Tag: Justice

POLITICS & ECONOMICS: An example of “liberalism” vs left-wing.

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The article on the left illustrates “liberalism” – it is showing concern for an issue (racism) in a way that will effect little actual change to racist systems. It argues that somehow if we correct our language (thought police) we will eliminate racism and racist systems. This is absurd, better (read: equal) distribution of resources will 100% address racism and racists systems. Better distribution of resources is a left-wing idea (NOT A LIBERAL ONE), and as you will see, Apple is not left-wing. This liberalism also serves to rile up both “sides” of the culture wars which operate very well as a distraction from the real issues (mainly income inequality and rising fascism) that are negatively impacting the VAST MAJORITY  of people’s lives.

The article on the right illustrates “right-wing” economic policies. Apple relies heavily on forced (nearly slave) labor and thus lobbies against laws that prohibit it. Such “free, unregulated market” capitalism is a right-wing belief.

Apple is absolutely a liberal AND right-wing company. Most corporations are. This is neoliberalism and it controls both the Democratic and Republican parties. Nothing will change until money is removed from politics and more political parties become viable options in our political system.

No party but the labor party. No war but the class war.

Worship Resources: November 11, 2018

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25th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 27[32])

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Advent 4C and Epiphany 4A
Readings: Micah Sermon text – Micah [1:3-5]; 5:2-5a; 6:6-8 Companion text – Matthew 9:13
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): God of justice, you sent your servant Micah to proclaim justice and peace to a world that lacked both. Make us instruments of justice and peace, so that your world might prosper. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #779. Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
ELW #303. Brightest and Best of the Stars
ELW #711. O Day of Peace
ELW #713. O God of Every Nation
ELW #697. Just a Closer Walk with Thee
ELW #717. Let Justice Flow like Streams
ELW #279. O Little Town of Bethlehem
ELW #269. Once in Royal David’s City
ELW #889. The Right Hand of God
ELW #669. Rise Up, O Saints of God!
ELW #623. Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me
ELW #583. Take My Life, That I May Be
ELW #255. There’s a Voice in the Wilderness
ELW #720. We Are Called
ELW #680/1. We Plow the Fields and Scatter (Aramos nuestros campos)
WOV #637. Gloria, Gloria, Gloria
Various Hymnals A Place at the Table
Various Hymnals Let Justice Roll Like a River
Various Hymnals What Does the Lord Require
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #522. As We Gather at Your Table
ELW #420/1. By All Your Saints
ELW #610. O Christ, the Healer, We Have Come
ELW #816. Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life
ELW #798. Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons)
WOV #793. Shout for Joy Loud and Long
Various Hymnals The Kingdom of God Is Justice and Joy
Various Hymnals The Master Came to Bring Good News
Various Hymnals When Jesus the Healer
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Ancient Skies” By Michael Gungor, Michael Rossback
“Micah 6:8” By Charlie Hall.
“You Have Shown Us” By Andy Park, Chris Tomlin, et al.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)

God of life, we praise you for your abiding presence from generation to generation, blessing your people, strengthening us to lives of service, empowering us to witness. Hear the prayers we offer on behalf of your creation.

A brief silence.

For the church O Lord; that we may walk humbly in your ways. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the earth, O Lord; that all of creation recognize your rule and reflect your glory. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the nations, O Lord; that all people may seek to do justice. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the sick and suffering, O Lord; that they may know your peace and rest in the assurance of your care. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For victims of violence, O Lord; that your healing be at work in their lives. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For this congregation, O Lord; that we may love kindness and seek to deepen our faith toward you and love toward one another. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

For all the saints, O Lord; that their rest in you be secure and peaceful. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant that as we serve you now on earth, so we may one day rejoice with all the saints in your kingdom of light and peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

NL Worship Resources: January 21, 2018

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Epiphany 3

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Lent 3B
Readings: Psalm Text: Psalm 127:1-2 | Sermon Text: John 2:13-25 (Jesus Cleanses the Temple)
Epistle Suggestion: 1 John 1:6-8
Prayer of the Day (WP): Patient God, your son, Jesus, expressed anger at abuses and injustice. Help us to show concern, not apathy, for injustice in our world, and teach us to make right all that may be wrong. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #539. Abide, O Dearest Jesus
ELW #652. Built on a Rock
ELW #645. Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation
ELW #687. Come to Us, Creative Spirit
ELW #736. God the Sculptor of the Mountains
ELW #612. Healer of Our Every Ill
ELW #417. In His Temple Now Behold Him
ELW #445. Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters
ELW #495. We Who Once Were Dead
Various Hymnals From Ashes to the Living Font
Various Hymnals Give Me the Wings of Faith
Various Hymnals Lord of the Dance
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #641. All Are Welcome
ELW #565. All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night
ELW #564. God, Who Made the Earth and Heaven
ELW #640. Our Father, by Whose Name
ELW #534. Savior, Again to Your Dear Name
Various Hymnals God, if you bless not, all the cost
Various Hymnals Peace in Our Time, O Lord
Various Hymnals Sun of My Soul, O Savior Dear
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“All The Earth Will Sing Your Praises” By Paul Baloche, Chris Tomlin, et al.
“More Than Conquerors”
“You Never Let Go” By Beth Redman, Matt Redman.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)

God of revelation, as we gather in praise for the gracious mystery of your Son, we remember the many needs of your church and your world.

A brief silence.

Cleanse the church, O Lord, of all that detracts and distracts us from authentic worship of you and lead us into deeper relationship with you and community with one another. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Cleanse creation, O Lord, of all the harm we have inflicted upon it and lead us into better stewardship of the earth and its resources. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Cleanse the nations, O Lord, of injustice and violence and lead our leaders into ways of peace and reconciliation. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Cleanse our hearts, O Lord, of prejudice and judgement and lead us to look upon our neighbors and see your image. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Cleans our bodies, O Lord, of disease and pain and lead us to health and wholeness. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Cleanse our words and witness, O Lord, of divisiveness and lead us to that great day when we will join with all the saints in glorifying you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide us on the path of salvation, O God, that the radiance and power of your Holy Spirit working in the world will gather together all peoples and nations in one community to offer you worship and proclaim your splendor. Amen.

NL Worship Resources: November 12, 2017

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Proper 27 (32)

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Proper 27(32)A or Proper 23(28)B
Readings: Gospel Text: John 7:37-38 | Sermon Text: Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-15, 21-24 (Amos: Justice Rolls Down )
Psalm Suggestion: Psalm 103:6-14
Prayer of the Day (WP): God of all people, show us how to let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Create justice and righteousness in us, that all may rejoice in your blessings. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #647. Glorious Things of You Are Spoken
ELW #705. God of Grace and God of Glory
ELW #678. God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending
ELW #311. Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
ELW #717. Let Justice Flow like Streams
ELW #710. Let Streams of Living Justice
ELW #712. Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service
ELW #889. The Right Hand of God
ELW #669. Rise Up, O Saints of God!
ELW #720. We Are Called
LBW #418. Judge Eternal, Throned in Splendor
WOV #659. O Sun of Justice
DATH #89. It Won’t Be Long
DATH #90. Let Peace Fill the Earth
Various Hymnals For the Healing of the Nations
Various Hymnals Let Justice Roll Like a River
Various Hymnals Peace Is Flowing Like a River
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship;  LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice; DATH=Dancing at the Harvest)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text:

ELW #807. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
ELW #647. Glorious Things of You Are Spoken
ELW #332. I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
ELW #611. I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
ELW #658. O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts
ELW #592. Just As I Am, without One Plea
ELW #475. Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor
ELW #763. My Life Flows On in Endless Song
ELW #843. Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
ELW #423. Shall We Gather at the River
ELW #742. What a Friend We Have in Jesus
LBW #488. Breathe on Me, Breath of God
WOV #696. I’ve Just Come from the Fountain
Various Hymnals Invitation
Various Hymnals Jesus, Lover of My Soul
Various Hymnals Let every mortal ear attend
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Other options based on both:

“Ancient Skies” By Michael Gungor, Michael Rossback.
“Come To The Water” By John B. Foley.
“My Lighthouse” As performed by Rend collective, Rend Collective Experiment.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)

God of mercy and healing, you who hear the cries of those in need, receive these petitions of your people that all who are troubled may know peace, comfort, and courage.

A brief silence.

We pray for the church, O Lord; that it may seek good and not evil and proclaim your mighty justice to the world. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for creation, O Lord; that it where it is broken there might be healing and wholeness. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for out leaders, O Lord; that they might hate evil and love good and work for justice and peace between all peoples. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the oppressed, O Lord; that they may be freed and that we might see how our privilege contributes to injustice and harms others. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the sick and the grieving (especially,…), O Lord; that you restore them to life and hope. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

We pray for the saints of all the ages, O Lord; that their memory inspire your righteousness in us. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Life-giving God, heal our lives, that we may acknowledge your wonderful deeds and offer you thanks from generation to generation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.