January 2024 - OE - lists.wedgeblade.net

FW: Celebration of life for John Weir Singleton, 1931-2020
by Lynda C 05 Nov '24

05 Nov '24

From: Rob Singleton <rob.singleton(a)hsc.utah.edu> Date: Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 3:51 PM To: Rob Singleton <rob.singleton(a)hsc.utah.edu> Subject: Celebration of life for John Weir Singleton, 1931-2020 This email is sent on behalf of Louise Singleton- Dear Family and Friends, We plan a virtual Gathering of Gratitude to celebrate the life of John Singleton on August 8 at 11:00 a.m. MDT. The celebration will consist of a service and, after a five minute break, a virtual reception. Details of the service and instructions for how you can participate are contained in the attached Word document. Please register to join the celebration at: http://bit.ly/johnweirsingleton which also contains additional information. With love and appreciation to all of you who made John's life abundant. Louise Rob, Martha, David, and Will Louise Singleton 3101 Old Pecos Trail, Unit 509 Santa Fe, NM, 87505 lrsingleton85(a)gmail.com<mailto:lrsingleton85@gmail.com> J. Robinson Singleton, MD Professor and Vice Chairman for VA Programs, Department of Neurology, University of Utah Chief of Service, Neurology, Salt Lake City Veterans Medical Center Office 801-581-6770 Cell- 801-201-4525

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Celebrating the Completed Life of Sandra Lynne Rafos
by Sharon Rafos 10 Jul '24

10 Jul '24

It is with deep sadness that we report that our Mother, Sandra Lynne Rafos, passed away Monday, November 13, 2023. She died peacefully at home with her daughters Kim, Sharon and Robin by her side. She lived an amazing and spirited life. No doubt she is dancing in heaven with our Father. May they walk together, reunited in peace. Sandra Lynne Rafos Obituary <https://www.canalefuneral.com/obituaries/SANDRA-LYNNE-RAFOS?obId=29923771> [image: girlsatdunes.jpg][image: 101_0230.JPG] In peace and prayer, Sharon Rafos -- srafos(a)gmail.com (231) 340-0634

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Memorial Service for Jack Gilles
by Susan Erickson 14 Feb '24

14 Feb '24

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 <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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Resending with Date in email: Ferguson Eco Team: January 2024 Environmental Film, "The Doctrine of Discovery, " Flyer
by Ellie Stock 25 Jan '24

25 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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Celebrating the Completed Life of Jim Bishop
by Richard and Maria Maguire 24 Jan '24

24 Jan '24

We do not really know Jim personally very much. We heard snippets about him earlier but when we came here at the end of 1984 you were in distance to the ICA/O:E/EI - and we only met him both on occasions here and there, not the least at Pitt Street Uniting Church for worship or other related events. Whatever we learned from the encounters and what people said about Jim and Isobel we were so moved by their vision and courage in starting the first O:E House in Australia, in your parish manse in Paddington and group engagement to work with churches and the community at large of living out justice and caring for one another, including the Aboriginal people. Jim in particular always seemed very committed and serious, private and longing for a larger or universal whole, based on the gospel and maybe also grounded in an Irish soul and upbringing, which might have also given him a twinkle in his eye or a touch of humour. He seemed to be interested in many things and made so much happen locally and many places overseas. I picture that he has contributed much depth and understanding to the RSI courses and related ones in Australia and beyond and opened many minds and hearts to a deeper and broader way of looking and thinking, including through the eyes of the "Urs" which prepared the way to much of the later changing multicultural realities in Australia. I bet there were many jewels from living in community in the ICA and its risky large scale visioning, research, methods and practical development that Jim later passed on in some ways in his prison and other ministries and engagements. We also know of the ambiguities and bitter pills that some of the experiences of global communal living brought with them and for the family and share in that ourselves, along with many others. We give thanks for all he (and of course also you) did, for his steadfastness and determination to stand together and be clear on what you stand for and what not, it seems, and remain in awe of his whole long life lived in humility and courage. These were the two qualities that Dietrich Bonhoeffer always referred back to in his own life and struggles in challenging times and held up as basic for the Christian witness. (We just participated last week in much of an International Bonhoeffer Congress here in Sydney right down the street from the church). Maria with Richard

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Fwd: Pastoral Notice. Jim Bishop's Funeral service.
by Isobel and Jim Bishop 22 Jan '24

22 Jan '24

Dear Beret and Karen, Here is the link for the Service for Jim on Thursday January 25th. I am assuming that you will be able to tap in to this at your own time zone. It’s Australian Daylight Saving Time. Please let me know if there are hitches. Thank you for all the notes of love and support and memories of Jim I have received from you. With my love, Isobel Bishop isobeljimbish(a)optusnet.com.au > Begin forwarded message: > > From: Rev Dr Josephine Inkpin <office(a)pittstreetuniting.org.au> > Subject: Pastoral Notice > Date: 22 January 2024 at 5:07:30 pm AEDT > To: Isobel & Jim <isobeljimbish(a)optusnet.com.au> > Reply-To: Rev Dr Josephine Inkpin <office(a)pittstreetuniting.org.au> > > > > ZOOM LINK - Jim Bishop's Funeral > Dear family and friends of Jim, > > We are looking forward to being with you on Thursday this week, 25 January, to celebrate Jim's life. > > Pitt Street Uniting Church, 264 Pitt Street, 11.30am, with a viewing of the open casket from 11am. The church will be open earlier for quiet reflection. Dress: comfortable and with the colour you feel is appropriate to celebrate and say goodbye. > > For those who would like to join online, the zoom livestream will start at 11am, on the following link: > > Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86474608056?pwd=UGgzdlJjTER1dGI4VUJpRHVjdWZKUT09 <https://pittstreetuniting.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2070f1363be28a…> > > Meeting ID: 864 7460 8056 > Passcode: 684790 > > One tap mobile > +61871501149,,86474608056#,,,,*684790# Australia > +61280156011,,86474608056#,,,,*684790# Australia > > Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/ksLs1SMab <https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fus02web.zoom.us%2Fu%2FksLs1SMab&…> > > Attached are: > * the Order of Service <https://pittstreetuniting.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2070f1363be28a…> > * Information on a project you may like to support, in memory of Jim <https://pittstreetuniting.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2070f1363be28a…>. > > Over the coming days, you may like to listen to some Welsh folk music. 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 will be 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”. > > Thank you for your love and support at this time, and Vale to our dear James Tregarthen Bishop. > > Isobel and family. > > <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…>

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Re: [Oe List ...] The completed life of Jim BIshop
by Isobel and Jim 21 Jan '24

21 Jan '24

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Jim Bishop
by JB Webster 21 Jan '24

21 Jan '24

On my the first night at the Bananeiras, Brazil, consult, Jim pointed out to Southern Cross to me. Later, with Jim in one of the VW “combis” rented for use at the consult, as we traveled the rutted road to Silva Jardim, it was on the verge of breakdown. We stopped and Jim made an adjustment to the carburetor. Upon inspection it appeared to me to be literally held together with hairpins.

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DONNELLY, Rev. Robert
by Elizabeth Caperton 20 Jan '24

20 Jan '24

Martha Laird just shared with me that Bruce Donnelly died a few days ago. When I saw him in October he said he’d had some serious medical issues but he was the same outgoing host for a reunion of the original Atlanta house. I hope the link to his obituary from the newspaper comes through. If not, it is handled through the Sandy Springs Chapel. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries?searchtext=donnelly&locationcode… I’m attaching the photo of our recent gathering in the fall with Ike & Charlene Powell, Jean Watts, Martha Laird & Bruce. Eileen & George Howard had left before the picture was taken. The papers on the dining room table visible in the background were old ICA brochures he’d kept. [image0.jpeg] DONNELLY, Rev. Robert https://epaper.ajc.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?artguid=9f5502… [shareFile.jpg] Sent from my iPhone

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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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