Thinking about Love & Justice in 2020
...but let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream
We hope to share regular newsletters with our GAF community to keep everyone updated with our events and activities, what we’re meditating on, and how you can join into creating relational communities wherever you are. Learn more about us here, and feel free to send any feedback to us by emailing us!
Join us for this upcoming month’s virtual events
Please note that we will be holding a virtual watch party for a former GAF member’s virtual wedding for this week’s community connection Friday. For all others, please enjoy this Friday off + connect with another community!
JOG (Journey of Grace) Small Group
Sunday, October 25, November 1, 8 , 15, 22 • 11AM - 1PM
ZOOM Link | Meeting ID: 327 601 274 | Password: 429125
November Celebration Service
Friday, November 6 • 7PM - 8:30PM
ZOOM Link | Meeting ID: 375 203 749 | Password: 895281
Monthly Friday Activities
Friday, October 23, November 13, 20, 27 • 7PM - 8:30PM
ZOOM Link | Meeting ID: 375 203 749 | Password: 895281
Love and Justice
“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” Amos 5:24 (NRSV)
In Amos 5:24, we find a beautiful expression of God’s deepest longing. God wants to see governing systems with leadership accountable in administering love and justice, tuning into the needs of its people, and creating life-giving relational communities. To help us get a deeper glimpse into God’s river of love and justice, we started a weekly bible study to understand God’s story with ancient Israel.
Here are some food for thought from chapters 1 and 2.
In Chapter 1, we looked at Amos’ name and found that his name meant ‘burden bearer’. None of us showed enthusiasm to carry that title. Surprised? We’re not sure if that was his name from birth or a name given by God when called to be a prophet. Paul pointed out that by carrying one another’s burdens we are doing justice (Galatians 6:2). Amos willingly carried the burden—the pains of injustice to the attention of Israel’s leaders, the burden of reality of what God sees, and the burden of announcing God’s judgment on them. In order for justice and love to flow like a life-giving river we need to acknowledge the important role we carry as burden bearers. We all carry some form of scars, brokenness and a cry for justice.
1) How do you feel about your identity as a burden bearer?
2) How do you see this role played out in your context as a person of love and justice?
3) What are the challenges you see in being a burden bearer for justice?
In Chapter 2, we saw how all the complaints God had against enemy nations and Israel themselves were about the horrendous oppression and violence against the defenseless. The people of Israel were supposed to demonstrate what God’s form of governance looks like. They were to be a nation of royal priesthood ministering love and justice to nations around the world (1 Pe 1:9), creating a nation that includes all nations, languages, and cultures (Rev. 7:9). However, the people of Israel forgot their rich history of God’s deliverance, redemption, and mission as God’s people.
1) What stories have you collected in your journey with God?
2) What are your thoughts about God’s way of judgment?
3) What challenges do you face in setting an example of God’s love and justice?
Announcements
GAF is now legal! We have just received confirmation that we are now officially registered as a religious organization. While this is not 5013(c) status, this is a huge step for establishing our presence in the community.
Donations: We are now accepting tithes / donations virtually via Venmo (@may-chin-5). During this time as we are not meeting in person, we will allocate 90% of tithes towards our staff stipend and 10% towards an organization supporting our community during this time.
September: we donated $100 to support Grand Tea Imports’ recovery fund to support them after a fire caused damage to their inventory and store space.
GAF Prayer Board: We have created an ongoing google form for you to write up your prayers and your concerns; as well as any good news you are seeing at work. Please join us in filling out this form with more of God's narrative during this unprecedented time. May the grace and mercy we long to see take place with daily miracles.
Ways to Support our Community & Additional Resources
Community: Find your local mutual aid group in NYC
Donate to the New Sanctuary fund to support undocumented folks
Support Welcome to Chinatown’s Longevity Fund, which a small business relief fund with the goal of $200,000 for Manhattan Chinatown businesses
Read: If you missed our July Community Connection: Anti-Racism for Asian Americans, you can catch up to speed by reading our summary here.