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Mourning John Lewis, the conscience of the Congress - and the nation

7/20/2020

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Dear Friends,

Our nation is in turmoil, and it was thus the greater sorrow when we learned last Friday night of the death of John Lewis, Congressman from Baltimore, MC

Many of us remember Mr. Lewis as a young man, beaten and broken on the Edmund Pettus bridge in Selma.  He may have been gravely harmed, but he was unbowed, and he rose to continue the fight for justice, racial equality, and the dignity of all people everywhere.  He stirred us to action, claimed our attention with his gentle but powerful leadership and challenge to do right.

Taken from us by cancer, he nevertheless was able in his last days, to join the "Black Lives Matter" marches near his home. He said not only did the numbers today vastly exceed those of the civil rights movement but the diversity of those raising their voices heartened him enormously.  This was the work of all the people now. That was due in no small part to his impact on us.

We have been given permission by the author to link you to the New York Times commemoration of Congressman Lewis' life and work.  In that long and beautiful tribute lies another link that touched us - the reminder that one of our own, Rev. James Lawson, helped bring both Mr. Lewis and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to the practic of non violent demonstrations. As the former pastor of Holman United Methodist Church in Los Angeles, he unites us at the Council with the work of the ages by those courageous and dedicated souls in an earlier time.

To read this excellent tribute please go here
To read Rev. Lawson's tribute, click here or on his photo below.

Mr. Lewis was well known for urging us to confront injustice at all points and to create "good trouble"to achieve what is right and good in our world.  Now we are again in the struggle for human equality and fairness as our nation promises but rarely delivers.  It is then in their honor that we urge both the non violence of Rev. Lawson's teachings and the "good trouble" of Congressman Lewis' last charge to us.  We cannot be idle. We must be wise.  We face perilous times but yes, we shall overcome if we keep the faith and the heart of our past and present.  In Congressman Lewis' memory, we can do no less.

Peace.
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Beating Boredom with Budget Challenge from Next 10!

7/15/2020

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Dear Friends,

Once again California is in lockdown. We still can't eat inside at restaurants, can't - or shouldn't - convene groups of friends in close proximity. We are worried about our children and grandchildren in the deliberation of whether to send them to school or not.  It's boring and worrisome all at the same time.

And then there's the dullness.  You've cleaned the house, you've mowed the lawn, you've cooked new things (for better or for worse). You've watched every movie and TV series you can stand, and you've read every book you can lay hands on.  You've called old friends who may or may not remember you, and you've gone to worship virtually that is a necessary connection to your congregation but not very fulfilling emotionally.  What else do you have to do?

So, to alleviate our collective ennui, let's take the Budget Challenge!  This year, more than most, we have a budget that is based on hope more than actual income.  Today is Tax Day, and the state will determine whether or not there are sufficient revenues for the expenditures we would all like to assure.

Next 10, long-time allies of the Council and IMPACT, has the "California Budget Challenge" online.  You can use your best insights and best judgement to figure out what we should fund and how we should fund it.

If nothing else the Budget Challenge will let you exercise your intellect and express your frustrations with our current situation. Next 10 gives you the parameters - what our situation currently is - and lets you take if from there.  If you decide on a workable, moral, and human budget, would you then consider running for public office?  We need you!  If not, just bask in the glow of a job well done.  And possibly share your thoughts with us to pass on to others.  We do look for more than "defund it all and Devil take the hindmost" answers, we will say that up front.

To take the challenge, please click here   Let us know what you decided if you'd like us to share.  And anonymity is assured upon request!

Have, if not fun, a diversion.  Enjoy it if you can!

Thank you
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Help Voters Vote - the new "Freedom Summer"

7/3/2020

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​Dear Friends:
 
Our elections are the foundation blocks of our democracy. Free and fair access is imperative.  We have only four months until the next general election, November 3, 2020, and assuring that everyone legally entitled to vote can vote is essential.
 
Black Church PAC has created the contemporary “Freedom Summer” program to reproduce the courageous voter registration drives of the early Civil Rights Era.  While this drive is targeted to more Southern states than to our northern and western ones, every state has pockets of voter suppression. No one is immune.
 
Monday, July 6 at noon California time, there will be a webinar on Freedom Summer voter registration drives.  You are invited to participate if you are Black clergy and laity or if you serve a diverse population in areas where voter suppression or obstacles may occur.
 
To register for this critical voter registration and enhancement webinar, please click here  
 
Other steps you can take, no matter where you reside, is to prepare for long lines and delays at the polls. While in California all voters will be receiving “vote by mail” ballots, things still can go wrong, and support for those standing in line will be needed,
 
Bring cases of water, some food, folding chairs.  Enlist your youth to hold line spots for voters needing bathroom breaks. Have masks available for anyone without one. Think about entertainment (socially distanced, of course).  There will be spots in every state, even California, where things will not go smoothly.  We need to anticipate those problems, be prepared to help voters vote. 
 
Thank you!
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Proactive response to rise in COVID-19 cases. Take note what's closing again

7/1/2020

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​Dear Friends:

Today, July 1, 2020, our state's governor, Gavin Newsom, has once again had to close many businesses and places we had hoped to have open. The spike in Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases has put a sudden and frighteningly-large number of people in the hospital and has once again strained an already taxed and exhausted health system.   

The positivity testing for the virus has risen from 4.6% to 6% in just one week. Failure to "flatten the curve" makes shut downs of newly opened operations necessary.  Hospitalizations are up 51% and ICU admissions up 47% over the past week. 

The closure will affect mostly 19 counties in Southern California where the spikes in cases have occurred.  The shutdowns will impact about 70% of the state's population. 

Indoor restaurants, movie theaters and concert venues, wineries, and other similar enclosed spaces that were gradually opening are now slated to close yet again.  If the business can operate outdoors, it can continue to function.  Churches are still asked to proceed with virtual services, and large gatherings of all kinds are discouraged, even outdoors when social distancing cannot be assured.  

Bars are being traced as a key factor in increased exposure and are being shut down. This led to a demonstration at the Capitol building by bar owners today. Nevertheless, the order stands.

In Southern CA Orange County has been put back on the 'watch' list with Solano, Merced, and Glenn counties also added. Imperial County, another "hot spot" of virus increase is moving to close all non essential businesses as well as public parks.

Beaches from San Diego to Sonoma County will not be closed by the state for the upcoming holiday weekend. However, parking will be restricted, and no traffic will be permitted.  Counties are taking the initiative to close their own in many cases.  Also, counties that have not discontinued fireworks displays are now being asked to do so. 

The state's requirement that everyone wear masks while out of their own homes or cars is the single best way to regain normality.  We learned that former California Governor, Arnold "The Terminator" Schwarzenegger has abandoned his favorite gym in Southern California since he found people not wearing masks. 

We would argue that if The Terminator can wear masks, anyone can. It's a symbol of strength, not weakness.  Please make mask wearing a positive thing among your friends, families, and congregations.  The sooner masks and social distancing become the norm, the sooner we can regain some semblance of our former lives.

In the meantime, honor the restrictions, wear a mask, and definitely wash your hands.  Have your 4th of July celebrations outside with sufficient social distancing, and remember that Independence Day comes every year. These problems shall pass if we work on them together now. 

Thank you and stay safe. 

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    The Rev Dr Rick Schlosser

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