Montclair Presbyterian Church

To view and make comments, click on “View only this Post”, above and scroll to the bottom.

The International Gathering Together for Justice takes shape

After weeks of preparation, this unique  event is finally happening!  It is so exciting to see everyone together in one large room. There are people from all over the United States and people from most of the Joining Hands partner ship countries. There are Presbyterian Church (USA) staff people from our denominational offices in Louisville, Ky, Volunteer Hunger Action Enablers from a number of presbyteries, delegates from Joining Hands involved presbyteries, and even interested “public” who just heard about it and wanted to attend. Significant, too, are those that were not able to come.

Jay Gregory, Cacades Presbytery partner, Brad Kent, Chenoa Stock, Cleo Loza, and Wilhelm Pierola confer as the conference begins.

We are delighted to greet out own Bolivian partners as well as out companionship facilitator. We are thrilled to reconnect with friends, some of who we have not seen in eight years, and at every turn we are making new friends and forging new connections.

I had hoped to be able to present a video from the key speaker this evening, Ruth Farrell, director of the Presbyterian Hunger Program, but did not get the opportunity to film. Perhaps later. In a few brief words she brought to focus why we are all here. It is about Justice. It is about responding to our mutual beliefs and living out our faith. It is about environment and human rights.

Director of the Presbyterian Hunger Program, Ruth Farrell, consults with attendeees at the Joining Hands for Justice International Gathering in Chicago.

Amid the joys and high energy of this wonderful gathering there is also the sober realization that we are not all here. Several of our international partners are not here because they could not get a visa to enter the United States. For example, in post number 2 I spoke about Samuel Nguiffo, from Cameroon who was to be keynote speaker in the morning. He is one who did not get a visa. Is it a coincidence that he is among the most courageously outspoken against corporate greed? I invite you to look at the video, check out what has been done by Joining Hands Cameroon and answer the question for yourself.

To view and make comments, click on “View only this Post”, above and scroll to the bottom.

Introducing Visitors from Bolivia

We are taking a break from postings about the 2012 Joining Hands Together for Justice International Gathering to tell you about what will be happening after the conference.

Following the Gathering our friends from Bolivia will journey briefly to visit our partners in Cascades Presbytery, Oregon and then come to the Bay Area on Thursday, August 23. There will be opportunities to meet them for each of the ensuing four days. To learn more about the specific events, visit the Montclair Presbyterian Church Events page. Click here. But for now, we just want to introduce you to our visitors:

Chenoa Stock, UMAVIDA Companionship Facilitator

Chenoa Stock, native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and daughter of two retired Presbyterian pastors, began her interest in mission as a Young Adult Volunteer in Kerala, India in 2004-2005. She has been a mission co-worker for PC (USA) since 2006, where she helped to establish and build the Sri Lankan Joining Hands network, serving as Companionship Facilitator for four years. In 2011, Chenoa began her role as Companionship Facilitator for the Bolivian Joining Hands Network, UMAVIDA (Joining Hands for Life), walking with them in solidarity, as they create and develop programs for environmental justice and promote campaigns for water rights. As she continues down this path for the care of God’s creation, she is eternally grateful for the wider Presbyterian family that supports PC (USA) mission around the world, in the recognition that we are all God’s people and our call for justice for those who have no voice.

Clotilde Loza Quispe, UMAVIDA Coordinator

Cleo, as she is called, was born in a province of La Paz with Aymaran parents who migrated after a drought in the community.  After receiving her degree for Social Communication from university, she worked for a year, editing the magazine, United with the Presbyterian Korean Mission. She then dedicated her time working on the gender theme with women and youth in the Center for the Promotion of Women, Gregoria Apaza for six years. Through this work, she became connected to the UMAVIDA network in 2003. In 2007 she began to help more in the network, whose actions in taking a position for the defense of life above all, left a mark in her life. In 2009 she assumed the Coordinator position for UMAVIDA and from this year she has been promoting campaigns for the water issue and the planned actions of UMAVIDA. She has been married for ten years, and her husband and she have two sons and a daughter. She works on the consolidation and growth of her family – in the love and faith that God has taught them. She likes to confront new challenges and is very sensitive before injustices. She dreams for a different world.

Cleo recently contributed to the PC(USA) blog, “Dallas II”, in an article entitled Addressing the Structural Causes of Spiritual Poverty. Click here to view.

Wilhelm Piérola Iturralde, UMAVIDA President

Wilhelm is a Bolivian of Italian, German, and Vasco descent of the third generation.  He is the second son of 5 siblings. He was born more than 50 years ago in the mining capital and the world’s highest city, Potosi, Bolivia.  He is married and has two daughters. He carried out his primary and secondary education with Franciscan fathers for 13 years. He graduated as a civil engineer at the end of the 70s from Tomás Frias University. He worked for 5 years in one of the most important development organizations where he had a rapid ascent in position, becoming a manager his third year and being made Director of UNICEF projects his fourth year. He was able to participate in the most important development projects of those time. Starting in 1986 he dedicated his time to creating a Non-Government Organization (NGO), Center for Regional Development, where he worked to complete the objectives of benefitting the community and mining families. During this time he also worked in various countries of Central and South America, living with the most important movements of the time, such as the May Grandmothers, and many others. In 2000 Wilhelm began his involvement with UMAVIDA and is currently its President.

To view Comments, click “View Just This Post” and scroll to the bottom.

As we prepare to attend the Joining Hands Gathering August 13 – 18 we want to tell you about what we will be doing Wednesday August 15.

Sharing Global Perspectives and Building Alliances on Food, Land, Water, Trade and Extractives

Land Grabs as an emerging issue in the developing world. Economic Growth or Re-Colonization?

Led by Anuradha Mittal from the Oakland Institute

As we prepare to attend the Joining Hands Gathering August 13 – 18 we want to tell you about what we will be doing, Tuesday, August 14.

Workshop on How to Become an Effective Organizer and Advocate

Led by Sung Yeon Choi-Morrow from Interfaith Workers Justice

In a day-long training, participants will learn what organizing is and how it is different from advocacy. Participants will learn about when to use which approach and what is the most effective way to get involved in the movement for social change from a Christian perspective.

Through story-tell, role plays and case studies, we will learn how to engage in effective advocacy from a biblical perspective as well as why as Christians, we must organize.

To learn more about Interfaith Workers Justice, click here.

As we prepare to attend the Joining Hands Gathering August 13 – 18 we want to tell you about what we will be doing, Monday August 13.

Impacts of Corporate Globalization and How the Church Addresses Root Causes of Poverty

Several presenters Monday will lead workshops about how the church is addressing global issues. Let the delgates know if you have a particular interest.

Food Sovereignty versus Food Security: The Difference? Does it Matter? Yes!

Led by Andrew Kang Bartlett, Associate for National Hunger Concerns

The sharing of food is a sacred act in Christianity and all faith traditions. Add to this the commandment to love neighbor neand and far, and we are called to create food systems that reflect sacredness of food, care or creation and justice for all people involved in the food chain. What does this look like on the ground? Where is this holy food vision sprouting? The Presbyterian Hunger Program will share examples about initiatives and movements to build sustainable, just and sacred food systems.

Identifying and Addressing Human Trafficking

Led Rev. Noelle Damico, Associate for Fair Food, Presbyterian Hunger Program

Jesus came that we might have “life in its fullness”. And yet the International Labour Organization estimates at least 20.9 million people are in forced labor at any given time worldwide (June 2012). Human trafficking, a new form of slavery, is a complex phenomenon whose causes and consequences are violations of human rights. Poverty, gender discrimination, violence and conflict create the breeding ground for this crime, which is global, vicious, and profitable. Learn about trafficking and how PC(USA) is working to address human trafficking from a human rights perspective.

Eco-Justice: How Economic and Ecological Health are Intertwined

Led by Rebecca Barnes-Davies, Associate for Environmental Ministries, Presbyterian Hunger Program

In this workshop we will look at how a concept of “eco-justice” encompasses ecological, economic, and social justice for all people on a thriving earth. Particular attention will be given to how environmentl racism and classism affect economic well-being, for individuals and communities.

Faithful Living in a Global Economy

Led by Melanie Hardison, Associate for Enough for Everyone, Presbyterian Hunger Program

This workshop will explore how our faith in God calls us to live better and love deeper within the context of a global economy. The workshop includes biblical and theological reflection and practical “how to” ideas for practicing faith in everyday life, including opportunities to engage your congregation, family, and community.

For More Information about the Presbyterian Hunger Program click here.

As we prepare to attend the Joining Hands Gathering August 13 – 18 we want to tell you about what we will be doing, Monday August 13.

Impacts of Corporate Globalization and How the Church Addresses Root Causes of Poverty

Joining Hands at a Crossroads

Led by Valery Nodem and Alexa Smith, Joining Hands, Presbyterian Hunger Program, PC (USA)

The Joining Hands Initiative of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Hunger Program is a new way to mobilize people in focused campaigns to tackle systemic causes of hunger both in the United States and abroad as a witness to the wholeness of God’s creation. Rather than replicate project-based mission, the goal of Joining Hands is to organize ourselves in both the northern and southern hemispheres to campaign for change in a globalized world.

Valery and Alexa will lead participants as we consider our achievements and challenges, and where we’re headed.

To learn more about Joining Hands, click here.

Members Montclair Presbyterian Church will be attending the Joining Hands International Gathering and will report via this blog as it progresses. For more information about the conference, click here.

As we prepare to attend the Joining Hands Gathering August 13 – 18 we want to tell you about what we will be doing. For Monday, August 13

Impacts of Corporate Globalization and How the Church Addresses Root Causes of Poverty

The Role and Response of the Church

Led by Hunter Farrell, Director, World Mission, PC (USA)

In a world of increasing disparity of wealth and power — where congressional   sub-committees and corporate boardrooms can declare feast or famine over entire nations, and at a time when “mission” has been reduced to short-term trips of Christian tourism or even voyeurism on the poor — our partners around the world are urging us to go deeper and respond to the root causes of poverty rather than merely reacting to its consequences.

Our global partners have identified three critical global issues to which they need us to respond with them, in order to make a lasting difference in God’s world:

• Address the root causes of global poverty … especially as it impacts women and children;
• Share the Good News of God’s love in Jesus Christ…together with other members of Christ’s body;
• Work for reconciliation amidst cultures of violence…including our own.

Hunter will share some reflections on how Joining Hands might become a major vehicle for the Church and its partners to accomplish this very thing.

For more information about the Mission of PC (USA) click here.

Members Montclair Presbyterian Church will be attending the Joining Hands International Gathering and will report via this blog as it progresses. For more information about the conference, click here.

Watch a video about 175 years of Presbyterian Mission:

As we prepare to attend the Joining Hands Gathering August 13 – 18 we want to tell you about what we will be doing. Monday August 13

Impacts of Corporate Globalization and How the Church Addresses Root Causes of Poverty

Corporate Globalization and its Impacts

Led by Samuel Nguiffo, Founder, Center for the Environment and Development in Cameroon

Every Day, power shifts from citizens and governments to corporations. The rush for profits has   reduced the power that citizens have on making decisions that affect their lives. This session will provide participants with concrete examples of this power shift as it is taking place in Africa, detailing how it affects the lives of people there. It is imperative that we join hands together to ensure that globalization benefits us all.

For more information about the presenter click here

Members Montclair Presbyterian Church will be attending the Joining Hands International Gathering and will report via this blog as it progresses. For more information about the conference, click here.

Watch a video of Nguiffo discussing the issues in Cameroon:

During the week of August 12 – 18 Jay Gregory, Jean Norris, and Brad Hestir will be attending the Together for Justice International Gathering of Joining Hands Activists from around the world. Representatives from a dozen presbyteries of PCUSA will be meeting with representatives of partner organizations from Bolivia, Peru, El Salvadore, Haiti, Cameroon, Lesotho, South Aftrica, Egypt, Palestine, Sri Lanka, and Southern India for inspiration and collaboration concerning mutual Environmental and Human Rights goals.

This is the third such gathering in the 12 year history of Joining Hands and members of Montclair Presbyterian Church have been at all of them. We expect to meet old friends, make new ones, work with an impressive lineup of workshop leaders and speakers and help forge the future directions for Joining Hands.

Joining Hands has been called the future of Mission for the Presbyterian Church and we would like you to be part of it. Bookmark this blog and check it out frequently.  We will be posting frequently leading up to and during the Gathering. Following the gathering we will be visited by friends from out partner organization in Bolivia. You will want to know about that too and how you can meet them in person.

Visitors from Bolivia!

Save the Dates! Beginning August 23 we will be hosting 3 delegates from our partners in Bolivia, the UMAVIDA network, in the SF Bay Area.  They will be busy visiting Earth Justice and Glenda Hope’s Ministry, meeting with OCO, Jean Gregorys 3 bridges tour, meeting with San Francisco Presbytery Joining Hands Coordinating Team.  All MPC members are invited to  join us for the following:

• Thursday, August 24, 7-9 PM, adult and youth gathering at First Pres, Oakland (Youth, bring your parents!)
• Friday, August 25, 6 PM, dinner at High Street Presbyterian, Oakland
• Sunday, August 26th, 10:30 AM, Celebration and reception, Clayton Valley Presbyterian, Clayton
• Sunday, August 26th, 5 PM, Celebration and dinner, Montclair Presbyterian Church, Oakland

For more information, and any new developments, contact Jean Gregory For additional information about the conference go to the official website. View bios about our guests, look at the Together for Justice blog, here.