March 4, 2003
There are many stories that seek to illustrate the distinction between charity and social justice. I like the one about a young doctor who decided to donate some of his time to working in a clinic in one of the city's very poor neighborhoods. After he had been volunteering for several weeks, he found that he had been treating a surprising number of children who had been bitten by rats. Soon he found himself concerned not only about the need to provide medical care, but to find an answer to question of why so many kids were in fact being bitten by rats in the first place.
Charity is very important. Food pantries, clothing drives, and tutorial reading programs, are vitally needed. We must support acts of charity whenever possible. But let us never be lulled into thinking that charity alone is sufficient, or even the primary response to human need. Charity addresses only the symptoms, not the causes of human suffering. It has been pointed out that Amos did not say "Let charity roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever flowing stream." He said "Justice".
That is why we seek your support for specific legislation pending before the Illinois General Assembly. This issue of The Common Good Network describes bills in the areas of affordable housing as well as poverty and economic justice. We seek to be your voice in Springfield. Please let us keep you abreast of how your state legislators are voting on these bills, and allow us call upon you to raise your voices at the critical time. Once again, you can do so by joining our advocacy network in the space provided below.
--Alexander E. Sharp, Executive Director
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We are hoping that you will take the time to fill out this informational form and send it to us. As Al Sharp noted in his introductory comments, it will help us to get to know you better, let us tell you about programs and services near you, and keep you informed about your local issues and what you can do in your area. Even if you think we have this information already, please take the time to send it again. We want you to know that we will not share your information with any other organizations. Thank you for your help.
- Sermon of the Week: Rev. Philip Blackwell is a member of PCG's Board of Directors and Pastor of First United Methodist Church at The Chicago Temple. He preached "The Holy City" on February 16, 2003.
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Worship Resources: Liturgical Helps for the First and Second Sundays of Lent.
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Biblical Words: Exegetical insights on the lectionary
texts for March 9th from Protestants for the Common
Good.
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Biblical Words: Exegetical insights on the lectionary
texts for March 16th from Protestants for the Common
Good.
- Peace March: The American Friends Service Committee and other organizations are planning diverse actions across the city on Wednesday, March 5th, concluding with a mass demonstration at 4:30 on Federal Plaza (Adams &
Dearborn) at 4:30 PM. Rally speakers will include Bishop C. Joseph Sprague, United Methodist Church, Northern Illinois Conference; Ali Albunimah, Arab American Action Network; Bill Davis, Chicago Labor Against the War; and others. Demonstrate your opposition to the war by participating in the march.
Chicago: March 5th, 4:30pm - Federal Plaza
- Education, Human Services, Taxes, and the Budget Crisis: All these topics impact the quality of life in Illinois. These days they are very tightly inter-related. Come hear how people of faith can participate in making sure the common good continues to grow in Illinois.
Naperville: March 18th, 7:30pm - Wesley United Methodist Church
Highland Park: March 30, 9:00am - Highland Park Presbyterian
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