Best News of the Week:
The Rev. Michael Joncas composed and published “Shelter Me” in response to the global crisis of COVID-19. Spirit’s members recorded the song from the shelter of their homes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3KifN7Jfpc&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR1KsBF5_85lS6Lkl5_hiNV0EAKZOwvofmSCMOx4R_XshJz659vzjmL9lcU
News from Peace:
“Love Will Guide Us” by Dave Tidball
Allow this song to nurture your soul, for as Dave says, “it fits our times.” Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/moCuLbWrac8
L.I.F.E. Virtual Gatherings
Brookdale North Oaks, a senior memory-care facility, offers regular educational programs. The next one, scheduled for Tuesday, July 21st at noon, via Zoom, addresses benefits for veterans and their spouses. Call (763) 913-6140 to register.
L.I.F.E. is also planning a Zoom meeting with Tanner Mazanec who will share his recent experience in the Peace Corps in Africa, cut short by pandemic restrictions. Stay tuned for details.
Northeast Metro Climate Action continues to educate the public about the climate crisis. They have moved online–to a Zoom meeting at 7 pm on Monday, July 20, for a discussion on three significant books:
The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis (Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac)
Climate of Hope (Michael Bloomberg and Carl Pope)
Crossing Antarctica (Will Steger, Jon Bowermaster
Log in at bit.ly/NEMCAclimatebookreview.
Time for Annual Love Offering
Each summer, the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church collects funds for the annual Love Offering. These funds provide the opportunity for us to be light and hope for those crying out for love, grace, compassion, and social and racial justice in their lives. The four recipient organizations this year are:
Emma Norton Residences (40%)
Simpson Housing Services (40%)
Joyce Uptown Foodshelf (10%), and
Committee on Native American Ministry Diaper Drive (10%).
Please go to https://www.minnesotaumc.org/loveoffering to make your donation today.
The July-August Upper Room is here. If you would like a copy of this daily devotional booklet mailed to your house, please send an email to Cindy (admin@peaceumc.com) to request one.
United Methodist Happenings
Black father prepares sons for racial injustice
https://www.umnews.org/en/news/black-father-prepares-sons-for-racial-injustice
Smaller communities affected by protests
https://www.umnews.org/en/news/smaller-communities-affected-by-protests
Grace Connections of the Week:
Grace connections invites you to find the power of God’s love in the midst of the harm, confusion and news of the week. Below are a few stories from the news of the week.
Video of the Week:
Some Good News with John Krasinski (Ep. 2): Hamilton Cast Zoom Surprise
John Krasinski, from the TV show Office and the Amazon show Jack Ryan, highlights some good news from around the world… and unveils the perfect #Zoom surprise for his new friend Aubrey. If you didn’t see the Hamilton musical, like Audrey, you’ll be in for a surprise.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oilZ1hNZPRM
Photos of the Week:
Black Lives Matter murals across America
https://www.reuters.com/news/picture/black-lives-matter-murals-across-america-idUSRTS3IZ5Y
Coronavirus: How libraries provided a lifeline in lockdown
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-suffolk-53312324
Comet streaking past Earth, providing spectacular show
https://apnews.com/de91ba3e691364c10fed9ff3c07a6908