Steph's Stuff

July 5, 2007

Steph's Stuff

This summer during each worship service we are focusing on a different topic or worship experience. Last Sunday we celebrated the environment and thought about our stewardship of God's resources. In the coming weeks, we will examine the problem of homelessness in our local area and the call of Christ in responding to it. We will worship with our brothers and sisters from Ethiopia. Later, we will have a Service of Healing and Wholeness, a contemplative service, a contemporary service and a gospel service. This Sunday we will be thinking about migrant farmworkers and the Christian response to them.

Imagine living in low-income housing, moving nearly monthly, working for more than twelve hours a day with crops that have pesticide residue on them. Imagine harvesting two tons of sweet potatoes to earn $50. There are over 100,000 people living in these conditions and yet they remain largely invisible. The issues surrounding migrant workers are deeply theological issues.

Our PC(USA) denomination continues to work diligently to improve the conditions of these H-2A guest workers who serve us. In the past few years, Presbyterians have worked along side the laborers to get better wages from Taco Bell, Mt Olive Pickles and Burger King. The effort has been successful and our brothers and sisters are now paid a few cent more per bushel.

As part of our focus on migrant workers this week a representative from the Student Action with Farmworkers will give a presentation during the 9:00 a.m. Sunday School hour. You are invited to come learn more about their ministry.

Stephanie