What a heavy few weeks it has been. Although in different ways, current events have impacted all of us by navigating the uncertainty of not one, but two pandemics: COVID-19 and racism. One of these pandemics has plagued our country for much longer. As we considered writing the Getting to the Root we wanted to make sure that the gravity of the current moment is conveyed, engaging in the important work that needs to be done, and also honoring and holding space. So we share this message to you, and to ourselves.

To our Black siblings; we see you, and you matter. We want to hold space for your pain, grief, and anger, and to acknowledge these feelings are not new. The trauma associated with having to not only experience, but also repeatedly witness these continued injustices and acts of violence on the news and social media is more than anyone should have to bear, and is violence in and of itself. Unless you live the Black experience, it is impossible to understand how our Black counterparts are feeling, so we also say this: to our white siblings you cannot be complicit in this moment. You have a responsibility, as a person of faith, to do everything in your power to stand in solidarity with, and to support your Black siblings. You have a responsibility to educate yourselves on the history and impact of racism on our society, to learn about and uproot white supremacy in all its forms, and to use this education to spark dialogue and to mobilize in a way that disrupts unjust policies and practices. 

One of the core values in the United Church of Christ is the commitment to seeking a just world for all. Let us all join together to seek racial justice in our families, our congregations, our communities, and in this country. And remember, one way we all have power to create change is through our vote. We are in the middle of a crucial election season, and it is more important than ever that we are using our vote to magnify our voice. We have compiled a list of important resources for education and for action. Please utilize these for your own growth and action, and share with others. 

1. The Cross and the Lynching Tree: A Requiem for Ahmaud Abery - Watch on YouTube
2. Read this letter from UCC Officers: Lynching Justice in America
3. Addressing Systematic Violence Against African Americans in Contemporary America - Information on watching here
4. RSVP for June 20, 2020- Mass Poor People’s Assembly & Moral March on Washington
5. Utilize the UCC’s curriculum: Sacred Conversations to End Racism
6. Find out your registration status, and get registered! On our Civic Action Center
7. Use Our Faith Our Vote Resourcesto get educated on the issues important in upcoming elections
8. Know your rightsat demonstrations and protests
9. Tell your Legislators: We MUST End Police Violence

The path forward demands collective, intentional actions from our entire faith community.

Applications are now available for the 2020-21 Scholarships from the South Congregational Scholarship Fund for undergraduates in their 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th year of colleges/universities. Youth must be active members of a Metropolitan Association church with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The deadline for completed applications is August 31, 2020.

To the Churches of the Metropolitan Association

The Fellowship Dues Contributions shows the 2020 Fellowship dues paid or still outstanding ($12.00 per church member). It also shows the New York Conference Assessment status ($2.00 per church member) for 2020 and 2019. The dues represent a significant part of the Metro Association Budget, and we depend on your church’s support as we continue to provide for the ongoing work of our board of directors, the Association committees, special programs, clergy and church support. If you have unpaid balances, please make every effort to begin making payments. If your church needs an updated statement or to make payment arrangements, please notify the Office Assistant right away at metronyoffice@metrouccnyc.org.

We are living at a time of escalating fear that is leading to hate.  The most important thing we can do to stop this trend is to not be part of it.  We must do as we are called to do as Christians. It is important to show this video and have discussions at your churches. Please refer to the information in the poster that is also displayed.

Rev. Dr. Anesta Vannoy

Metropolitan Association Disaster Response Chaplain