Last Christmas, a long-time Glenn member noted that of all the ornaments on Glenn Memorial’s Advent Christmas tree, the white doves brought her the most joy. Perhaps it was their purity and fidelity that sparked her joy. With their ample, strong wings, they fly down to earth to remind us of God’s love – and then soar to heaven to perch beside the Almighty. Songwriter Bob Ferguson got it right: “He sent down His love on the wings of a snow-white dove.
Too many people are unaware of the doves in their midst. Yet, these snow-white beauties hover quietly nearby – assuring us of God’s presence and steadfast love, especially in difficult times. Some people are too fraught or too lonely to notice. Others, too busy or too numb to hear the fluttering of their wings. It often takes a touch of kindness to open hearts to their healing presence.
Many who have participated in Glenn’s outreach ministries have witnessed doves in the spaces where they have served. They have seen personal connection, compassion, and hope melt away layers of anxiety, grief, and loneliness – quickly revealing God’s love for them and bringing peace and joy to their heavy hearts.
Glenn’s Justice Team leads the congregation in bringing refuge to the uprooted, food to the hungry, and shelter to the homeless. It also keeps Glenn mindful of long-standing commitments to social and racial justice, environmental stewardship and global education. In identifying avenues for service that address these priorities and commitments, the Justice Team facilitates congregational efforts to meet critical needs, open others to God’s love and contribute to the transformation of the world.
We trust that you will support the missions and ministries included in this year’s Alternative Giving Catalog. Such Advent gifts may be given in honor or memory of a loved one or friend – or in lieu of a wrapped gift at Christmas. Let your gift be an acknowledgement of God’s love manifest in your life. Be someone’s “dove.”
- Joan Lord, on behalf of the Glenn UMC Justice Team
In response to our call as Christians to transform the world, the Justice Team at Glenn begins by educating its members and others about the root causes of unfairness and injustice in our society. It champions strong social systems that help struggling people overcome adversity and live with purpose, and it advocates for change in laws, policies and systems that result in injustice. At the same time, the Justice Team works to create opportunities for personal connection with those who are struggling or suffering injustice in ways that affirm our mutual humanity and dignity. Gifts given through the Alternative Giving Catalog enable us to support other groups engaged in similar work. This year’s Catalog focuses on gifts to organizations that work to feed the hungry, assist the unhoused, welcome the refugee, advocate for social justice, support global education, and be stewards of the environment.
-The Glenn Justice Team