesley particularly use the arts to deliver a message about Climate Change?

Climate Change and Religion

Religious denominations have organizations that address the climate change crisis. Furthermore, interfaith and ecumenical groups are forming to mitigate climate change. The National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America (NCCCUSA) is a partner in stopglobalwarming.orgSome of the work is being done on a local level; for example, Green Faith in New Jersey is working to put solar panels on houses of faith.

Religions play a role in how people conceptualize creation, humanity’s role and responsibility within creation, and formation of ecological ethics.

How might the church (universal), the United Methodist Church, and Wesley particularly address Climate Change crisis? What graces and gifts—that is, what tools are in our toolkit—equip us for this endeavor?

Final Notes

Merchant envisions hope for the environment through eradication of class differences, by developing a framework through which humanity and creation are mutually interdependent actors, using responsible sustainable development practices that are culturally critiqued, and by creating bio-regional communities. Merchant encourages us to “listen” through our senses in creating a dialogue with nature.

Ecology at Ten Thousand Doors

The United Methodist Church site Ten Thousand Doors has information on ecological justice. This offers information and ideas for action steps.

Devotion: Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of the 40 day journey of Lent. We start off this season with a reflection on water. Today's devotion comes from WASH for Lent. Wondering how you can contribute to our water and sanitation concerns? As with many other justice concerns, there is an Advance for that.

Lenten Lentils

Wesley will host a seven week study with topics revolving around climate change and sustainability. "Lenten Lentils" will meet each Wednesday evening at 6:00 pm (5:30 pm on Ash Wednesday immediately before the Ash Wednesday service) in Wesley's Etc Coffeehouse for a meal and conversation. Attendees are welcome to sign up to bring a side for the meal. The topics covered are listed in the schedule below.

• Ash Wednesday
  02/17/2010 5:30pm - Introduction to the study
  The main dish is Lentil Pate with crackers & vegetables. Bread will also be provided.
  02/17/2010 6:00pm - Ash Wednesday Service (Sanctuary)
  02/17/2010 7:00pm - Food Pantry Setup
• “Melting Ice: Climate Change and the Humanities”
  02/22/2010 7:30pm - Lecture at the UIUC Levis Faculty Center, Third Floor
  02/24/2010 6:00pm - Discussion of the lecture
  The main dish is Lentil & Sausage Soup. Those who would like to bring side dishes are welcome to sign up on the CSAM bulletin board or by emailing Anthony. Sides may include fruit, bread, and a dessert.
• “Food, Inc.”
  03/03/2010 6:00pm - View and Discuss the Film, “Food, Inc.”
  The main dish is Lentil Apricot Soup (Armenian style). Those who would like to bring side dishes are welcome to sign up on the CSAM bulletin board or by emailing Anthony. Fruit, tossed salad (or vegetables), and bread would nicely complete the meal.
• “Slow Violence and the Drama Deficit of Climate Change”
  03/09/2010 7:30pm - Lecture at the UIUC Levis Faculty Center, Third Floor
  03/10/2010 6:00pm - Discussion of the Lecture
  The main dish is Lentil Tacos. Those who would like to bring side dishes are welcome to sign up on the CSAM bulletin board or by emailing Anthony. Good sides to share would include fruit and toppings for the tacos (e.g., shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, avocado, black olives, salsa, and cheese).
• "The Earth Fights Back"
  03/17/2010 6:00pm - Discussion of chapter 5 of the book Sins of Scripture: Exposing the Bible's Texts of Hate to Reveal the God of Love by John Shelby Spong
  The main dish is Creamy Lentil Soup with Carmelized Onion. Those who would like to bring side dishes are welcome to sign up on the CSAM bulletin board or to contact Anthony. Good sides to share would include fruit, bread, and vegetables.
• "Bad Theology Creates Bad Ecology"
  03/24/2010 6:00pm - Discussion of chapter 6 of the book Sins of Scripture: Exposing the Bible's Texts of Hate to Reveal the God of Love by John Shelby Spong
  The main dish is Red Lentil, Sweet Potato & Curry Soup. Those who would like to bring side dishes are welcome to sign up on the CSAM bulletin board or to contact Anthony. Good sides to share would include fruit and bread.
• "Global Warming"
  03/31/2010 6:00pm - Discussion of chapter 7 of the book Resistance: The New Role of Progressive Christians
  The main dishes are Lentil & Hazelnut Patties ("burgers"), Barbecue Lentils, and Lentil Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Those who would like to bring side dishes are welcome to sign up on the CSAM bulletin board or to contact Anthony. Good sides to share would include fruit and toppings for the sandwiches (e.g., mayo, catsup, mustard, lettuce, onion, cheese).

Stewardship of Creation: Where to Begin?

As we approach Lent, let us consider a dimension of spiritual disciplines that makes use of humanity's role as co-creator with God. As you discern what spiritual disciplines you wish to incorporate into your life in this stewardship capacity, it may be to see how your actions impact the world. American Public Media offers an interactive resource, Consumer Consequences, that can help you start the Lenten journey.

Preview of Lenten Activities

Everyday we make personal, communal, and national choices that affect the environment and ecological diversity of our world. Nearly every climate scientist believes humans are causing climate change. This Lent you will be invited to post on the Christian Social Action Ministry bulletin board actions or practices that negatively impact the environment that you plan to give up for Lent and actions or practices that positively impact the environment that you plan to take up for Lent. In tandem with these exercises, Wesley will offer opportunities to gather for lentils and conversation about the environment and our impact upon it. More information about this study, “Lenten Lentils”, will be provided as Lent approaches.

2009 Giving

In addition to the Wesley Evening Food Pantry and seasonal special offerings, Wesley’s generous giving has reached into the community and around the world to address education, poverty, and violence through contributions to the following organizations and UM Advances.

• Connie Wieck, a United Methodist missionary teaching English as a Second Language at Luzhou Vocational College in China
• Cunningham Children's Home
• Empty Tomb
• Henderson Settlement in Kentucky
• Oklahoma Indians (pastoral support)
• World Hunger/Poverty Advance (UMC General Board on Global Ministries)
• A Woman's Fund
• Center for Women in Transition
• Council of Congregations
• Daily Bread Soup Kitchen
• Eastern IL Food Bank
• Restoration Urban Ministry
• Safe House
• Wesley Foundation Service Projects
• Champaign County Health Care Consumers
• Champaign-Urbana Interfaith Alliance
• Illinois Great Rivers Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action

CSAM will be highlighting these organizations and their missions throughout 2010.

Update: Interfaith Immigration Reform

Wesley collected postcards—some from members’ relatives as far away as Alabama—over the holidays lobbying our congressional delegations for comprehensive immigration reform. All collected postcards were sent to the General Board on Church and Society of the United Methodist Church, where they will be combined with postcards from faith communities from many religious traditions. The Interfaith Immigration Coalition plans to hold a press conference in the middle of the month in hopes to bring media awareness to the widespread support for reform from faithful Americans from across the country.

Call for Just, Compassionate Immigration Reform

A couple years ago, legislation for immigration reform failed to pass in Congress. Since then people of many faiths have prayed that our broken immigration system might be healed.

Secretary Napolitano recently indicated that in early 2010 she will push for comprehensive immigration reform. Meaningful, comprehensive immigration reform is only achievable if it is compassionate and just. It must recognize that all people are of equal sacred worth. It must recognize the value of family. Our current system has created broken homes and broken families torn apart by distance. Representative Mike Honda recognizes these realities and has proposed changes that would move in this direction.

We can bring awareness to our congressional delegation of this important social issue by joining thousands of people of faith in sending them postcards. There are three simple steps to making this happen.

1. Get three postcards from Wesley. They were distributed at worship today. Remaining postcards are in the center office.
2. Add a personal message and sign each postcard. Address them to your U.S. senators and representative. If you are registered to vote in this district, then your congressional delegation is composed of:
   If you are registered to vote in this district, your congressional delegation is composed of
   • Sen. Roland Burris
     387 Russell Senate Office Building
     District of Columbia 20510-1305
   • Sen. Richard Durbin
     309 Hart Senate Office Building
     District of Columbia 20510-1304
   • Rep. Timothy Johnson
     1207 Longworth House Office Building
     District of Columbia 20515-1315
3. Return them to Wesley by December 20. We will send them to Interfaith Immigration Coalition, who will send a united collective voice to Congress.

Christmas Postcard Campaign

Wesley UMC is joining the UMC's General Board on Church and Society (GBCS), the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), and many others in an interfaith plea for comprehensive immigration reform sponsored by the Interfaith Immigration Coalition. The coalition supports:

1. Uphold family unity as a priority of all immigration policies
2. Create a process for undocumented immigrants to earn their legal status and eventual citizenship
3. Protect all workers and provide efficient channels of entry for new migrant workers
4. Facilitate immigrant integration
5. Restore due process protections and reform detention policies
6. Align the enforcement of immigration laws with humanitarian values

You can participate in the postcard campaign by filling out 3 postcards--one for each member of your congressional delegation--distributed in worship December 6, and returning them to CSAM by Dec. 20 through the offering plate or the collection point in the center office. Once sent to the Coalition, they will be combined with the other participants' voices to send a concentrated, collective call to action on immigration reform.

Spiritually-Centered Christmas Shopping

The family Thanksgiving feast is not yet a memory and already Christmas is on retailers' minds. Before running to the stores on an early shopping spree, consider saving some shopping for the Methodist Advent Fair Trade Agreement (MAFTA) Market, CSAM's annual fair trade market at Wesley UMC, Urbana. Items from 10,000 Villages, Heifer, Equal Exchange, and Susan Garner will be available on December 6 in the morning during coffee hour, after the second service, and in the evening during hanging of the greens.

You may also consider a couple other alternative shopping practices. First, shop at a craft market or on web sites like Etsy.com through which you can support creative individuals in an online craft market. If you were inspired by Jeff Hanson's story, then you may want to also check out his web site. Second, bless strangers as well as those closest to you. For example, for every $1 spent on Christmas presents, also spend $1 toward a charitable cause (an idea Pastor Howard shared with me).

Please join me in taking a justice-filled, spiritually disciplined approach to Christmas giving this holiday season. If you have ideas you would like to share, please leave them in the comments section below.

May this Advent be a time of creative preparation so that Christ will be felt present by all this Christmastide and the year to come.

Extravagant Generosity

My dad told me about a month-long book study on personal finance started at his church based on Rev. Adam Hamilton's book, Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity. Intrigued, I picked up a copy. The book is a crucial conversation on what the Bible might have to say to us, Christians in the U.S., and it challenges us to become extravagant in blessing others.

Rev. Hamilton shared several statistics, many you likely heard in a sermon recently. He shared ways that we as a nation have strayed from generosity to credit and consumerism. I felt convicted, but also gained some wisdom, even inspiration. Of the many stories shared in the book, the most inspiring centers on Jeff Hanson, a 15 year old student with neurofibromatosis attending KS School for the Blind.

“Jeff bakes and paints, sells his creations, and donates the money [$15,000 at book's writing] to the Children's Tumor Foundation,” writes Hamilton. When his wish to meet Elton John came true (made possible by Make a Wish Foundation while he was undergoing chemo), Jeff, age 12 at the time, handed Elton John $1,000 for Elton John's AIDS Foundation. Elton John later reciprocated with $5,000 check for the Tumor Foundation. Interested in hearing more about Jeff's story, Elton John flew Jeff and his family to Dubai for a concert.

Extravagant generosity opens doors to share the love of God in the world. This Advent, may we prayerfully ask how we are called to bless others as Jeff has with his gifts and graces.

Stand in Solidarity with the Graduate Employees' Organization

On November 2, 2009, the Christian Social Action Ministry pledged solidarity with the Graduate Employees' Organization.

The United Methodist Church has historic roots in support of the working class and has taken a strong stand in favor of workers through its social principles.

With respect to unions, the United Methodist Church supports "the right of public and private (including farm, government, institutional, and domestic) employees and employers to organize for collective bargaining into unions and other groups of their own choosing. Further, we support the right of both parties to protection in so doing and their responsibility to bargain in good faith within the framework of the public interest. In order that the rights of all members of the society may be maintained and promoted, we support innovative bargaining procedures that include representatives of the public interest in negotiation and settlement of labor-management contracts, including some that may lead to forms of judicial resolution of issues. We reject the use of violence by either party during collective bargaining or any labor/management disagreement. We likewise reject the permanent replacement of a worker who engages in a lawful strike."

With respect to the rights of workers, the United Methodist Church believes, "Every person has the right to a job at a living wage. ... We support social measures that ensure the physical and mental safety of workers, that provide for the equitable division of products and services, and that encourage an increasing freedom in the way individuals may use their leisure time."

In recognition and affirmation of the United Methodist Church's support for workers' rights, the Christian Social Action Ministry of Wesley United Methodist Church stands in solidarity with the Graduate Employees' Organization.

THE GRADUATE EMPLOYEES’ ORGANIZATION
ALLIED GROUPS STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY

The Wesley United Methodist Church Christian Social Action Ministry stands in solidarity with members of the Graduate Employees' Organization (GEO), AFT/IFT, Local 6300 in their efforts to secure a fair contract through negotiation with the University of Illinois administration. We believe that all campus workers deserve a Living Wage and, therefore, support the GEO's request that the minimum stipend be raised from $13,430 to $16,086. We also believe that one responsibility of the public higher education system is to ensure accessibility to all. We therefore support the GEO's request for tuition waivers to be guaranteed as a condition of employment. Accordingly, we urge the University’s Administration and the Board of Trustees to bargain in good faith and in the best interests of graduate employees and the University as a whole.

Organization: Wesley UMC Christian Social Action Ministry
Date: Monday, November 2, 2009

This Thursday from noon to 1:00pm, you have the opportunity to join CSAM in standing in solidarity with the GEO, which recently authorized to strike. Graduate students, undergraduates, faculty, campus workers, and community members are invited to join in a rally of solidarity with the Graduate Employees' Organization. Everyone will meet at the Quad side of the Illini Union, march to Swanlund Administration Bldg.

Inclusive and Available Health Care

Editor's Note: This is an expanded article published in the Spire in late September 2009.

Embedded in the Global Board of Church and Society principles for a just health care system—especially “inclusive” and “available”—is a commitment to the universal availability of insurance and care.

Young adults (40% of uninsured), the working poor (66% of uninsured), and immigrants (21% of uninsured, legal and illegal) are the most physically and financially vulnerable in our health care system.

It is a misconception, however, to assume young adults are healthy individuals who believe themselves invincible; rather, statistics show that the uninsured tend to be less healthy than those with health insurance. Those without health insurance receive less care, are less likely to see a doctor, and more likely to receive diagnoses of diseases in their late stages.

A thread through the Hebrew Bible is a call for a communal commitment to the most vulnerable in society. While I believe there are dangers in accepting a given Levitical commandment as a universal moral imperative, a thread of biblical references contend that citizens and immigrants alike should have the same expectations and protections with respect to ethical laws and humanitarian rights and aid (Lev. 19.33-34).

According to the National Coalition on Health Care report, there are adverse communal consequences to allowing a percentage of the population to be uninsured.

"First, family members, neighbors, and colleagues at work are adversely affected by the incapacities that befall the uninsured. Second, as the number … increases, so does the cost-shifting for uncompensated care built into the insurance premiums of those who purchase coverage. Third, the high incidence of uninsurance generates losses throughout the economy…. (“Building a Better Health Care System”, 9)"

We find from our tradition solid reasons to extend quality care to all. Let us see Christ in all and extend care to all (Matthew 25.44). The question remains, "So say we all?"

Bibliography

1. "Building a Better Health Care System" (PDF), National Coalition on Health Care
2. The 'Real' Uninsured, FactCheck.org

Your Prayers for Health Care

46 million Americans do not have health insurance, and 15 million more are underinsured. Our faith tells us that which harms a few affects the whole. As we continue the conversation about health care reform, the Christian Social Action Ministry would like to hear your questions, concerns, even stories regarding the state of health care in our country, the ways you see it working, and the ways you see it in need of change. You may comment below and comment here or you may drop it off in the CSAM mailbox in the center office by 6pm Thursday, September 24. Thanks for your participation in CSAM's continuing conversation on health care reform.

Health Care As a Human Right?

Kevin, a NC Christian chaplain blogger, has posted his thoughts on health care reform.

He addresses a simple truth: if we as a society believed health care is a human right, then such a claim by anyone in our current discourse on health care reform would be a moot point.

I believe most United Methodists and, indeed, most Americans would find the claim to be a moot point under certain conditions. Time and time again, I witness people respond with open hearts and all the gifts at their disposal to offer aid to people who have experienced calamity--from a friend who needs care or financial assistance after a life-threatening car crash to a stranger who is one of many who survived a flood.

Yet often the struggle for this seemingly moot point comes when individual strangers are hit by calamity or when there is no calamity--when preventative care is necessary. Do we believe these times are just as worthy of our concern for another's health and well being? Can we say unequivocally in unison with the United Methodist social principle that health care is a human right? Should all have equal access to the same quality care regardless of who you are or the possessions you have?

In a future post, we will delve into this question at greater length.

UMC of the Resurrection's Health Care Forum

On August 25, United Methodist Church of the Resurrection (Leawood, KS) held a forum on health care. Their web site provides video and audio of that conversation. The audio has been enclosed in this entry for your listening convenience.

More links to information about health care and its reform can be found on the right column of this blog.

Help Stop Hunger

A Service Opportunity for Students

Hunger is a pressing problem in the world and in our local community. Make a real difference.

1. Come by the Etc. Coffeehouse at Wesley Sunday, September 6 between 12:30 and 2:30pm and help us make 10000 Crosses.
2. Help us at our display on the Quad this Wednesday, September 9 (First 20 volunteers get T-shirts.)
   8-9a Setup the crosses on the Quad out in front of Lincoln Hall. Everyone is welcome to come plant the crosses.
   9-11a Host Table
   11a-1p Host Table
   1-3p Host Table
   3-5p Host Table
   4 Clean up

A number of Campus Ministries across the state of Illinois will be setting up displays on campus' highlighting how many persons die of hunger every day. Approximately 25,000 persons die of hunger and hunger related causes every day (Source: The State of Food Insecurity in the World, FAO). We will have a display set up on the quad with 9,000 little tombs (popsicle stick crosses, stars and crescents) representing the number of persons who died "Last Night as you were Sleeping." The goal of the display is three fold:

1. To raise awareness about the extent of hunger in the World, in the United States and in Champaign County.
2. To "Rethink" the root causes of hunger primarily war (international) and financial distress (US, often brought on by sudden job loss or medical crises.)
3. Invite students, faculty and staff to make positive steps to alleviate hunger.

We will be passing out fliers that on one side will share statistical information about hunger and its causes and on the other side will suggest practical steps that persons can take to make a real difference.

Still working on the list but it will be something like:

• Write your congressman or representative to support "The Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004" that will be up for renewal this coming session of congress AND sign up on Feeding America http://www.hungeractioncenter.org to support future hunger initiatives. Find your representatives at congress.org!
• Sponsor a child through an agency. Such as World Vision, Compassion International or Holt Child Services.
• Help at a local food pantry with contact information for Salt and Light, TIMES Center and Wesley Food Pantry.
• Volunteer information will be available for the Wesley Foundation Food Pantry on the 3rd Thursday each month (It's right on campus and serving over 1000 persons each month.
• Create a fund raiser to support a Food Pantry or Soup Kitchen.
• Or Volunteer or attend the Haunted House for Wesley Food Pantry
• MULTIPLY YOUR EFFECTIVENESS. AFTER YOU CHOOSE TO HELP IN SOME WAY RECRUIT AT LEAST TWO OTHER PERSONS TO HELP.

The list is still in process but I want real hands on things that students can commit to.

Conversations on Health Care Reform

The Christian Social Action Ministry (CSAM) has been following the public debate on health care reform. A few things are clear at this juncture. First, there is an immediate need for comprehensive health care reform. The United Methodist Social Principles state that “We believe Health Care is a basic human right. (¶162.V)” Yet, around 46 million Americans have no health insurance, limiting access to health care. Another 6-7 million are expected to lose coverage because of the recession. 18,000 people needlessly die each year because they do not have adequate access to health care.¹ Attuned to the present circumstances, the UMC General Board on Church and Society envisions a health care system that is:

• INCLUSIVE: Health care is a right and a shared responsibility that is grounded in our common humanity.
• AVAILABLE: Health care must contribute to the common good by being available to everyone, especially those who cannot afford it.
• ACCESSIBLE: All persons should have access to health services that provide necessary care and contribute to wellness.
• ACCOUNTABLE: Our health care system must be accountable, offering a quality, equitable and sustainable means of keeping us healthy as individuals and as a community.

Second, health care is a vast, complex subject that cannot be boiled down into a sound bite. Third, public statements that inaccurately represent the current state of health care and proposals for its reform cause confusion and inhibit citizens from making sound, educated opinions about health care reform, which in turn affects citizens’ lobby of their congressional delegation.

In light of these realities, CSAM plans to have an ongoing dialogue on health care reform. CSAM is sponsoring a community meeting on health care reform hosted by Champaign County Health Care Consumers to be held at the Champaign Public Library on Thursday, September 10 at 6:30pm. All are welcome to attend. Those from Wesley who attend are invited to meet for a discussion in the library’s coffee shop immediately after the meeting.

CSAM will host a subsequent panel discussion at Wesley to see health care reform through a variety of lenses, including care givers, theological perspectives, and social workers. More details about the meeting are forthcoming. You can stay updated on our conversation about health care reform and other CSAM concerns here on our revamped blog.

Journey toward Peace with Justice

The Christian Social Action Ministry (CSAM) provides opportunities for the congregation to join God as co-creators of a world of peace with justice, brought to life in our imaginations by the prophets in our scriptures and tradition.

Last spring, Wesley United Methodist Church and Foundation at UIUC completed its pilgrimage to Jerusalem and beyond. As United Methodists, we are mindful that we ought to make a lifelong pilgrimage toward a new creation, personally and globally. This blog follows the continuing pilgrimage for peace and justice. We are glad to have you along with us.