Recommended Reading, Watching and Listening 11-30-15 edition

Each week (more or less) I send out an e-mail to my congregation sharing my thoughts along with a list of things I’ve read, listened to or watched that I think are worth passing along.  I’ve been neglecting my blog lately and this list is from a while back, but the stuff on this list is still worth digesting if you haven’t seen it already.

Recommended Reading and Listening

CCCUCC Folks in the News  Jan Parks is quoted in a KC Star story on the use of TIF money to subsidize a development in the west Crossroads District.  She, along with other supporters of KC Public Schools and members of MORE2--including me, believe this is a case of the KC government continuing to subsidize developmen in areas that will be developed no matter what.  TIF money is supposed to be used for blighted properties.  TIF money is disproportionately used in west KC rather than east of Troost Ave. in poorer and historically African American neighborhoods.  Furthermore, using TIFS in this case would mean millions of dollars that will not go to KC Public Schools or public libraries. Great Blog Post by CCCUCC Member New CCCUCC member Allyson Miller has a great blog post describing Kristkindlmarkt to outsiders.  Read it and share it with your friends on social media. United Church of Christ On November 15, the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the UCC--the one our church happens to be in--elected a new conference minister, Rev. Dr. Ginny Brown Daniel.  You can read about her by clicking here.  I went to seminary with Ginny and have known her for years.  I can't be more excited about her election! United Church of Christ leaders condemned the violence in the name of religion and called on political leaders to welcome Syrian refugees.  More close to home, Edith Guffey, Conference Minister of the Kansas-Oklahoma Conference UCC had letters in Lawrence and Oklahoma City papers rejecting fear mongering and calling for help for Syrian refugees. I had a blog post that made it on the UCC blog New Sacred last week.  It's an adapted version of something I wrote for "Thoughts From Chase." UCC General Minister and President and life-long Missourian, Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer reflects on the courage of Mizzou coach Gary Pinkel responding to racism on campus. John Dorhauer also has a weekly podcast called "Into the Mystic" containing words of inspiration for progressive Christians.  You can subscribe to it on iTunes or click here. Is the UCC brand helpful or hurtful in attracting new people to church?  This report has an answer to this important question. The Paris Terrorist Attack and Syrian Refugees This essay by Omid Safi of Duke University contains by far the most eloquent words I have read about the Paris terrorist attacks. They are written by a Muslim. If only people of other religions--mine included--could offer such words.  The Center for American Progress asked faith leaders to respond to the anti-refugee sentiment expressed by politicians over the last two weeks.  Responses include ones by UCC ministers. It's not often I agree with Russell Moore, head of the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, but I'm glad to see a leader on the Religious Right speaking out for refugees and against the Islamophobia of presidential candidates.  Isn't it sad that the same Christians who will get outraged over LGBTQ equality based a handful of Bible verses will ignore the many many verses that speak of welcoming the stranger and identifying with the refugee forced from her or his land?  Here's a list of verses from the UCC about the biblical demand for people of faith to help refugees. NY Times columnist Nicholas Kristof reminds us of the fear mongering about Jews prior to WWII that kept Jewish refugees from coming to the US.  He says we are allowing history to repeat itself tragically if we refuse to allow Syrian refugees into America today. Here's another refresher on how Americans treated Jewish refugees before WWII and that treatment's similarities with today courtesy the Washington Post. Riverside Church pastor, Amy Butler, has inspiring words about how people of faith should respond in times of terror. Just in case you have any doubts, Jesus would welcome Syrian refugees. Church history scholar, Diana Butler Bass, reminds us that religious violence is not just an Islamic problem. When you reject Syrian refugees, you are rejecting Christ. Although you wouldn't know it from western media, Muslims DO condemn the Paris terrorist terror attacks.  The Bible is "crystal clear" about refugees. Racism  KCUR reports that Kansas City is still segregated. The cover up by Rahm Emanuel of Laquan McDonald's murder by a Chicago policeman proves structural racism crosses party lines. Republican or Democrat structural racism ensnares all in power Listen to this podcast of the NY Public Library where Ta-Nehisi Coates speaks about the systemic racism of America.  If you're white, his words will blow your mind.  His book Between the World and Me is still freaking out my brain and changing the way I understand the world. Do you suffer from "white fragility"? LGBTQ Equality Last week was the Transgender Day of Remembrance where people around the world remember the transgender women killed over the last year due to anti-trans violence.  Last Sunday, we took time in our worship to remember these women, including two transgender women in KC killed during the last year. The Human Rights Campaign has a great video in which mothers of transgender kids share their experiences.  The video includes one mom from the KC area who has visited our church. In the name of God, let's stop trans murders! Justice Don't give in to the myth of scarcity and the orgy of consumerism!  The United Church of Christ has "alternative Christmas presents."  Did you know that $25 can feed a refugee family? The Church of England made a commercial to play in movie theaters in the UK.  The only text and audio in it is of a recitation of the Lord's Prayer.  The commercial was banned proving once again just how subversive the Lord's Prayer is and always has been. Gratitude Yup, science says, choose gratitude and you will be happier.  (People of faith already knew this.) Misc. Stuff I think is Cool I expect the story of this documentary will show up in one of my sermons pretty soon. As an adoptive parent, I love to read adoption stories.  Each one is different.  Each one was far too difficult and expensive.