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Sunday, September 30. 2007First Annual God Not Guns Sabbath Observed in Faith Communities Across the Country Thank you all for your hard work and participation! The first annual God Not Guns Sabbath was observed on September 28-30 in faith communities across the country. From North Carolina to California, individuals and congregations pledged their commitment to help make their communities safer from gun violence by recognizing and addressing the epidemic of gun violence and the spiritual and moral crisis that this epidemic reflects. Rev. Jesse Jackson preached a dynamic sermon at Riverside Church of New York in observance of the Sabbath, where he pledged his continued commitment to work on the issue of gun violence. He encouraged the congregants to, "recognize the moral bankruptcy that allows violence to proliferate and to "march on their local gun stores, and gun manufacturers" and take back their communities. Our inaugural events were inspirational, educational and enlightening. People across this country put their faith into action and spoke up and out against the epidemic of gun violence that has taken so many lives. Thank you to all that participated and helped to make these first events great successes. Examples of the kinds of activities that took place across the country in observance of the God Not Guns Sabbath: 1. NY — Riverside Church of New York Saturday Night Concert; A concert for Living and a Sunday morning worship service with Guest Preacher Rev. Jesse Jackson. A standing exhibit "Wall of Names" that served as a memorial for victims of gun violence. 2. IL — Fourth Presbyterian Church in downtown Chicago on north Michigan Avenue. A 6 pm Vespers service with 38 candles for the school children shot this last year in Chicago schools, each light put out, one at a time - victim’s family members participated in the presentation and readings. 2. DC - Community of Hope AME The Pastor made a call to worship addressing the issue of gun violence prevention and held a memorial prayer in remembrance of victims lost to senseless gun violence in the Washington Metropolitan area. Volunteers also handed out educational materials to congregants. 4. CA- Asbury Temple United Methodist Churchthe faith community held a God Not Guns vigil in memoriam of the victims lost to gun violence, they conducted a full service addressing the issue of gun violence and held an international prayer for peace. 5. CA- Arlington Heights Methodist Church's Around the Kitchen Table Adult Sunday School Class used the God Not Guns worship guide to organize a full service with follow up discussion groups. 6. CA - A young activist, who was a victim at the North Valley Jewish Community Center in 1999, and his Mom spoke and handed out materials to an audience of approximately 60 people at the United Church of Christ in California. “ They were very receptive to our message,” reported the victim's Mom. Other faith communities that participated in the God Not Guns Sabbath Observance: NC - Durham Congregations in Action NC - The Religious Coalition for a Nonviolent Durham NC - Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in Raleigh TX - First Community Church- Dallas TX - Munger Place United Methodist Trackbacks
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