How shall I plumb your memory, O God, I that am fleeting as the dew of morning? How shall I acclaim your compassion? For you remember your people. When they wander pleading in the wilderness, When they are cast low beneath the earth, You do not forget them. By your hand the nations are shaken, […]
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‘Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness….” Genesis 1.26 Lesson: Looking at skin colour to learn more about God. What colour are you? Listen to this poem by Kathleen McGinnis, and see if you can find a colour that matches your skin. Some people are black like ebony wood. […]
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Inspiration and challenge for churches to uncover the Black Presence in the Bible, especially during Black History Month and Lent: If you use Biblical images, make sure they are historically accurate. Utilize the African Heritage Study Bible, edited by Dr. Cain Hope Felder of Howard Divinity School, which includes essays and maps to aid your […]
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Lyrics are sung in Bemba and translated below into English. Here’s a link to Cephas Ng’oma singing this song. Chorus Uku Yahweh ekukabila kwa mutima wandi (YHWH, this is my heart’s desire) Uku Yahweh ekukabila kwa mweo wandi (YHWH, this is my life’s desire) Isusheni umutima wandi (Fill my heart) Isusheni umweo wandi (Fill […]
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Black lives matter That’s what they say I still see injustice Every single day Black lives matter I wait to be served Yet you still ignore me I won’t be unnerved Black Lives Matter The Pandemic is here Why are my people dying Reasons are not clear Black Lives Matter This is my ride Still […]
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Karen writes, ‘This poem is in part autobiographical, speaking of my family, but also about the Church and world.’ Consider sharing this at a communion service. Mummy says ‘Come, for the feast is spread!’ She cracks the sweet between her teeth; A piece for you, a piece for me, No one on top, no one […]
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What are the Reparations? tune: Aurelia – The Church’s One Foundation It seems that God’s creation is not what was designed. So easy to accept things and then become resigned To never being different, wrongs ne’er to be repaired Will ever come the time when your bounty’s fairly shared? We see the world around us […]
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If the night sky wasn’t inky Could the stars shine so bright? And if there wasn’t darkness, Tell me, how could light be light? No dark depths of earth – How would the flora grow? Black is essential, don’t you know. You tell me black is no good – The shade of evil, shade of […]
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God, in whose likeness all are made, teach us to see each other as you see us – each individual, nation and people – beautiful. Beloved. Valued beyond measure. Enable us to see as you see. God, who is love, teach us to love each other as you love us – from the very heart […]
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