Trinity Sunday 2020
From Bishop Scarfe
Even as protests and marches continue to happen around us, the seedlings of the demands of the protesters are beginning to spring up. There is a pronounced interest and attention being paid to legislative gatherings, sharpened by the grief, outrage and hurt which is being expressed and which rightly refuses to subside. Whether this is the debate on the anti-lynching amendment in Congress, or decisions on restoring voting rights for the incarcerated in Iowa, or anti-racial profiling in Des Moines, it is a flowering of a fruit that we are paying attention.
The Presiding Bishop wrote that, as Christians, we will be working against racism and for reconciliation long after the crowds have dispersed. For compassion for all God’s children and the work of restored relationships and upholding dignity and equality resides at the heart of our relationship with God. The apostle John made the observation that God is love. So how can you say that you love God whom you have not seen, yet not love your neighbor whom you have seen? The words of our faith and the deeds of our faith are being tested in this time. So where do we go from here? What do those of us who are white do? “Learn; listen and work (for justice, equality, opportunity for all)” are words I am hearing in answer to this question.
The impact of COVID-19 has exponentially impacted the lives and livelihoods of black families and individuals. But COVID-19 has also given the white population a “vantage point like no other.” This is the invitation of Dawn Turner, author and journalist, speaking on the PBS News Hour on Thursday, June 4th. Her words deserve and demand their full rendering.
“Many times, well-meaning white readers would ask me: what can I do? I want you to know that this pandemic has afforded you a vantage point like none other. This is your opportunity to know what people who live in poor communities face and feel every day, long before COVID.
I want you to remember what it feels like to stand in long lines to enter stores, because in poor black communities, some merchants, fearing theft from a few bad apples, have long restricted the number of people they allow in at one time.
And those plexiglass dividers that protect store workers now? Well, their bulletproof cousins have been mounted in stores in black communities for ages.
I want you to remember the knot of anxiety you feel wondering whether there will be enough eggs or meat or even toilet paper on store shelves. Poor people living in food deserts face scarcity all the time.
I want you to remember the unease of walking past boarded-up businesses and jogging down barren streets, because that is what poor black people who live in blighted communities experience every day. I want you to remember what it feels like to have to hole up in your house because the world outside beyond your door is dangerous and filled with people who could cost you your life.
I want you to remember what it feels like to lose your job, and not only to be stripped of vital income and all that entails, but of purpose, and those social connections that motivate and inspire us. I want you to remember how it feels to have to stand in line to ask for a handout and how you worry that people will ask you, how did you get yourself in this situation?
If you take nothing else away from this pandemic, I want you to remember how powerless and hopeless and disaffected this moment has rendered you. I want you to realize that, for poor black people, this is not a moment. If this pandemic offers even a smidgen of empathy, then maybe you understand why people might rise up and rage.”
In the peace and love of Christ,
+Alan
The Rt. Rev. Alan Scarfe, Bishop of Iowa
Wondering what you can do as a white person in this time?
Learn the history of racism in America. 2020 Vision for Becoming Beloved Community has suggestions for every month of the year to read, watch, or listen. It also prompts you to notice things in your own community and suggests ways to engage and reflect. Attend Dismantling Racism: Training for Church Leaders—soon to be offered online (look for dates and registration links in next week's email).
Listen to the stories and experiences of People of Color in your communities.As you are able, attend (virtually or in-person) places where those stories are being shared right now—rallies and protests, community meetings, online webinars and town halls, city council meetings, etc. Just listen.
Work for change in your communities. For example, in the area of policing there are some clear, data-driven policy changes that can be put in place through local, county, and state legislation that would limit police interventions, improve community interactions, and ensure accountability. Check out CampaignZero and #8cantwait. Join (or help build) a multi-racial coalition in your community, one that centers the leadership and experience of People of Color, and is focused on racial justice.
For more resources to support you as you learn, listen, and act visit: becomingbelovedcommunity.org
Diocesan Online Worship Continues
This Sunday, worship will be offered by New Song in Coralville at 10:00am and will be found online on the diocesan Facebook page, the diocesan Youtube channel , and will be available on the diocesan website . Call-in option for members who only have access to phones (participants on the phone will NOT be able to be heard but will be able to hear the service): 312 626 6799 and enter the Meeting ID as prompted: 365 765 527#
Wear Orange June 5-7
This year is the 6th National Gun Violence Awareness Day, on June 5th, organized by Everytown for Gun Safety and community partners across the country, to honor both those killed by gun violence and those who have survived it. This year, Everytown is holding virtual events across the country June 5-7 to raise awareness for gun violence prevention.
GILEAD Grant Applications Open Until July 15
Who Can Apply?
Congregations, worshipping communities, chapters, or individual members of the Diocese of Iowa may apply for GILEAD funds. Partnerships with non-Episcopal entities are welcome and encouraged, but an Episcopal entity must serve as the reporting agent and the project leader must be an Episcopalian who is a resident in the Diocese of Iowa.
Grants are available in these categories:
Beginning a New Worshipping Community
Beginning a New Ministry or Strengthening an Existing One
Liturgical Space Renewal
Support for Recently Ordained Clergy
Formation for Youth or Young Adults
Leadership Development
Evangelism
Expanding Tools & Technology
Changes, Cancellations and Postponements
As a result of the many shifts required in the Bishop's Visitation Schedule this spring due to the inability to gather in the midst of the pandemic, Bishop Scarfe wants congregations to anticipate a re-working of the schedule as it has been previously arranged. A separate communication to congregations will be forthcoming to reflect those pending changes.
Summer Ministry School and Retreat will not happen this year. Due to COVID quarantine and safety concerns, Grinnell College will not be hosting events in June. Both SMSR and the Small Church Summit that was to be at the same place and time have been re-scheduled for June 25-27, 2021.
EPIC Summer Camp is Changing to Online. Read More