ACTION
We are called to participate in Tikkun Olam - to "heal the world." We do so not simply as individuals, but in community. We affirm the interconnectedness of all things. As Dr. King said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
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Centering Space is committed to supporting engagement in works of justice and compassion both in virtual space and in our world. We seek to dismantle structures and systems of oppression that disproportionally affect people of color, LGBTQ persons, women, children, and all whose voices have been muted. We are also committed to grow and learn, so that those of us who have benefited from unjust privilege may learn how to best participate in lives of wholeness, compassion, justice, and, where possible, healing.
Neurodiversity Nurture Series
Centering Space is offering a 4-week nurture series that will begin to unpack this umbrella term. Our sessions are scheduled for January 18, February 1, 8, and 15. We will learn from members of the neurodiversity community and explore ways we can all celebrate and deepen our relationship with God and care for one another.
“Word of the Week”
This Sunday our study of neurodiversity will feature the voices of two of our young disciples as they share their experiences as members of diverse communities including Trinity. Then we will continue our conversation about intersectionality, and we are differently affected and impacted as a result of our intersecting identities.
Resources
Acting Locally and Globally
To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a
history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. What we choose to
emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives.
If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and
places — and there are so many — where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction. And if we do act, in however small a way, we don’t have to wait for some grand utopian future.
The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in
defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory.
— Howard Zinn (as posted by Diana Butler Bass from The Cottage, 2/6/25)
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Opportunities for Non-Violent Action
1. Keep calling your representatives. They asked us to keep calling. Especially call the GOP. But
the Democrats were clearly buoyed by your support. Keep that up. Tell them what you approved
of. Also, tell your Senators to STOP all confirmations in the Senate. Use the 5 Calls app (if you
are an app person) — read about 5 Calls HERE. It is easy.
2. Go to a Town Hall meeting. By phone, online, or in person. If you live in a Dem district, look up
your rep’s website or call the office and find out when and where such a town hall will be
conducted (I imagine that many of them will be online). Attend as you are able. (Online or
phone town hall is easy — and anonymous if you feel nervous — but your presence is noted and
you are “voting” your support simply by being there.) This is a way of connecting with those who
are on the front lines and with your neighbors who are also frightened, angry, and concerned
about Musk and Trump.
3. Pray for the nation and the world. Pray specifically for all those being directly hurt by what’s
happening — for children in Africa waiting for a meal from USAID (that now won’t arrive); for
our neighbors here whose lives are being upended by Musk and Trump. Continue to pray for the
people of Gaza (you can google Trump’s plans for Gaza). Pray for your own fears to recede. Pray
for clarity in the midst of the flood of executive orders, etc. Remember: Trump and Musk want
you to be afraid. Do whatever you can to connect with others and minimize the fear.
4. Show Kindness. People are hurting and are afraid all around you. Kindness is an antidote to fear.
Kindness is a way of connecting with others.
Action Resources
It only takes a moment to be informed of political activity and to respond.
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Use the 5 Calls app (if you are an app person) — read about 5 Calls HERE. It is easy
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Virginia Interfaith Power and Light provides information on bills as they move through the
Virginia House of Delegates and Senate. They offer a quick and simple way for you to contact
your delegates and senators by email on your positions on bills as they move through the
legislative process.
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PC (USA) Office of Public Witness (2/4/25) calls for “an onslaught of pushback to ensure our
voices are heard in Congress, the administration, and among to members of the President’s
cabinet and staff.” To push back against Project 2025, visit the PC (USA) Action Center.