Thrive (CRCNA)
The Office of Social Justice and justice ministries are now part of Thrive (learn more). Thrive works with congregations and individuals to develop a deeper understanding of and response to God's call to let justice flow like a river in both our personal and communal lives, as well as in the structures of our societies. When we talk about justice, we mean God's original intention for human society: a world where basic needs are met, people flourish, and peace (shalom) reigns. God calls us, the church, to participate in the renewal of society so that all—especially the weak and vulnerable—can enjoy God's good gifts.
Posted in: World Refugee Day: A Call to Compassion and Faithful Witness
Hi Karl,
Thank you for your thoughtful comment and for the faithful work your refugee committee is doing. We share your concern about the significant reductions in refugee admissions and resettlement opportunities in both the U.S. and Canada.
As part of our response, Thrive and the CRC, together with ecumenical partners, continue to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform and policies that protect and welcome refugees and other vulnerable newcomers. At the local level, we're also working to equip congregations to faithfully welcome, support, and walk alongside immigrants and refugees in their communities.
We'd be glad to continue this conversation and explore ways we can support you and your congregation in this work. Please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. Thank you again for your compassionate witness and commitment to welcoming the stranger.
Posted in: Advent Curriculum or Study for Adult Sunday School Group?
The Office of Social Justice offers an Advent Devotional series every year. You can learn more here: http://justice.crcna.org/advent-devotionals
Posted in: Faith Forming Podcasts?
We may be a little biased but we're big fans of Do Justice!
Posted in: Worship Songs: Current Favorites?
Thanks for the question Staci! Here's a couple that the OSJ staff have been enjoying lately! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuF8ocawaAc&list=PL1ZmlNLrVHeFP9PgEVf6IVAgv6ddP6q4O
Posted in: We Choose Love Over Fear
Hi Ken, that quote was in the original article, as submitted to Do Justice by the author. The OSJ has been advocating for comprehensive immigration reform in the U.S. for years, which includes both border security and a path to legalization. The author is writing about paths to safety for people who meet the definition of refugee in international law, specifically through Humanitarian Corridors in her context in Italy. You can read more about the Humanitarian Corridors program, a project of Italian churches, through this link supplied by the author: www.mediterraneanhope.com/corridoi-umanitari/italian-church-groups-open-refugee-humanitarian-corridors-921
Posted in: We Choose Love Over Fear
Apology accepted, Ken. Thanks for reading!