There is good information here, including the harm when people stereotype Asian Americans as “the model minority” and reminders that Asian Americans are not a monolithic group of people. This resource was created by Rev. Dr. Boyung Lee, senior vice president for academic affairs, dean of the faculty, professor of practical theology, and co-dean of the joint doctoral program at the United Methodist-related Iliff School of Theology and the University of Denver, Colorado.
If you weren’t in worship on Mother's Day weekend, you can find below a link to Rev. Dr. Jeehei Park’s moving sermon. In her sermon, we learn that in the Book of Revelation, the word “lamb” is used as a reference to Jesus many more times than the words Jesus and Christ. Dr. Park’s insight about the power of God and what she called the ambivalent lamb was poignant. Jesus is both lamb and shepherd. What seems like a contradiction is, actually, the heartbeat of our savior’s unique gift to the world. For in Jesus, God comes not to dominate but to come alongside all who suffer - to comfort and to support. The power of such love is a “power with”, not a “power over.” In worship this Sunday and next, some of the liturgy, prayers, and hymns will be from Asian countries. And below you can also find a prayer written by Bishop Hee-Soo Jung for the observance of AANHPI Month. Bishop Jung serves as Bishop for the East Ohio and West Ohio Annual Conferences of The UMC.
What a joy to be your pastor!
Teresa
