A Circle of Protection Vigil/Prayer Service in Albuquerque

 

As Christians, we believe the moral measure of the debate is how the most poor and vulnerable people fare. We look at every budget proposal from the bottom up—how it treats those Jesus called “the least of these” (Matthew 25:45). They do not have powerful lobbies, but they have the most compelling claim on our consciences and common resources. The Christian community has an obligation to help them be heard, to join with others to insist that programs that serve the most vulnerable in our nation and around the world are protected...We believe that God is calling us to pray, fast, give alms and to speak out for justice. -from the Circle of Protection Statement

The scriptures, Old Testament and New Testament, say all our activities start with prayer, with making that personal connection to our Creator.  That's the Greatest Commandment.  The Second Greatest Commandment is that we are not to limit that relationship that we've established to God alone.  We have to extend it to those who inhabit this planet with us, especially those who are most vulnerable.

Bread for the World, Sojourners and leaders from a wide range of Christian denominations have joined their voices to urge Congress and the administration to to form a Circle of Protection around programs that meet the essential needs of hungry and poor people at home and abroad.

In that spirit, we invite you to join us on a Saturday evening in Nob Hill in Albuquerque for a Circle of Protection vigil/prayer service to offer our prayers, reflect, renew our commitment to our anti-hunger ministry, bear witness in solidarity with vulnerable people in our country and around the world, and take action. 

Here are the details:

Saturday, October 22

Immanuel Presbyterian Church

114 Carlisle Boulevard SE

5:00 p.m.

We will start outside with a very short candlelight ceremony,  and a liturgical dancer will lead us to the sanctuary, where we will pray, reflect and at times sing. The liturgy will be similar (but also differ in some ways) to this prayer/reflection we offered at the Center for Action and Contemplation's Emerging Christianity conference in April 2010

We will conclude with  a light meal of beans and rice.  Afterwards, we will also have the opportunity to take legislative action.

As an offering, please bring one or more non-perishable food items to donate to local needs.

We hope you are able to join us.