National End Gun Violence and Wear Orange Weekend

            This past Sunday the color red was visibly present in our sanctuary as we celebrated with joy the birthing story of the church, Pentecost Sunday.  We also took the time to remember those who gave their lives in service of their country because it was also Memorial Day weekend.

            This coming week is what the church calls Trinity Sunday.  But, as with this past week, multiple things are happening.  This weekend is Greenbelt Pride Weekend.  Greenbelt Community Church UCC will have a booth in the common area to let people know they are fully welcomed at GCC.  Our Open and Affirming Statement will be in the bulletin.  I hope you will take the time to read it.  It’s been several years since GCC made the vote to become an Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ.  The statement was our witness to our faith at that time.

            This is also National End Gun Violence and Wear Orange Weekend.  I hope you will join me in WEAR ORANGE this Sunday as our witness to the community that we want this nightmare of gun violence to end.  This weekend our church spotlight will provide an orange glow to say to Greenbelt that GCC is committed with this statement to change gun laws and access to responsible ownership.  If anyone comments on it to you, let them know that we stand with those who want common sense gun laws and an end to gun violence.  Invite them to join us Sunday morning and wear orange.

            Why orange?  This is the explanation from the Wear Orange website:

            On January 21, 2013, Hadiya Pendleton marched in President Obama’s second inaugural parade. One week later, Hadiya was shot and killed on a playground in Chicago. Soon after this tragedy, Hadiya’s friends commemorated her life by wearing orange, the color hunters wear in the woods to protect themselves and others. Wear Orange is now observed every June. Thousands of people wear the color orange to honor Hadiya and the more than 40,000 people who are killed with guns and approximately 85,000 who are shot and wounded every year.

            This Sunday let us wear orange, see rainbows, and bear witness that we believe in the dignity and integrity of every person, and we want to see every person live and realize their full potential.  We will celebrate Communion where the Table is open to all, and the Christ nourishes us with bread and juice/wine no questions asked.  We will hear the first creation story where the voice of God declares all creation, all created, good.

Rev. Clara