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Note Archive Sojourn Dates in June and July
by Karen Snyder 19 Feb '24

19 Feb '24

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Fwd: [Oe List ...] Pastoral Notice: for the list serve with my thanks to you all for your support.
by Karen Snyder 17 Feb '24

17 Feb '24

From Isobel Bishop: > I would be grateful if this is posted widely. > > I am doing quite well, and will journey on as a solitary. > > I remember so well- ‘Jesus walked this lonesome valley, > He had to walk it by Himself > > Ain’t nobody could walk it for Him, > > He had to walk it by Himself’. > > My thanks and loving greetings from Australia. > > Isobel > > > > Isobel Bishop > isobeljimbish(a)optusnet.com.au <mailto:isobeljimbish@optusnet.com.au> > > > >> Begin forwarded message: >> >> From: Rev Dr Josephine Inkpin <office(a)pittstreetuniting.org.au <mailto:office@pittstreetuniting.org.au>> >> Subject: Pastoral Notice >> Date: 15 February 2024 at 9:29:13 am AEDT >> To: Isobel <isobeljimbish(a)optusnet.com.au <mailto:isobeljimbish@optusnet.com.au>> >> Reply-To: Rev Dr Josephine Inkpin <office(a)pittstreetuniting.org.au <mailto:office@pittstreetuniting.org.au>> >> >> >> >> Isobel, Rebecca, Peter, Cathy, Paul, Michelle, Jon, Sam, Rori, Sarah, Louisa and Thomas thank you for your kind wishes to us following Jim’s death. >> >> Jim touched our lives and we are grateful for your support and love at this time. >> >> If you would like to view the video of the funeral, here is the link >> >> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xTyjNtOgdwDuZcNGk5Ei7t0YQVEUPfSU/view?usp=… >> >> Here are: >> * the Order of Service <> >> * Information on a project you may like to support, in memory of Jim <>. >> >> Over the coming days, you may like to listen to some Welsh folk music, and enjoy the music in the funeral. We feel it shows where some of Jim’s special traits come from: determination, playful humour, love of music, love of family and community. >> >> In the service, there was a time of reflection with The Ash Grove, a Welsh song that is aching, hopeful and loving. Jim’s sister Sheila Walkerden says: “Our Mum knew this song, and sang it to us, everyone knew it in those old days”. >> <https://pittstreetuniting.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2070f1363be28a…> >> <https://pittstreetuniting.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2070f1363be28a…> >> <https://pittstreetuniting.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2070f1363be28a…> >> Our mailing address is: >> office(a)pittstreetuniting.org.au <mailto:> >> >> Want to change how you receive these emails? >> You can update your preferences <https://pittstreetuniting.us16.list-manage.com/profile?u=2070f1363be28a2202…> or unsubscribe from this list <https://pittstreetuniting.us16.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=2070f1363be28a…>. >> >> <http://www.mailchimp.com/email-referral/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm…> > _______________________________________________ > OE mailing list > OE(a)lists.wedgeblade.net > http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net

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Memorial Service for Jack Gilles
by Susan Erickson 16 Feb '24

16 Feb '24

Greetings! Just a reminder that we are gathering to celebrate the life of Jack Gilles on Sunday, February 18th from 4:00-5:30 pm EST. You can join us virtually by clicking on this zoom link <https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8983922100?pwd=Rk5PUjZEM1NDckxDTVlVdmlUZW15dz09> . During our time together, you are welcome to share a brief story or remarks on your experiences with Jack over the years of his life. Feel free to share this invite with others who may want to join us. Please refer any comments or questions to joshuacraver(a)hotmail.com. We look forward to seeing you on the 18th.

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Re: [Dialogue] [Oe List ...] Memorial Service for Jack Gilles this coming Sunday
by James Wiegel 14 Feb '24

14 Feb '24

I found these 2 clips of Jack on the ICA Research Access channel on YouTube Jack Gilles The 5 S's of Spirit 07182007 | | | | | | | | | | | Jack Gilles The 5 S's of Spirit 07182007 | | | Jack Gilles Meadville PA | | | | | | | | | | | Jack Gilles Meadville PA | | | Jim Wiegel Theunknown is what is. And to be frightened of it is what sends everybodyscurrying around chasing dreams, illusions, wars, peace, love, hate, allthat. Unknown is what is. Accept that it's unknown, and it's plainsailing. John Lennon 401 North Beverly Way, Tolleson, Arizona 85353 623-363-3277 jfwiegel(a)yahoo.com www.partnersinparticipation.com On Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 08:12:24 PM MST, Susan Erickson via OE <oe(a)lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote: Greetings, We are gathering to celebrate the life of Jack Gilles on February 18th from 4:00-5:30 pm EST. You can join us virtually by clicking on this zoom link . During our time together, you are welcome to share a brief story or remarks on your experiences with Jack over the years of his life. Feel free to share this invite with others who may want to join us. Please refer any comments or questions to joshuacraver(a)hotmail.com. We look forward to seeing you on the 18th. _______________________________________________ OE mailing list OE(a)lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net

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Re: [Dialogue] A video of my talk concerning a global journey of care
by Vera M Barber 11 Feb '24

11 Feb '24

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A video of my talk concerning a global journey of care
by Robertson Work 10 Feb '24

10 Feb '24

Dear colleagues, Karen Snyder thought that you might enjoy my recent talk on career development to 30 master's students from 17 countries at the OSU School of Global Studies (SGS). Here is the link to the video.<https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z2B2HamvEAJuBSlpF7gtYb-ZTZHBkRlz/view?ts=6…> <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z2B2HamvEAJuBSlpF7gtYb-ZTZHBkRlz/view?ts=6…> In it, I thank Vance Engleman for introducing me to the EI when I was studying at OSU; and I thank George Walters for introducing me to the Mega Cities Project and from there to UNDP. I also talk a little about the Order Ecumenical (OE), as well as the EI and ICA. OSU SGS Vice Dean Jami Fullerton had asked me to share my journey from OSU to serving around the world from 1968 to 2024 with ICA, UNDP, NYU Wagner, and others. In addition, I shared lessons and advice, reflected on the students' global concerns and the kinds of work they enjoy, answered some of their questions, and invited them to work on global challenges such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, and to learn new leadership methods such as group facilitation. (Not all students are visible in the video because of room seating arrangements.) Please let me know if you would like the text of the talk. In gratitude for our ongoing journey of care, Rob Robertson Work Books and bio<https://www.amazon.com/Robertson-Work/e/B075612GBF> Blogsite<https://compassionatecivilization.blogspot.com/> Substack<https://robertsonwork.substack.com/> Videos and articles<https://www.globalcompassioncoalition.org/author/robertson-work/> Website<https://www.robertsonwork.com/> Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/robertson.work> LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertsonwork/>

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ATTENTION: February 2024 Environmental Film, "OYATE, " info and Flyer
by Ellie Stock 08 Feb '24

08 Feb '24

Hi Folks, FEBRUARY ENVIRONMENTAL FILM: OYATE The February 2024 Environmental Film Series hosted by The Ferguson Eco Team will be "OYATE, and will be shown, Thursday, February 22, 7:00 PM Central Time. The Dakota Access Pipeline protests became an inflection point for Indigenous people and modern tribal sovereignty. Thousands of people from across the country gathered at the STANDING ROCK reservation to stand in solidarity with the Lakota people. Since then, community leaders have used their newfound platform to organize and educate people about their issues. OYATE, meaning nation or people, uses the #NoDAPL struggle as a jumping off point to dive into an array of issues that affect Indigenous people. The film centers around a diverse group of Indigenous voices led by activist Phyllis Young, attorney Chase Iron Eyes, hip hop artist Stuart James, and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland as they unravel a history of systemic oppression defined by broken treaties, land theft, and cultural erasure. The latter half of the story follows the subjects on the ground as they take the fight to state governments, Washington DC, and eventually the United Nations. Conversation to follow the film. TO REGISTER FOR ZOOM LINK: https://bit.ly/FETFeb2024 or use QR code below. Attached is a flyer for the film. For more information: (314) 521-8418 or carletonstock(a)aol.com Ellie Stock elliestock(a)aol.com

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Resending with Date in email: Ferguson Eco Team: January 2024 Environmental Film, "The Doctrine of Discovery, " Flyer
by Ellie Stock 24 Jan '24

24 Jan '24

Greetings again! The previous email text about the January Environmental film omitted the date and time, so, in case you were not able to access the attached flyer, it is now being resent with the info just below. The first film in the 2024 Environmental Film Series hosted by The Ferguson Eco Team will be "The Doctrine of Discovery, Unmasking the Domination Code," and will be shown via ZOOM, THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 7:00 PM CT. This film, based on Steven Newcomb’s book PAGANS IN THE PROMISED LAND, explores the religious, political and legal systems that have, since the time of Christopher Columbus, been the foundation and precedent for dominating the peoples, lands and resources of original nations and other citizens in the United States and on other continents. The environmental impact and degradation from the ensuing political oppression, economic exploitation and religious legitimation of the Doctrine of Discovery continues to this day.Conversation to follow the film. TO REGISTER FOR ZOOM LINK: https://bit.ly/FETJan2024 or use QR code below. Attached is a flyer for the film. For more information: (314) 521-8418 or carletonstock(a)aol.com HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL! Ellie Stockelliestock(a)aol.com

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1/18/2024: Progressing Spirit: [regarding Israel/Palestine/Hamas] Rev. Dr. Robin Meyes: An Eye For An Eye?
by Ellie Stock 18 Jan '24

18 Jan '24

Hi Folks,Since I have stopped forwarding the Progressing Spirit newsletter to the list serves, I am just sending part of this particular newsletter as it is very timely regarding the Israel/Palestinian/Hamas situation.Ellieelliestock(a)aol.com By Rev. Dr. Robin Meyers | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | An Eye For An Eye? | | | | | | | | | | Essay by Rev. Dr. Robin Meyers January 18, 2024 If progressive Christians pride themselves on radical truth-telling, then our time has come, and it will be dangerous. We claim to prize critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning, but what happens when this leads us to conclusions that are effectively censored by the very people we have historically championed and defended? With free speech under withering attack, what will happen to those of us who have long-held unpopular and unorthodox religious beliefs? Just consider our present dilemma. We have long preached that the Palestinian Jew named Jesus was on the side of the oppressed and marginalized and gave his life to stand over against the unbearable oppression of empires and their military might. If we wish to practice what we preach, then how do we speak bravely about the unspeakable horrors of the Israel/Hamas war? We resist the idea that we must choose sides and try to silence our critics, but this is exactly what is happening. The horrific attacks of October 7 have led to the even greater horrors of genocide now underway in Gaza. As civilian casualties pass 24,000, mostly women and children, people are told to evacuate to safe areas and then bombed in the places they were told to go. No one can escape and no place is safe. Mass starvation is now underway. I do not use the word “genocide” lightly, but rather based on what is happening on the ground. Omer Bartov, a professor of Holocaust and genocide studies at Brown University, believes that there is clearly genocidal intent, which he warned might become genocidal action. This is based not only on Israel’s use of 20,000-pound bombs, which most countries no longer allow in dense urban warfare, but also on the rhetoric of Israel’s military leaders themselves. There has never been a more obvious or deadly example of the difference between vengeance and justice. The slaughter of innocent Jews on October 7 was pure vengeance by Hamas, born of 75 years of military occupation, hopelessness, and hatred. Terrorists are made, not born— because young men with no future and nothing to lose can easily be recruited into martyrdom. Being invisible is sometimes worse than death. The response of Israel is now also an act of pure vengeance, albeit with overwhelming military superiority supplied by the United States. We cannot escape the obvious: We are complicit in every Palestinian death. Many are reluctant to call Israel’s actions genocide, fearing the charge of anti-Semitism, but we have heard the language that makes this obvious. As reported in the New York Times, Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant said, “We are fighting human animals, and we are acting accordingly.” Maj. Gen Ghassan Alian added, “Human animals must be treated as such,” adding, “There will be no electricity or water. There will only be destruction. You wanted hell, you will get hell.” Another IDF general wrote in a daily newspaper, “The State of Israel has no choice but to turn Gaza into a place that is temporarily or permanently impossible to live in . . . Gaza will become a place where no human can exist.” That word “permanently” sent a shudder through those who study genocide. It is also an indelible irony that this action is being taken by those who were themselves the victims of one of the world’s greatest genocides. Many fear that Palestinians will never return to Gaza and will be slowly expelled from the West Bank by extremist Jewish settlers who capture and occupy Palestinian land illegally and with no criminal consequences. If indeed the total expulsion of Palestinians can be accomplished eventually, then the cruel illusion that was the Two-State solution will be dead. Under the influence of the most corrupt right-wing government in the history of Israel, led by Netanyahu, himself a convicted criminal, extremist voices have advocated moving the entire population of Gaza to the Egyptian-ruled Sinai Peninsula. A rabbi in the Nahal Bigrade spoke to a group of soldiers, saying that it was clear that “this land is ours, the whole land, including Gaza, including Lebanon.” The troops cheered enthusiastically. Again, the ironies here are biblical. Consider people who once wandered in the desert themselves after leaving captivity, forcing their enemies out of the Promised Land and into the desert. Or the unchallenged assumption that God is in the land-grant business solely on behalf of the Chosen while at the same time demanding that everyone interpret the pro-Palestinians chant, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” as a call for Jewish genocide. For some, it surely is; for others, it is aspirational. Like all humans in exile, just as the Jews before them, Palestinians wish to return after being forced off their lands and out of their homes. Besides, the genocide many believe is now underway in Gaza is not theoretical. It is impossible to overstate the danger of this moment, including the prospect of a larger regional war which has already begun. It will increase the evil that is anti-Semitism exponentially and cleave yet deeper the deadly bifurcation of the Arab world against the West and the West against the Arab world. Recent history taught us that Israel will reap the whirlwind of their response precisely as did the U.S. after 9/11. After an unpopular U.S. president vowed vengeance against “those who knocked these buildings down,” bombs rained down on the mountains of Tora Bora, and two disastrous U.S. military invasions gave birth to ISIS and spawned ten times more terrorist activities than before. You cannot “eliminate Hamas” like you eliminate roaches. It is an ideology, not a country, and it feeds on violence. It will scatter, regroup, and come back stronger. Since we all understand the dangers of misusing scripture by coopting it out of context or twisting it to justify what we are already up to, consider Netanyahu’s call to remember the story of Amalek in Deuteronomy, in which God orders paybacks for Amalek’s attack on the Jews, commanding them, “to kill alike men and women, infants, and sucklings.” Although impossible to imagine, consider how radical it might have been if Netanyahu had quoted Isaiah instead, and his dream of turning swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks? Christian evangelicals also misuse the passage infamously known as “an eye for an eye” to defend vengeance and capital punishment, but scholars tell us it was intended to limit retribution in a way that was proportionate to the offense. That is, do not poke out ten eyes in revenge for one eye lost, or ten teeth in response to one tooth knocked out. Do not let your desire for revenge cause you to commit an even greater crime against the one who has wronged you. What is more, it is important to remember that the “eye for an eye” passage is one of only a few that the Jewish Jesus cites directly for reinterpretation. He says, in Matthew’s gospel, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, also go the second mile.’” This may sound like nonsense when you have been attacked, and your kin have been murdered and held hostage. But if you want to consider the true counsel of religion, remember that it has always been, and remains to this day, profoundly counter-cultural. It makes holy fools out of those who take it seriously, just as it makes politicians look weak. Yet what does this genocide promise us but even more violence, even more hatred, and even more U.S. complicity in terrorism around the world? The permanent Palestinian occupation is the primary driver of the terrorism in the Arab world. Only systemic changes in this hopeless situation will reduce terrorism and mitigate the obvious belief that some lives are more important than other lives. Now is no time for progressive Christians to stop speaking truth to power for fear of being labeled anti-Semitic or anti-Muslim. Hamas has gotten exactly the response from Israel and the U.S. that it hoped for, and a whole generation of terrorists is waiting in the wings. If we are going to quote MLK Jr., that “hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that,” then we better mean it. If we are going to heed the warning of Ghandi, that “an eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind,” then we are going to have to break the cycle, or at least stop funding it. This terrible moment demands prophetic preaching. The last thing we need now is more coping sermons or self-serving narcissism. No one is exempt from trying, with God’s help, to tell the truth—just as no one is exempt from judgment, including our clever selves. Because if not now, when? If not here, where? If not us, who? It has been said that the first casualty of war is the truth. Surely, the second is the fear that is the mother and father of lying. Reminds me of the “fierce urgency” of the world’s shortest sermon-- Fear not. ~ Rev. Dr. Robin Meyers Read online here About the Author Rev. Dr. Robin Meyers is pastor of First Congregational Church UCC, Norman, Oklahoma, and retired senior minister of Mayflower Congregational UCC church, Oklahoma City. He is currently a Professor of Public Speaking and Distinguished Professor of Social Justice Emeritus in the Philosophy Department at Oklahoma City University. He is a fellow of the Westar Institute and the author of eight books on religion and American culture, the most recent of which is, Saving God from Religion: A Minister’s Search for Faith in a Skeptical Age. A feature-length documentary chronicles his work on behalf of Progressive Christianity in Oklahoma (americanhereticsthefilm.com) and more information is at RobinMeyers.com | | | | | | | | | | | |

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Re: [Dialogue] [Oe List ...] The completed life of Jim BIshop
by Ellie Stock 17 Jan '24

17 Jan '24

What a beautiful tribute to Jim Bishop and his movement work in Australia and beyond. As we mourn his death, we give thanks for and celebrate, his incredibly passionate and caring life in missional covenant with Isobel and send our prayers to Isobel and family. May his legacy of chiseling justly and compassionately into the future on behalf of ALL continue through those whose lives he touched. Grace and peace ~Carleton and Ellie Stockcarletonstock(a)aol.com elliestock(a)aol.com On Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 04:55:17 PM CST, Jonathan Barker via OE <oe(a)lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote: TO COLLEAGUES OF THE ORDER ECUMENICAL – THE COMPLETED LIFE OF JIM BISHOP Isobel has asked us to pass on news of Jim’s death which occurred on Sunday 14th January at the grand old age of 94. We express our heartfelt condolences to Isobel and the family. We anticipate a memorable thanksgiving event to celebrate Jim’s completed life. Look for further details regarding live streaming of the service at Pitt Street Uniting Church, Sydney on Thursday 25 January at 11.30am (Eastern Australian time). Jim’s passing reminds us of a remarkable period in Australian church history. Jim played a significant role in what became known as the “movement” associated with the Ecumenical Institute. Jim, a Presbyterian minister attended the two-week national conference organised by Australian Frontier (an organisation established by the Australian Council of Churches) held at Wesley College Sydney in January 1967. Joe and Lyn Mathews together with Frank and Aimee Hilliard presented a dazzling diet of Ecumenical Institute courses. Frontier’s Director, Peter Mathews later admitted how amazed but nervous he was with what came out of that event! Jim together with the Rev Ron Denham who also attended the Frontier conference initiated an association of Sydney inner city clergy who collaborated with others around Australia to invite Joe back to Australia for a return visit in October 1967. The International RS-1 was taught in many locations across the country and culminated in a gathering at Otford when a national organisation was established to “renew the church for the sake of the world”. The EI movement in Australia expanded and flourished across the continent in 1968 and a new kind of corporate leadership emerged. The quarterly meetings of the Praesidium (representatives of cadres across Australia attended at their own expense) required a basic polity. Jim played the role of “first among equals” which required him to gingerly negotiate with other strong personalities particularly among the Sydney team. The team assigned to Australia in 1968 from Chicago (Fred and Sarah Buss together with Don Clark) greatly appreciated that their housing in Sydney was provided by the Bishop and other families. At the urging of Chicago, the first Sydney Religious House was established in late 1969 utilising premises provided by St John’s Presbyterian Church in Paddington where Jim was the minister. Jim and Isobel were appointed priors and while sharing that role, it was Jim who came up with most of the ideas as to how things were best done. Given Jim’s individualistic streak we marvel that he was able to gradually adapt to the corporate insights of his colleagues. At the Frontier conference Jim exemplified an Australian reluctance to automatically accept all that was being presented without interrogating things first. Joe Mathews had to get used to parrying Jim’s frequent sharp questions. Scepticism however gradually gave way to admiration and Jim earned Joe’s respect (particularly when it was revealed that both were well acquainted with the theology of H. Richard Niebuhr). We also remember the consternation Jim caused at the Global Assembly in Chicago in 1969 when he insisted that Australian priorities had to be also considered if the Order was to be truly global. Jim exhibited the necessary cussedness required to be heard. While Jim and Isobel and their family took up assignments in several global locations, many of us in Australia will especially remember Jim as “one of us”. Like other former Order members from Australia, he returned to serve in the historic church but doing so having interiorised the radicality of RS-1, the profound insights of order religious life and the unique methods which had shaped us all. For instance, Jim with Isobel for a time served in Whyalla, South Australia a city where EI had already left its mark. When we moved to Bondi Beach in 1996 (Jonathan became minister of the “Chapel By the Sea”) the ground had been well prepared by Jim as he had acted as the interim minister prior to arrival. Jim then went on to serve in a most significant ministry as a Prison Chaplain. We pay tribute to Jim as the unique, unrepeatable gift that he was to history and especially to all of us who knew and loved him. VALE JAMES TREGARTHEN BISHOP – good and faithful servant – well done. JONATHAN AND JANEEN BARKER _______________________________________________ OE mailing list OE(a)lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net

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