ASJ-Who Is My Neighbor?

   The Advocates for Social Justice (ASJ)* group from our church is hosting is hosting a 3 week series called "Who Is My Neighbor?".  It is an educational forum series so that we can all learn and grow together related to issues of sexuality in the church.  John Holbert is a good friend of mine and I hope all will try to attend all 3 gatherings but especially John's presentation on Nov. 9 at 4PM.
    All forums will follow the guidelines of Holy Conferencing which I will comment on next week--they are good guidelines to follow in all our relationships!  There is summary at the end of this post but more next week.
    The ASJ* group will meet on Monday, October 20 at 7PM in the Parlor. All are welcome to be part of ASJ and help in the planning of forums related to their Mission Statement--*see below.

GUIDELINES FOR HOLY CONFERENCING

• Every person is a child of God. Always speak respectfully. One can disagree without being disagreeable.
• As you patiently listen and observe the behavior of others, be open to the possibility that God can change the views of any or all parties in the discussion.
• Listen patiently before formulating responses.
• Strive to understand the experience out of which others have arrived at their views.
• Be careful in how you express personal offense at differing opinions. Otherwise dialogue may be inhibited.
• Accurately reflect the views of others when speaking. This is especially important when you disagree with that position.
• Avoid making generalizations about individuals and groups. Make your point with specific evidence and examples.
• Make use of facilitators and mediators.
• Remember that people are defined, ultimately, by their relationship with God – not by the flaws we discover, or think we discover, in their views and actions.

+  +  +  + +

* ASJ of FUMCA MISSION STATEMENT

Advocates for Social Justice is a faith based group of individuals committed to mobilizing and energizing people to be agents of God’s love, justice, peace and reconciliation.  While we recognize that there are differences of opinion among us, we will honor and seek viewpoints utilizing “Holy Conferencing” as described in the United Methodist Church as a way to build communication and awareness for social justice issues.

We are committed to providing information and to facilitating action through forums on current social justice topics such as, but not limited to, Reconciling Ministries, Immigration Reform, Capital Punishment, Poverty in Tarrant County, Global Care and Young Adults at Risk.

We are an inter-generational group open to individuals of all races, nationalities, sexual orientations, gender identities and theological identities.  Our hearts, minds and doors are always open as we strive to be a community of spiritual growth that reflects compassion towards all God’s children, engaging in prophetic and pastoral outreach to church and society. We invite all people to join us in our faith journey toward greater love, understanding and mutual respect.