CONGREGATION + COMMUNITY NEWS
PEOPLES PRESS
Joyfully Defiant for the Sake of a Just World
A congregation of the United Church of Christ, the Alliance of Baptists &
the American Baptist Churches
INTERIM’S INSIGHTS
“Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured”
(Hebrews 13:1-3, NRSV)
As the Letter to the Hebrews draws to a close, its author (we don’t know who wrote it) wants to impart some last words of advice and blessing. I find it to be good advice for our time as much as it must have been back then: Love each other, be hospitable to people you don’t even know, don’t forget about people who are incarcerated or are being tortured.
In our society, like a lot of others, there seems to be an expectation that when someone gets a prison sentence, they no longer deserve our care or attention. The same thing happens when the elderly go into a care facility….out of sight out of mind. But there is nothing in our religious traditions that encourages this forgetfulness. In fact, it seems that scripture depicts God as being especially attentive to the prayers of the incarcerated. The Hebrew word for “redeemer” implies that God functions as the one who buys the freedom of the prisoners, not exactly like paying bail, but not too far from it.
In our congregation, we pray every Sunday for our members who are incarcerated. We don’t identify them as such, but we do say their names. I’m wondering now if not identifying their situation is a good idea. How can we remember them as if we are with prison with them if we don’t know that’s why they are on our prayer list? How can we support their families, advocate for their rights, work for their release, if we don’t know they are there?
Elsewhere in this edition, you will see a promotion for a Rally in Support of 2nd Look legislation. It is a proposed change in our state laws to provide a mechanism for the review of the sentences of those who are serving life without parole. The need for such changes is partly due to mandatory sentencing requirements that were often inappropriate, partly due to advances in our understanding of brain development, and partly due to cases in which there is clearly rehabilitation of the offender. The proposed legislation would not automatically let people out of prison, just provide for a review of sentences and a consideration of changes in how we view potential risks and weigh them against the individual’s maturity and rehabilitation. Collectively, we can decide what is the best path forward for all involved.
Peoples Church is hosting the rally because this is a justice issue that doesn’t get much press, due to the stigma and fear that attaches to those who we sent into the prison system. But if we remember them, remember them as if we were in prison with them, we might think about this differently.
So the next time we join together in prayer on a Sunday morning (or whenever you access the recorded version), pay special attention to the names Lawon, Mark, Gabriel, Jamie and Myreon, (Earl is still on our list, but is now paroled.) and remember them as if you were in prison with them. Amen.
Pastor Davis Sickelka, Interim Pastor
Pastor Dave’s Schedule
Pastor Dave will be out of town August 24-30 to attend a class reunion. He will also be out of town September 8-14. He plans to be in the office Sept. 5, 6, 19 and 20, but do call to make sure he’s around before coming because a pastor’s schedule is always in flux.
If you would like to make an appointment to speak to Pastor Dave in person, please call the church office at (810)767-4911 between 10:00 and 2:00 M-F, or email him at davidsickelka@peopleschurchofflint.org. If you have an urgent need for pastoral care outside of office hours, text or phone (515)720-6389.
Good Things Happening in and around us
Upcoming Affiliate & Community Activities
National Lifers of America, Inc. is at Flint Michigan.
Drawing inspiration from the success of our Local Chapter 1024 and the impactful Citizens for Second Look event on July 22 in Detroit, we're thrilled to announce our upcoming event at the Peoples Church of Flint, located at 503 Garland Street, Flint.
Prepare for an engaging and enlightening day with an impressive lineup of speakers including, but not limited to, Representative O’Neal, Johnell Allen-Bey, Leon El Alamin, Lorenzo Harrell, Jack Wagner, and Gregory Wines. And guess what? We're keeping our Emcee under wraps for now – stay tuned for the exciting reveal!
Expect much more than just talks – there will be giveaways, children's activities, and even clothing up for grabs. Join us as we dive into Second Look Legislation, fostering both education and community interaction. Our events thrive on community involvement, and we look forward to welcoming individuals from all walks of life on Saturday, September 16, from 11 am to 1:30 pm.
Be a part of the movement for criminal legal reform – show your support, relish complimentary hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, and beverages, and engage with your community while learning about the importance of Second Look legislation.
IN THE CONGREGATION
Links are on the church calendar. Need more info? Just ask!
Links are on the church calendar: t.ly/ALHB. Need more info? Just ask!
NEW Adult Forum Book… Starting this Sunday, August 13th, at 9:30 am we will be reading White Evangelical Racism: The Politics of Morality in America, by Anthea D. Butler. . Join us either in person at church or via Zoom.
Vigil for Racial Justice is still gathering 1-2 pm Thursdays on the Genesee Courthouse lawn.
Text Alerts are available, go here to sign up!