Author: lakewooducc

JPANet: Condemn rise in book bans!

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Condemn the Rise in Book Bans!
According to the American Library Association (ALA), 2022 saw the highest number for attempted book bans since they began compiling data over 20 years ago. They reported a 38% increase from 2021, and this concerning trend has only continued. Of the titles targeted by attempted bans, most were written by or included content about LGBTQ+ community members; Black, Brown, and Indigenous people, or people of different faiths or ethnicities.In the United Church of Christ, we believe God is speaking through a beautiful diversity of voices. We listen for God in a variety of places, including through books and media, and especially from those voices who have historically been marginalized or ignored. Book and media bans stand in direct opposition to this value of listening for a still speaking God.In September, Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD) and Senator Brian Schatz (HI) reintroduced a Resolution recognizing Banned Books Week and condemning the rise of book bans across the country. This Resolution focuses on the role books play in democratic life and urges Congress to denounce illegitimate censorship of books in K-12 classrooms, universities, prisons, and libraries. Speak out for the freedom to read; contact your elected leaders and urge them to support the Banned Books Resolution.
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United Church of Christ · 700 Prospect Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115, United States

New Issue of Celebrate Florida

Early Lenten greetings, Florida UCC members:  
 
Here is the link to the February/March issue of Celebrate Florida.
 
This issue reminds us of our Conference Minister’s intention to retire in July and how the Board of Directors is responding to this and other Conference matters. Other articles in this issue which may be of particular interest to you or others in your congregation include:”Carefrontation” — is that a typo?Discussing last wishes is uncomfortable, but isn’t that something churches can help facilitate?Which of our congregations recently burned their mortgages?Who is Bobby Jo Valentine and why has he recently been appearing at so many of our churches?Need info on securing grant funding?Looking for some examples of books for group reads/discussions and topics for seminars, lectures and workshops? You’ll find lots of ideas from our churches’ experiences in the “Across Florida” section.How do you celebrate turning 100?We know what a Little Library is but how about a Little Pantry?Check out all the imaginative and creative ways in which our congregations celebrated Advent and Christmas and engaged and shared with the wider community. What is the status of the letter about education policies in Florida that the Conference sent on behalf of our congregations to state officials?Answers to all these can be found in this edition. And, as always, the issue contains lots of links to helpful resources and programming ideas you may wish to consider adopting or adapting in your own congregation. 
 
If we’ve not been hearing from you – and you don’t see your church mentioned on these pages – please make sure we’re on the mailing list for your newsletter and e-blasts (rickcarson1@gmail.com) – simple and much appreciated. 
 
We especially welcome your providing the Celebrate Florida link (https://www.uccfla.org/celebrateflorida) to church members via your newsletters, e-communications and on your website.
 
Blessings,  
Rick Carson, Editor