Over the past week, our hearts have been torn by the news we’ve heard and seen of the invasion of Ukraine. While we may feel thankful to be so far removed from this violence, that same distance can leave us feeling powerless to fulfill our baptismal and membership vows to “accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.” Nevertheless, we can choose to acknowledge this feeling of powerlessness and realize that it does not serve God’s Spirit within us well. There are things we can do that matter, small they may be, that make a difference. They include:
- Giving financially to support humanitarian and resistance efforts.
- Praying
- Staying informed
As we enter this season of Lent, preparing our hearts for the events of Holy Week, you may wish to integrate these practices into your own Lenten spiritual discipline. After all, it was on the far side of Jesus’ journey from the wilderness to Golgotha to resurrection that we see hope has the final word. May we join our hearts to God, who unites us all from Wedowee to Ukraine and beyond into Christ’s coming kingdom.
Below are some resources that may help you in your response to the unfolding situation in Ukraine, particularly in your giving and praying.
It is a dusty season. But we serve a God who breathes into dust and the result is life itself. I hope to see you all tonight at 5:30pm as we mark ourselves with this dust., or this Sunday on the first Sunday of Lent. Let’s see what God can do with a little dust.
~ Pastor Todd
UMCOR: Support the Humanitarian Response in Ukraine
https://umcmission.org/umcor/how-to-assist-the-ukrainian-people/
What do United Methodists teach about war?
https://www.resourceumc.org/en/topics/united-methodists-stand-with-ukraine
Bishop Wallace-Padgett’s “Prayer for Ukraine”
http://na-email.brtapp.com/viewinsite/4973fdd8ac61e08857db6d05a904322f
Appeal of the Priests of the Russian Orthodox Church With a Call for Reconciliation and Ending the War
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1yOGuXjdFQ1A3BQaEEQr744cwDzmSQ1qePaaBi4z6q3w/viewform?edit_requested=true (click Google Translate to read in English)
WCK is serving thousands of fresh meals to Ukrainian families fleeing home as well as those who remain in the country. Donations may be sent to: World Central Kitchen Attn: Donor Services Team, 200 Mass Ave NW, 7th Floor, Washington, DC 20001
