From the SPPRC:
Have you ever felt left out? How did it feel?
People may be left out because of their skin color, gender, religion, or where they come from. They may be left out because of their age, who they love, marry, or for having a disability.
Being left out, or discriminated against, hurts. Sometimes, laws and beliefs make it tough or impossible for people to get a job, a place to live, or help when they are sick. Being discriminated against makes it hard for people to feel safe, go to school, or have enough healthy food and water.
Jesus asks Christians to include everyone. Whether it is helping each other in times of need, or encouraging our neighbors to visit with us on our deck, porch, or even at our church. In August and September there will be several opportunities for you to invite a friend, family member, or even a neighbor to come and socialize for a while, enjoy a scoop or two of ice cream and get to know each other better. In connecting, engaging, and deeply listening to each other, we have an opportunity to share Christ love, build disciples, and to be a good neighbor.
Adapted from General Commission on Religion and Race website “August 14 – World Service Fund (General Commission on Religion and Race).” ResourceUMC, United Methodist Church, 20 July 2022, https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/2022/07/20/august-14-world-service-fund-general-commission-on-religion-and-race.
