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The Fledgling--Week of May 8, 2020
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We all know about the Irish Potato Famine of the 1840s. Many of our ancestors probably emigrated to this country as a result. What you may not know is that during the famine, the Choctaw Tribe in the US sent the Irish nation a donation of $170. (This may not seem like a big deal, but two things are important here: one, that it was 1847 and two, that the Choctaw had just been forcibly relocated from their homes via the Trail of Tears, so they weren't really swimming in cash.) The Irish were deeply appreciative--there's even a memorial sculpture commemorating the gift in Cork.
Fast forward to the current pandemic, which--like all crises, disproportionately affects those already struggling with systemic oppression. The Navajo, and the Hopi, whose reservation in the southwest is larger than Rhode Island, find themselves particularly hard-hit by the corona virus, but also unable to shelter in place, because of a lack of fresh food, and accessible clean water. It's the sort of awful story we hear a lot these days.
This past week, the Irish people ran an online fundraiser and have raised over $1.8 million to send to the Navajo and Hopi people, in gratitude for the generosity shown to them by the Choctaw a hundred years ago. The chief of the Choctaw commented that he wasn't really surprised, that the Choctaw and the Irish have become solid friends over the years.
Suffering is a strange bird, in that it can easily make us isolated and bitter, particularly when it comes at the hands of other people. (It should be mentioned that one of the commonalities between the Irish and the tribes of the US is that both had to contend with European colonizers.) Yet, with the help of the Holy Spirit, suffering can also build in us new empathy and new solidarity with others who suffer. God never wills the suffering of anyone, yet God can transform the unjust suffering we deal with into something amazing, when we allow it. God can use what we have endured to build a world of unlikely friends, and true allies, who are committed to making sure no one suffers again.
If you have a submission to the Fledgling, send it to the office by Thursday morning for inclusion on Friday. Bulletin announcements should be into the office by Wednesday morning.
- If you know of someone who would like to receive the Fledgling, please send their email to the office.
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Prayer for the week
Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Readings for this week
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Volunteers for Pentecost Needed! We're putting together a fun surprise to celebrate Pentecost. If you can speak a language other than English, and are somewhat comfortable with technology (or are willing to learn!) please let Mtr. Megan know.
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Have you had coffee/tea/hot cider with Mtr Megan? Send me an email and we'll set up Skype/Facetime and chat! It's fun (I promise) and we can still meet while we're staying safe right now.
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