We will do what Christians always do when they gather for worship--pray, read
Scripture, preach, sing, and take an offering to aid
people suffering in Darfur (more on giving). But we will do these things outdoors, in public,
with four goals:
1. To pray for God’s justice and mercy to come for those suffering in Darfur,
and to be formed as people who share God’s courageous compassion.
2. To urge the media to increase coverage for those who suffer in Darfur
and elsewhere, and to urge our government to exert its influence in the
world community to end the genocide there and pursue peace.
3. To call the church in America not to forget the poor and oppressed,
especially those in Africa--and to make those who suffer poverty and
injustice a greater priority in our prayers, preaching, and action whenever
we gather to worship the God of justice.
4. To urge the U.S. government to promote peace in the Darfur region by
adequately funding the African Union Peacekeeping effort from the current
2,000 soldiers to at least 15,000 by early 2006.
*100% of all donations (cash and
checks) will go for humanitarian aid through the work of
World Vision and
World Relief. Checks may be
made payable to "Worship in the Spirit of Justice" and will be
forwarded by Cedar Ridge Community Church. Thank you!
Informational Flyer on Worship in the Spirit of Justice
(PDF)
Orders of Service
- Sunday, June 12, 2005: Lincoln Memorial
(PDF)
- Sunday, June 19, 2005: U.S. Capitol Reflecting Pool
(PDF)
- Sunday, June 26, 2005: Freedom Plaza (near National Press Club) (PDF)
- Sunday, July 3, 2005: Sudanese Embassy (PDF)
- Sunday, July 10, 2005: Lafayette Park, White House (PDF)
A Note on Singing/Music
We hope that you'll consider joining us to help with singing for one or
all of the five weeks of Worship in the Spirit of Justice! We'll be working
outdoors--without much in the way of a sound system--and so we're hoping to
keep things simple and sweet--with lots of acoustic guitars, loud voices,
simple hand percussion, and whatever other "joyful sounds" God brings our
way. We'll use a small repertoire of familiar hymns and songs, along
with some new, easy-to-learn songs, for the whole five weeks. We're hoping
that each week, more musicians and singers will join us.
Impromptu "rehearsals" will be held:
- Each Sunday of the five weeks, June 12-July 10, 12:30-12:55 PM,
at that day's location. Bring your voice and your instrument(s).
- Song Sheets with Guitar Chords (PDF)
Directions/Transportation
What to Bring
Worship in the Spirit of Justice will be an outdoor event, rain or shine.
We strongly encourage you to review the list below.
IF IT'S SUNNY...bring sunscreen, hats, bottled water, etc.--plus
some to share.
IF IT'S RAINY...bring a couple extra umbrellas to share.
WHATEVER THE WEATHER...please use this checklist:
- a couple lawn chairs or blankets (maybe some to share?)
- dress is cool and casual--come as you are
- green armbands to show support for the people of Darfur
- the weekly bulletin--we'll post it on this site each week--so you
can download it , print it, and bring it--plus a few extra copies to
share. It will contain the plan for the service, Scripture readings,
song lyrics, prayers, plus directions to the location
- some friends and neighbors! Spread the word!
- remember--kids are an important part of this experience; it could be
an important part of their spiritual education. We're counting on
parents to help their kids be productively involved.
As You Prepare and Travel to the Event...Pray that God will use
these five weeks to bring real and lasting help to our neighbors who are
suffering in Africa. And pray that we, here in America, will be challenged
and changed as well.
