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On November 19^th, agencies, organizations, and individuals will join together in taking action to fight Wage Theft. Some will join in delegations to unethical employers, while others will participate in demonstrations and other actions to raise awareness and support for those who have had wages stolen.

If interested in joining in the National Day of Action or more information on the National Day of Action, please contact Cara Gold at cgold@iwj.org or (773)728-8400 x 34.

Click here for more information on local actions around the nation >>

From Kim Bobo, Interfaith Worker Justice:

According to a National Employment Law Project study of more than 4,000 low-wage workers, the average worker had $51 stolen out of average weekly earnings of $399 or 15 percent of his or her pay. That's money that could have bought a turkey and sides. 

We know wage theft hurts workers and their families. I'm sure we all agree that like any crime, wage theft is a problem which must be solved.

On November 19, my colleagues and I will join wage theft victims as they share their stories before religious leaders, politicians and members of the press who will gather in Washington D.C. and 30 cities around the country for the National Day of Action to Stop Wage Theft.

Here are some of the things we're asking Congress, the Department of Labor, workers advocates, and the business community to do to stop wage theft: 

If you're working with non-profit organizations for peace and justice, you might fine this helpful:

Got board? Finding and keeping a good board is a daunting task for any organization, although most nonprofit managers would agree that a good board can be of incalculable value.

Is there a magic formula?

There’s no magic, but in her book The Truth About What Nonprofit Boards Want: The Nine Little Things That Matter Most, June Bradham, founder and president of consulting firm Corporate DevelopMint and someone who has spent years interviewing board members and managers, insist that full engagement by board members is crucial.

Further, such engagement can only come about if the goals and needs of board members, administrative leaders, staff and those served by the nonprofit are in alignment.

To get that alignment, Bradham says that the following are absolute musts:

 •          Written criteria for board membership and a job description for an A-plus board.

•          Board members who are painstakingly chosen for their wisdom and passion for the mission, not necessarily to fill a particular skill set.

•          A board composed of a diversity of opinions and backgrounds as long as all members can make a solid impact on board work.

•          Active individuals who use their networks and contacts to stimulate funding security and awareness.

•          Defined measurement of performance against their personal satisfaction of engagement.

•          The means to support the organization financially.

The Non-Profit Times  

Thanks to John Jackson’s Everything Is Connected

More Children’s Prayers and Questions

Six-year old Angie and her four-year old brother Joel were sitting together in church. Joel giggled, sang and talked out loud.

Finally, his big sister had had enough.

“You’re not supposed to talk out loud in church.”

“Why? Who’s going to stop me?” Joel asked.

The Rev. Dr. John Mann, a pastor of the Church of Scotland in Glasgow, formerly of the PC(USA), has recommended an article in The Times (United Kingdom) which discusses the recent GA PJC rulings on the cases of Paul Capetz and Lisa Larges, and how they relate to the Church of Scotland.

The second paragraph of the article says:

A ruling last week by the High Court of the Presbyterian Church of the United States (PCUSA), cleared the way for a lesbian and a gay man, Lisa Larges and Paul Capetz, to be appointed as ministers. Though the verdict will have no direct bearing on ecclesiastical law in Scotland, it will reverberate through Presbyteries from Moray to Melrose.

Your WebWeaver especially likes the Scots translation of “GA PJC” into “High Court.”  Should the revision of our Book of Order include that?

The Rev Lindsay Biddle, a minister with the PC(USA) and spouse of John Mann, also serving in Glasgow, is quoted at the end of the article as saying:

Scott Rennie [a divorced minister of the Church of Scotland who lives with his partner, David, and was recently called to as church in Aberdeen, a move which aroused great opposition by conservatives], Paul Capetz and Lisa Larges, and many others, are modern-day Martin Luthers. The Christian church is going through a reformation with homosexuality being the scapegoat issue or lightning rod.

While the outcomes certainly affect gay and lesbian people, they reflect a Church that is changing beyond some people’s comfort zone. For the rest of us, it’s way past time.

Thanksgiving celebrations can extend the love and fellowship of Christ beyond our dining room tables. As you prepare for Thanksgiving, consider using Alternative Thanksgiving Ideas, part of the PC(USA) Just Living series, for ideas and inspiration in cultivating a deeper sense of gratitude and togetherness than usually possible amid stress and preparations.

Sections include:

The series is meant to be a springboard for ideas and creativity; it is far from exhaustive. We’d love to hear from you the creative ways you go about Thanks-giving in your households. If you’re willing for your ideas to be incorporated in the expanded web version or perhaps in future revisions, please let us know.

Is it possible to reinvigorate our communities in the midst of a global financial crisis?

Here’s one intriguing possibility!

WebWeaver’s note: We’ve had no direction connection with this movement, but we’d like to hear an experiences or impressions you have. Please send a note, to be shared here!

Fear and isolation often prevent us from seeing ways to make our economy work for everyone. But there are alternatives. People are creating communities of support and mutual aid around the pain and fear of this moment, and in doing so they are quietly building a new economy.

Special!

Lisa Larges approved for ordination

That All May Freely Serve, for whom Lisa serves as Minister Coordinator, was approved as a validated ministry. 303 ballots were cast, and 152 votes were needed to pass the motion. The vote was 157 for, 144 against, with 2 abstentions.

Thanks be to God!

Beth Van Sickle
MLP Board Member
Columbus OH

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Click here for the report in the San Francisco Chronicle, which begins:

For posts from earlier in November, 2009
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December, 2008
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October, 2008
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For links to earlier archive pages, click here.

You're invited to ...

Join a delegation to Nicaragua     [11-10-09]

In January, the PC(USA) is sponsoring a Delegation to Nicaragua, where participants will have the opportunity to experience Nicaragua, Fair Trade and the church’s work there firsthand. The delegation is perfect for anyone involved in a congregation, college or camp that uses Fair Trade coffee or Sweat-Free Ts, has hosted a holiday bazaar using Fair Trade products, or simply wants to learn more.

New hymns for upcoming Sundays by Presbyterian hymn writer     [11-10-09]

The Presbyterian Hunger Program has posted a hymn for possible use by churches that use the common lectionary for this Sunday, November 15^th, and for the First Sunday of Advent, November 29: There is a Mighty Question, by Presbyterian pastor Carolyn Winfrey Gillette.

And for November 22^nd, Christ the King Sunday, there is one posted by UMC Worship Office:   Our Lord, You Stood in Pilate's Hall. 

Carolyn’s new book of 77 new hymns, Songs of Grace:  New Hymns for God and Neighbor (Discipleship Resources - Upper Room Books, 2009) is available from Cokesbury and Amazon. The Presbyterian Outlook magazine will be publishing a series of her new Advent hymns written to Christmas carol tunes starting on November 23^rd.

Ronald Goetz, a "Proud PFLAG Dad" is proposing a lawsuit on behalf of clergy and churches whose rights are being violated because they cannot perform marriages for same-gender couples. This is a turn-the-tables approach toward those Christians who argue that marriage equality somehow violates their freedom of religion. What do you think? Mr. Goetz is looking for advice and input. He writes:

"Proposed Class-Action Lawsuit on Behalf of Churches and Ordained Clergy Because of the Violation of their First Amendment Right to Free Exercise of Religion"

There are many denominations that are on record as supporting Marriage Equality and want to marry same-sex couples as a matter of religious faith.

There are thousands of Open and Affirming congregations nationwide that support Marriage Equality and want to marry same-sex couples as a matter of religious faith.

There are additional thousands of ordained clergy who want to marry same-sex couples because of their religious faith.

The first amendment states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

.....

I urge that this violation of the constitution be resisted through a class-action lawsuit, or some other appropriate vehicle. We are also guaranteed the right to petition the government for redress of grievances.

I would like responsible parties (clergy, denominational officials, attorneys) and enthusiastic supporters to contact me. I need input, encouragement, and pro bono advice.

Please contact me at kings.lgbt@hotmail.com and let me know what you think. Thanks!

For the rest of Ronald Goetz' note >>

Dr. Mark Achtemeier, professor of theology at University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, and a long-time opponent of ordination of gays and lesbians, told the Covenant Network gathering that he has shifted his position on the marriage and ordination of lesbian and gay persons. Presbyterian Outlook’s Leslie Scanlon provides a lengthy report on his address.

She explains that “Achtemeier, to his own surprise, has made a trek through uncertain land over the last eight years, a journey from life-long certainty that homosexuality is ‘a kind of destructive addiction’ to what he is today: a man who sees the Holy Spirit leading the church to ‘a new and better place,’ and who thinks that gays and lesbians should be able to marry and be ordained.”

She continues:

In the kick-off plenary of the 2009 Covenant Network of Presbyterians gathering — which has brought about 300 people to Cleveland Nov. 5-7 to consider the theme of change in the church — Achtemeier gave his testimony, telling the story of his journey in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), from a man who grew up sure that homosexual practice was wrong to one who now sees God working in the committed relationships of his gay and lesbian friends and in the faithfulness of their lives.

Presbyterians were active in protests at ABA meeting in Chicago -- UPDATED
[11-5-09]

The American Bankers Association's annual convention in Chicago, October 25 - 27, was the scene for a widely-reported series of major protests. Dubbed "the Showdown in Chicago,"  the protest included groups like the National People's Action, the Service Employees International Union, Americans For Financial Reform and the AFL-CIO.

Among the large group of protesters from Central Illinois, members of the Central Illinois Organizing Project (CIOP),  was Witherspoon member Jack Porter, of Bloomington, who has been sending us a variety of news reports of Presbyterians and others who took part.

There were four busloads from Central Illinois, including groups from First Presbyterian Church of Normal, IL, and New Covenant Community of Normal, which is affiliated with PCUSA, UCC, and Disciples. First Presbyterian Church of Springfield, IL, and First Presbyterian Church of Decatur, were also involved in the organizing for the event.  More >>

Support Health Care Reform - Contact Congress Today
Urge House Members to Support Health Care Reform   [11-4-09]

Take Action!

H.R. 3962 - "The Affordable Health Care for America Act"

For over 60 years, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assemblies have called for reform of the U.S. health system, urging the establishment of a national medical plan that will ensure health coverage for all persons residing in the United States.

The most recent General Assembly (2008) "endorse[d] in principle the provision of single-payer universal health care reform in which health care services are privately provided and publicly financed... as the program that best responds to the moral imperative of the gospel." [Minutes, 2008, p. 1133]

The U.S. House of Representatives is winding up its health care deliberations. "The Affordable Health Care for America Act" [H.R. 3962] blends and updates the three versions of previous bills passed this summer by the House Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce; and Education and Labor Committees. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on H.R. 3962 on Saturday, November 7th.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) believes that any reform plan should be guided by these values:

•          Universal Accessibility: We believe that all people possess inherent worth as children of God, and that God's promise extends to all. Health coverage must be available to all persons living in the United States, regardless of income, race or ethnicity, geography, age, gender, employment status or health status [Minutes, 1994, p. 574; Minutes, 2002, p. 634]

•          Equity: Because the right to acquire adequate health care springs out of our worth as living human beings, rather than out of any particular merit or achievement belonging to some but not to others, adequate health care should be defined equally for all people. [Minutes, 1976, pp. 203-207]

•          Responsible Financing: Since society has an interest in the health of its people, those individuals and organizations who can pay should help to finance the care for those individuals and families who cannot pay [Minutes, 1991, p. 817]. While concerns for the costs of health care are appropriate, these concerns must continually be balanced against the objectives of access to adequate, quality care for all. The sacrifice of access and quality at the shrine of cost containment is too high a price to pay and should not be tolerated [Minutes, 1988, p. 525].

"The Affordable Health Care for America Act" [H.R. 3962] reflects these values and will move the U.S. health care system a step in the right direction to provide access to quality, affordable health care for all. Most of the bill's provisions would go into effect in 2013.

More details and suggestions for contacting Congress >>

Same-gender marriage? Let the GA Special Committee hear about it!  
[10-26-09] 

The Special Committee on Issues of Civil Union and Christian Marriage says the PCUSA can’t agree on marriage and holy unions. Pam Byers, executive director of Covenant Network, suggests we let them hear some clear affirmations and examples of what marriage can and does (or might!) mean for many same-gender couples.

Her note to Covenant Network members >>

For more news and commentary on the struggle for marriage equality >>

Presbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association (PHEWA) seeks nominations to recognize ministries of social justice
[10-26-09] 

The Presbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association (PHEWA) is seeking nominations for five awards that will be celebrated during the 219^th General Assembly in Minneapolis, MN on July 5, 2010.

PHEWA, part of the Compassion, Peace & Justice Ministry of the General Assembly Mission Council, is a voluntary membership organization dedicated to social welfare and justice ministries. Ten networks are a part of PHEWA, organized for grassroots implementation of General Assembly policies in the areas of community ministries and faith-based community organizing, addictions, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, reproductive options, specialized pastoral ministries, child advocacy, disabilities, health and wholeness, and serious mental illness.  More >>

Life is a mystery, right?

Plans are already in place for our 2010 Ghost Ranch Seminar!

GHOST RANCH SEMINAR

July 26-August 1, 2010

WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
CONFRONTING THE STRUCTURES OF INJUSTICE

If it seems there are many critical issues confronting us, it is because there are. How do we respond to the biblical call for justice in a world facing deepening global inequality, environmental challenges, and the escalation of violence in human relationships? We are fortunate to have three eminently qualified people prepared to address these questions. We will use A Social Creed for the 21^st Century to discern a moral, ethical and spiritual response to the many challenges humankind must meet. In presentations and discussions we will search for the prophetic spirit to guide our efforts toward a more just and humane world.    [9-25-09]

Calling all artists, doodlers,
creative thinkers, feminists,
progressive
Reformed theologians
& independent minds

We are merging two progressive Presbyterian organizations
— Voices of Sophia and the Witherspoon Society —
and now we need to live into a new identity.

Sooo ... we’re looking for a new name and a new logo ...
and you can help!

Join one or both of these contests and win huge prizes!

Details >>

To print and share with others, get the PDF version of this announcement >>

[7-6-09]

Announcing a Holy Union:

Voices of Sophia and the Witherspoon Society Merge

Witherspoon co-moderator Jake Young announces the merger of Voices of Sophia with the Witherspoon Society ... and Sylvia Thorson-Smith tells more of how that is coming about, and what it may mean for members of both groups.     [4-20-09]

Just wander through earlier headlines and links:

For items from

And go to the Archive index page for items from 1999 through the latest month.

Can't find what you want? 
Click here to run a Google search.

Just send a note!

Voices of Sophia blog

Heather Reichgott, who has created this new blog for Voices of Sophia, introduces it:

Witherspoon’s Facebook page

Mitch Trigger, Witherspoon’s Secretary/Communicator, has created a Facebook page where Witherspoon members and others can gather to exchange news and views. Mitch and a few others have posted bits of news, both personal and organizational. But there’s room for more!

John Harris’ Summit to Shore blogspot

John Shuck’s Shuck and Jive

Got more blogs to recommend?

Plan now for our 2010 Ghost Ranch Seminar!

GHOST RANCH SEMINAR

July 26-August 1, 2010

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