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Hello good people!

As you may or may not know, February is Black History month! In worship each Sunday we will experience some music, celebration and also some lament in a safe space, as we reflect on our purpose and calling as Christians. May we think globally and act locally…again, pandemic edition!

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I don’t know where to start when it comes to discerning where to be, what to say, how to help with every day life, but also movements like #BlackLivesMatter, and with Black History month. How do we even begin to narrow it down around whom to highlight and celebrate throughout Black history but also the present day? How can we do our part to work for change?

It takes me back to the theological reflection tool that asks three questions
1) What?
2) So what?
3) Now what?

We are rooted in our belief that Christians are called to bravely pursue justice. We find this calling throughout the Bible – from its earliest books, to the courageous prophets that challenged their country’s failure, to respond to the needs of the poor, and into Jesus’ New Testament teachings and the apostles’ writing. We therefore take seriously Micah’s call “to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God,” (6:8) and Isaiah’s command to “seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, [and] plead the widow’s cause” (1:17). (text taken from Association for a More Just Society)

If you, like me, find yourself unsure of where to start, remember you’re not alone! When we all start somewhere and take those baby steps, collectively we initiate the waves of change - and sometimes we don’t even get to see the fruit of the seeds we plant.

The United Church of Canada has a phenomenal resource that can help us tangibly take time to research, reflect, learn and discuss both individually and as a family. While we are already into February, it is my hope that we can continue with this daily practice calendar, and also do some extra days to account for the first days of the month we’ve missed.

Will you join me?
I’d love to hear from you on your findings, insights, and wonderings
Reach out anytime via phone, e-mail, text, Facebook etc!

We are gifted, called and chosen to do the work, wherever we may be and however we come.

What? So what? Now what?

In light,
Meghan Gilholm
Phil.4:13


February: Recognizing people of African descent 

For each day, add specific names of African-descendant people related to each intercession. If you are sharing prayers on social media, include the hashtags#AfricanDescent, #UCCan, #UCC.

We recognize that people of African descent have contributed to the development and advancement of society through culture, science, and the arts; these contributions are often hidden, undervalued, and underappreciated. And so we give thanks for and celebrate African descendants who have made an undeniable difference in the betterment of society. We give thanks for:

01-Feb - World Interfaith Harmony Week (Feb 1-7)
Rap masters, as well as the early DJs and MCs that have spoken for generations

02-Feb - Environmentalists who have been attentive to the cries of the earth

03-Feb - Athletes who have challenged our understanding of the human body

04-Feb - Human Fraternity/World Cancer Day (WHO)
Doctors who have crossed borders and provided life-saving aid

05-Feb - Trendsetters and visionaries

06-Feb - Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (WHO)
Reggae music and its cultural significance to Jamaica and the world

07-Feb - Rock ‘n’ roll icons who pioneered new styles and forms of music

08-Feb - Classical musicians who work in predominately White spaces

09-Feb - Folk artists who keep and celebrate customs and traditions

10-Feb - World Pulses Day
The session musicians who provide the musical foundation for popular music

11-Feb - International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Women and girls who are leading in STEM research

12-Feb - Visual artists who express what words cannot

13-Feb - World Radio Day (UNESCO)
Broadcasters and TV producers

14-Feb - Religious leaders and moral teachers

15-Feb - Inventors and innovators

16-Feb - Caregivers who nurture and support

17-Feb - Teachers and educators

18-Feb - Political figures and world leaders who have advocated for positive change

19-Feb - Human rights advocates

20-Feb - World Day of Social Justice
Activists and movement leaders

21-Feb - International Mother Language Day
Linguists and teachers of heart languages

22-Feb - Peacebuilders and peacekeepers

23-Feb - Civil servants

24-Feb - Builders, contractors, and construction workers

25-Feb - Healers of the body, mind, and spirit

26-Feb - Midwives, doulas, and all those who help to birth new life

27-Feb - Accountants, economists and financial advisors

28-Feb - Correctional officers who protect the dignity of people