Wesley Center at the University of Oregon

Tonight

2011-12-02T13:51:00.000-08:00

Wesley alumnae Marshall McFarland Photography Presents: Form and Nature

A show of 24x36 inch black and white and c-prints opening Friday Dec. 2nd at The D.I.V.A Center in Eugene, Or. The opening is tomorrow from 530 to around 8 but the show will be up every Friday and Saturday through Dec 23rd!

For more info: http://www.diva.proscenia.net/cu...rrent.htm

Come see Marshall's show opening tonight at the First Friday Art Walk, Friday Dec 2nd!

Way to Go! to Ireland

2011-11-28T15:25:00.000-08:00

Our own Katie Dwyer has been awarded the prestigious Mitchell Scholarship to continue her amazing work and research in Ireland next year. Katie has worked with the Inside Out program bringing college classes into the prisons, lead trips to Arizona to relieve migrating families with "No More Deaths," started and runs the Wesley Center Writers Group and a long list of other wonderful feats. Way to Go Katie! remember us when you are out there changing the world!

Student Success

2011-11-16T11:54:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the Wesley Centers own Katie! The leader of our Writers Group and a part of so much more. Here is the link to an article featuring her success.
http://uonews.uoregon.edu//archive/news-release/2011/11/university-oregon%E2%80%99s-katie-dwyer-finalist-become-mitchell-scholar

Thank You

2011-11-09T14:15:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all who helped with the 21st Choral Extravaganza! It was a great success! We topped previous years by receiving over $4000 in good will donations. The Wesley Center is grateful to al donors, choirs, speakers, helpers and our Board, friends and family.

The Choral Extravaganza!

2011-10-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

Come and support the Wesley Center this Sunday at First United Methodist Church for the 21st annual Choral Extravaganza! Doors open at 5:00pm at First UMC is at 14th and Olive st. Come listen to the beautiful music by local choirs. The Bishop and some Wesley-ins will speak. Join us and enjoy the community that the Wesley Center brings together! This is one of our biggest fundraisers so, tell your friends, bring your family, it is free to get in! We ask for a good will donation only.

Welcome

2011-09-23T16:09:00.000-07:00

Welcome! This Sunday at 5:00pm please join us at the Wesley Center for a FREE BBQ. The amazing Blake will be cooking his great Texas food and there will be veggie options. Come meet the group and fill your belly!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

2011-07-29T20:21:00.000-07:00

On July 26th a group of Wesley-ens enjoyed an Eugene Emralds baseball game. That night was also a fundraiser for Greenhill Humain Society. Baseball, cracker jacks and dogs what could be more fun. This was just one event for the summer with movie nights and other outings in the works.

Thank You!

2011-05-15T14:56:00.000-07:00

A BIG thanks to all who helped, participated and donated to the 3rd Annual Spring Fling last week. It was a huge success and has generated a lot of good will in the community. We always appreciate your kind gifts to further insure our ability to provide a safe and welcomeing space. The struggle for funding is ongoing but we now feel confident that with all of the support we saw at Spring Fling that we can continue.
Thank you!

3rd Annual Spring Fling May 7, 2011

2011-04-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

THE WESLEY CENTER’S 3RD ANNUAL SPRING FLING, MAY 7 4pm Doors Open; Silent Auction ----- 5pm Dinner [Salmon, Chicken or Veggie] DJ Entertainment
Cost for Event Tickets: $20
And find the Spring Fling on Facebook by clicking here!
Spring Fling, one of the most important fundraisers of the year is coming! Fun for all! Because we are now responsible for all of our own funding, we need your help. Please help us by supporting our program and mission, our staff, our building upkeep, electricity, and MOST OF ALL our food for the poor and weary college student among many other things. This year alone, the Wesley Center has opened its doors to over 40 student organizations at the University of Oregon. Our space is always free of charge for the invited student groups and we aim to keep it that way!
The meal, ala our local chef Blake English promises to be amazing: wild salmon, chicken or veggie platters.
Here is a preview of the auction items if you want to take a look at what will be available.

THIS YEAR - Head start Bidding for anyone wanting to begin now and for those who cannot be there on the May 7th date. And if you are interested in bidding now, please email peaceuofo@yahoo.com and put the word “Bid” in the subject of the email.

[STARTING BID $ 45] Made from scratch a fabulous New York style cheesecake. This signature dessert is brought to you by Paul Shang.
[STARTING BID $15] Homemade table runner made by Caroline Cummins. This black, white, and red masterpiece will spice up your table any time of the year.
[STARTING BID $280] Weekend at Sun River Resort valued at $300. Two evenings in Sun River in a house with 3 bedrooms and a loft that sleep up to 8 people. Also, the weekend comes with a $150 cleaning fee paid directly paid to the Rockey's who are the owners of this lovely house. Get together a group of people to enjoy the weekend and have fun!
[STARTING BID - $15] Curious K9 Boutique gift certificate for $20. This local business is in the 5th Street Market, you can bring your dog to be groomed, get a new toy, or find some yummy dog food.
[STARTING BID - $180] Steel Head Fly-Fishing trip valued at $200. This once in a lifetime opportunity for 2 friends or foes to head out on the river and get some fishing done with the guide and boat provided.
[STARTING BID - $15] Bed Bath & Beyond gift certificate for $20. Do you have a student heading off to college? Need a new toaster? Perhaps fresh linens? Then this is the item for you!
[STARTING BID - $20] 2 winners for this - 1 hour long Belly Dancing Lessons along with 2 sets of Tibetan prayer flags from Tibetan Gifts and Imports valued at $50. Wesley's own Sherry Bierwirth will help you get your groove on.
[STARTING BID - $15] 2 winners for this - Tibetan wall hangings from Tibetan Gifts and Imports for $30. These beautiful wall hangings will brighten up any room or make a marvelous gift.
[STARTING BID - $20] Very Little Theater offers a gift certificate for 2 tickets for $30. A local community theater that is a great place for to soak in some Eugene styled culture.
[STARTING BID - $10] Rainbow Optics has a gift bag valued at $20. This bag includes sunglasses, glasses case, and more goodies for your eyes for the upcoming sunny season!
[STARTING BID - $10] Noble Estates, Vineyard and Winery have offered a $15 bottle of wine. Delectable Pinot Gris from a local vineyard to complement any summer day.
[STARTING BID - $10] Voodoo Donughts' Voodoo Dozen. 13 of the most creative pastries that you can imagine that are all yours.... yummmm.....
[STARTING BID - $35] The Shedd offers a $50 gift certificate for tickets. Treat yourself and a friend to a world class experience of the preforming arts.
[STARTING BID - $10] Melaleuca sample bag that is worth $20. Northwest company that makes eco-friendly make-up and cleaning supplies. Donated by Gail Weilbacher
[STARTING BID - $10] The Clothes Horse $15 gift certificate. This local business near campus will dress up right and make you look snazzy.
[STARTING BID - $20] Excelsior Inn offers a lunch for 2 valued at $30. Enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of this campus area bed and breakfast.
[STARTING BID - $35] Two Cases of Pasties from Cousin Jack's Pasty Company local ingredients and mmmm so good [auction separately]
[STARTING BID - $18 EACH] Sy's Pizza - 3 Large with up to 2 toppings.
[STARTING BID - $30] 4 Box seats for a Eugene Emralds baseball game and a box of baseball cards to go with them.
[STARTING BID - $25] A designer wallet from classy Beijo Bags, donated by Gail Weilbacher
[STARTING BID - $15] Get set up with your own blog by Melissa Mitchell. Her years of writing on a internationally read blog will get you rolling.
[STARTING BID - $15] Learn to knit old school with Leslie Weilbacher who can teach you the basics or a new project that you have been wanting to get some advice on.
More to come! Keep watching and Bid at peaceuofo@yahoo.com - Bid generously, we need you!!!!

Calendar

2011-04-05T17:45:00.000-07:00

We have a very busy month with Disability Awareness Week, Sexual Violence Awareness Week and lots of Wesley Center activeities. Here are the Calendars for the month of April. We hope to see you at some of them.

Tuesday, April 5, 6:30pm Fair Trade Fellowship: Each week - great free meal, followed by Fair Trade Chocolate and student-generated conversations/activities. This week, sharing favorite books and films. Film Trivia contest - prizes.

Wednesday, April 6 at 6pm. Come to First United Methodist Church at 14th and Olive for “That’s My Farmer.” We celebrate great local foods and food producers. Learn about local farms, meet farmers. Eat good food. If you’d like, sign up for a CSA [Community Supported Agriculture], get a food basket once a week and share in the farmer’s fortune. If you support local sustainable food, if you care about the earth, you will enjoy “That’s My Farmer!” [Free to U of O students who say, “I’m from the Wesley Center”].

Thursday, April 7, 1:30pm - 3pm Liberation Lunch - Legal Issues and Social Ethics - and free lunch.

Thursday, April 7, 6:30pm Wesley Board Meeting - Pizza and Planning.

RESCHEDULED: April 9-10 Yurt Don't Hurt NOW April 30- May 1 see below.

Tuesday, April 12, 6:30pm Fair Trade Fellowship: Each week - great free meal, followed by Fair Trade Chocolate and student-generated conversations/activities. This week, “a work of art that has meant something to me.” Art Trivia contest - prizes.

~RESCHEDULED for next week Thursday, 1:30pm - 3pm Liberation Lunch - Legal Issues and Social Ethics - and free lunch. Sunday, April 17, Palm Sunday Activities at First United Methodist Church [14th and Olive]: 10 am Worship, 11:15 am - Bible Study and free lunch.

Monday, April 18, 2:15pm Writers Group: Fiction, non fiction, poetry or what ever your style might be or become, jion us to write and support each other.

Tuesday, April 19, 6:30pm Fair Trade Fellowship: Each week - great free meal, followed by Fair Trade Chocolate and student-generated conversations/activities. This week, “Disability 101: A Conversation On Disability Awareness Week.” Trivia contest regarding Disability Issues - prizes.

Thursday, April 21, 1:30pm - 3pm Liberation Lunch - Legal Issues and Social Ethics - and free lunch.

Thursday, April 21, 5-7pm Music Within - Film Night, sponsored by AccessAbility Student Union. Free. As part of Disability Awareness Week

Friday, April 22, 4-5 pm AccessAbility Student Union coffee hour and conversation. Free.

Sunday, April 24, Easter Sunday Activities at First United Methodist Church [14th and Olive]: 10 am Worship and more.

Monday, April 25, 12noon - 2pm "Liberation Lunch: Responses to Sexual Violence in Law and Rule" - Please stop by from noon to 2 for some free food and to hear various persons speak from professional experience regarding legal and legislative responses to issues of sexual violence. Wesley Foundation,

Monday, April 25, 2:00pm Writers Group: Fiction, non fiction, poetry or what ever your style might be or become, jion us to write and support each other.

Tuesday, April 26, 6:30pm Fair Trade Fellowship - "A Conspiracy of Indifference" - We will hear from speaker Fred Leonhardt, a speechwriter for former Portland mayor and Oregon governor Neil Goldschmidt. Mr. Leonhardt has written about the abuse of a 14 year old girl by Mr. Goldschmidt. He will share his thoughts regarding the lack of support for her by persons with knowledge, and the resulting consequences. This event provides our community an opportunity to reflect upon witness, bystander opportunities for intervention, and changing the community of indifference.

Thursday, April 28, TAKE BACK THE NIGHT - at the EMU, more info to follow -

Friday, April 29, 10am-3:30pm - A Safe and Peaceful Place Following Take Back the Night 2011. The Wesley Center will also be open for reflection, restoration, and gathering with light snacks, art supplies, conversation, and studying Friday after TBTN from 10am-3:30pm.

April 30-May 1, 9:30 for breakfast at Wesley, Yurt, Don’t Hurt. Overnight at the Coast. Breakfast and dinner provided [you pick up lunch on the trip]. Only 15 spots available. Games, coast stuff, and a discussion on bystander ethics. If you’re interested, please email file:///mc/compose?to=peaceuofo@yahoo.com or call 541.346.4694.

More to come – including volunteering at Food for Lane County, film nights, Affirming an Open Community, Gardening and Great free food and Chocolate each Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Come and join us at the table. Wesley Center: Please join us for what you can.

End of Term

2011-03-14T14:05:00.000-07:00

The winter term is coming to a close and we have ended it on a good note. The band from the University of North Texas Wesley Foundation played a concert last night here in the social hall and it was uplifting. Thank you for coming, enjoying and sharing a meal with us on a rather rainy day.

WESLY SERVING AT FOOD FOR LANE COUNTY

2011-02-09T14:02:00.000-08:00

WESLEY STUDENTS AND FRIENDS had a three hour service project last night at Food for Lane County. We gathered at the Wesley Center, welcomed new friends, then loaded up and headed out to the FFLC Kitchen. We sorted restaurant donations, can, dry goods, washed and dried containers and boxed up the food to be sent out. It was a lot of of work but the students performed with great attitudes and a speed that impressed the FFLC folks. This week Lane County; next week the world - FEED THE HUNGRY FOLKS!

Take the OATH

2011-02-02T11:00:00.000-08:00

Last Night, at Fair Trade Fellowship,
Roxy told the group about some of the causes and tragedies involved in human trafficking. It was a very difficult subject to talk about due to the violence and inhumanity.
Roxy told us about OATH Oregonians Agents Trafficking Humans an organization that challenges everyone to take the oath to spread awareness.

Here is the link to OATH to take the pledge: http://159.121.4.213/ohttft/oath.html
Also, a reminder to those who are interested: Every Friday @ 4pm in Friendly hall room 106 Slavery Still Exists holds their weekly meeting.
Thanks, Roxy - and thank you, reader, in advance for taking the OATH . . . .

Ahiru Daiko

2011-02-01T12:44:00.000-08:00

Here is what a few people had to say about the Concert!

"The performance went great. There was a good turn out and I think people really enjoyed it."
~Andrea and AD

"Ahiru Daiko represents the best of the U of O - great people, talent, hard work, and fun! Everyone will want to keep tuned in and take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy them as often as possible. These Ducks will go far."-Warren

A few images of the drummers and one with a flute.

Well Done

2011-01-24T12:55:00.000-08:00

A big thank you to all who participated in the Riparian Redeemers work party. We planted native plants after the more invasive ones were taken out. We also mulched around them to keep them safe. There were jokes and laughter to be heard around each group hard at work. We gathered for a song afterwords and please enjoy some pictures below.

Work Party

2011-01-05T14:34:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a chance to help the local wetlands? The Riparian Redeemers are asking Wesley for student volunteers to make up a work party. On Saturday January 15th from 10-12, hot drinks and snacks will be provided.

In their own words "We've worked at eradicating non-native plants in a forest along the stream there, planting native plants, mending trails and clearing debris. Our work has taken us from a grassy knoll with very old oaks as we try to save their little off-spring from mowing and overgrowth by blackberries by mulching and watering, to the little lake region where we cut down trees that choke the undergrowth and plant grasses in the low areas. Because of our work, the Western Pond turtle is returning, along with some otter. Needless to say, restoring the native landscape allows native wildlife to flourish."

If you are interested please sign up with Leslie by emailing her at peaceuofo@yahoo.com
Carpooling can be worked out as well.

Welcome in the Winter Term

2011-01-04T11:52:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,
We are getting off right out of the gate with dinner tonight. Come at 6:30 for hot food and conversation. We will be brainstorming what we want to do this term. If you have any questions give us a call at 541-346-4694. Good luck with the start of term!

Standing in Support

2010-12-14T13:07:00.000-08:00

The Wesley Center encourages freedom of religious expression and supports the Muslim community at the University of Oregon.

On Monday December 6th the Wesley Center hosted a vigil in conjunction with the office of the Dean of Students and Mayor Kitty Piercy. The purpose of the vigil was to unequivocally express support for the Muslim community after the horrific burning of the Mosque in Corvallis.
Paul Shang, the Dean of Students at the University of Oregon connected with the Religious Directors Association (RDA), the Anti-Hate Task-force and other community groups. He worked with Warren to support action-response in solidarity with the Muslim Student Association (MSA). Warren is a co-chair of the RDA. With Jennifer Martin of the Koinonia Center and the support of most of the RDA group members, Warren and Matt Alhands
[Reformed Campus Fellowship Cascade Presbyterian Church] came up with a short statement. The RDA supported this statement in the campus newspaper, which read:

The RDA supports the rights of University of Oregon Muslim students and all others engaging in religious expression through nonviolent thought and action, as guaranteed by our State and Federal Constitutions.
Let's continue to work together to ensure mutual understanding and respect at the University of Oregon.
The Religious Directors Association [RDA]

The Wesley Center is the home for the Muslim Prayer Room: a space freely open to be utilized by the MSA as a safe place for prayer. Since the prayer room is in the Wesley Center, Dean Shang and Warren felt it would be a great place to gather for a vigil. It is extremely important to our family at the Wesley Center that everyone feels welcome.
At the vigil, Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy, U O President Richard Lariviere, were in attendance, taking time out of their hectic end-of-the-year schedule to add their words from the heart. From the RDA, Jennifer Martin [Koinonia], Paul Bessemer [Hillel], Rev. Dann Houghton, and representatives from the First Congregational Church and the Newman Center offered wisdom and compassion. Many students, representatives from CALC and the Anti-Hate Task Force, and others gave their support. Speaker after Speaker, reader after reader, and one singer called for solidarity (not just "tolerance"), understanding (not just ignorant pity).

The last speaker of the night, Imam Khalid Alfallatah of the Islamic Center of Eugene, student of the U of O and presidnet of the MSA, called upon all communities to dialogue, to understand and to support one another. Khalid gave a powerful challenge for the community to continue this work.
Near the end of the program, Warren read from Martin Luther King's Nobel Acceptance Speech:

I refuse to accept the idea that the "isness" of man's present nature makes him morally incapable of reaching up for the eternal "oughtness" that forever confronts him. I refuse to accept the idea that man is mere flotsom and jetsom in the river of life, unable to influence the unfolding events which surround him. I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality.
I refuse to accept the cynical notion that nation after nation must spiral down a militaristic stairway into the hell of thermonuclear destruction. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant.

We came to embrace another in community - thanks to all; and friends in the Muslim community, thanks for being part of our lives.

What is Comming Up

2010-12-02T15:22:00.000-08:00

Hope all is well.
Below you’ll find the Wesley Calendar for the remainder of the term. I hope you can join us. Thanks for being a part of it all!

Friday, International Day of the Persons with Disabilities, December 3, 2010, AccessABILITY Student Union will be Celebrating at 4:30 and the Wesley Center. We are asking all members/supporters of the disability community to wear purple and show your pride! Read More about International Day of People with Disabilities.

Sunday morning, December 5 - At First UMC [13th and Olive] Worship, 10am, Bible Study 11:15am, followed by sandwich lunch [12:15pm] with veggie options. Topic - “Murder, Nationalism and the Destruction of the World” or “Just Another Day in the Old Testament.”

Monday, December 6; 8 am - 11 am - The Prince of Pancakes Brings Free Sourdough come - eat, eat some more, talk, and eat.

Monday, December 6 at 6:30 pm - Vigil of Readings Celebrating Freedom of Religious [and Nonreligious] Expression through nonviolent thought and action in support for and solidarity with the U of O Muslim Community. I need readers - if you can help, please come. Thanks!

Tuesday, December 7 at 6:30 pm - Fair Trade Fellowship. Free Meal [Warren cooks tonight], followed by Christmas party - Games, gifts, reindeer and elves!

Wednesday morning, December 8 - Feeding homeless families at First UMC - please set aside the time, if you can to help feed 30-50 people at First UMC. Please reply by email or phone to let me know if you’ll be available.

Wonderful Night at Wesley

2010-11-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday after dinner, the group carved pumpkins in preparation for the Halloween Dance. We had a vampire, a bat, a pumpkin pie i.e., the math symbol, and Salvador Dolly. They were used on Sunday to decorate for the Halloween Dance that was to benefit Womenspace. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the U of O Women's Center asked for donations of toiletries for Womenspace. To get into the party you needed to bring a donation.

Once you were in there was a lot to see and taste. Dances music filled the social hall, Young Frankenstein the movie with Gene Wilder was projected silently on one wall and in a corner a giant Pea pod was reading to a group of gules from a book of true vampire stories taken from Dr. Jekyll's Library. There was plenty to eat from eyeballs to fingers, to mummy skin and toenails. Prizes were handed out and as the night wore down the gang settled in to watch a movie.

At the Wesley Center we try to bring awareness of social justice concerns and when we can act on them and make a difference. Now a few more people know about relationship violence and several women and children at Womenspace have some daily comforts to make their transitions a bit better.

Thank You and Happy Halloween!

Successful Event

2010-10-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to everyone who helped with the Choral Extravaganza on Sunday. APASU, POP, SASS, the 8 choirs, the UO Women's Center, the Tiko drummers, the Bishop and the many others who made the 20th CE very successful. We had around 350 people come and $4500 donated. It was a lovely, inspiring evening and it was possible because of all of you. Pictures are on their way.

Thank you all again.

If you missed all the fun we hope to see you at the Spring Fling. We are allways very appreciative of donations at any time.

If you would like to support a specific community please specify the name in the commits box. Thank you!

CROP Walk

2010-10-04T12:27:00.000-07:00

The CROP Walk was this last Sunday and was a great success. A group from the Wesley Center joined about 200 people from variety area groups walked one to three miles. There were sign posted around the trail with facts about the hunger problems abroad and locally in Lane County. The idea was that in some countries a person would walk three miles to gather the water for the day. That is the wash water the cooking water and then he drinking water. In Lane County 10 thousand children live under the poverty line and in risk of going hungry. We were proud to support this venture to educate and raise money to fight hunger.
For more pictures see http://picasaweb.google.com/NectarWay/CROPWalk2010?authkey=Gv1sRgCOCrtv-iu_HC0wE&feat=email#

Great Start

2010-09-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

We have started off the Fall term with a great night at Intermingle meeting many new people. The BBQ was a lot of fun with 43 people, some new and some returning, enjoying each others company. Hope to see you at our up coming events for the rest of the term.

Welcome back to Campus

2010-09-22T18:03:00.000-07:00

This Friday at 5:00pm in the EMU is Intermingle. The Wesley Center will be there to talk to new students and offer the chance to win some prizes in a game. So, come by the booth and say "hi." Then on Sunday at the Wesley Center is the Welcome BBQ with Blake's fabulous cooking. Stop by at 1-4.

Welcome Back or For the First Time - Wesley 2010

2010-09-16T11:20:00.000-07:00

I want to welcome you to our new-look blog/website, designed by Leslie Weilbacher, our new, gifted intern.

If you have never been here, the Wesley Center is a safe, welcoming community for students and young adults at the U of O, Lane, and NWCC.

It is a very diverse community, composed of people from various backgrounds, beliefs, etc.

Please join us as we have our annual welcome-back open house Sunday September 26th, from 1-4 pm. Chef Blake will be cooking Texas style BBQ with veggie options. Meet new students and visit with old friends.

We are at 1236 Kincaid, between Rennie's Landing and the Duckstore. Hope to see you - enjoy the website!

Peace,

Warren Light

Director of the Wesley Center

541.346.4694

Faith and Peace; Religion and Hate

2010-09-13T13:08:00.000-07:00

At the Wesley Center, we are disturbed about how some religious leaders have used their pulpit to espouse hate. Recently, a pastor in Florida (whose name we do not feel is worth stating in this blog) was calling for the Qu'ran to be burned. We oppose book burning in general, be it the Qu'ran, the Bible or Harry Potter. We recognize that book burning and vilification of Islam is borne of of hate and closed-minded ignorance.

Love is stronger than hate. Truth is more lasting than hate speech. Although the Florida group called off the book-burning plans, much of the damage had been done.

First United Methodist Church in Eugene Oregon on Friday held a vigil in response to the Florida fiasco. People from many different faith and philosophical perspectives gathered, ranging from Christian to Muslim to Jewish to Wicca to Atheist/Agnostic. These people gathered in solidarity with those who were targeted.

We participated in this vigil. The gathering was an important response, a symbol of what it means to be community. For more on the vigil, please see the Register Guard article at the link blow.

The following is a a sermon by Debbie Pitney at First United Methodist Church in Eugene [Olive and 12th] on the Sunday following the vigil. Her articulate confession of faith offers a more authentic understanding of what it means to be committed to one spiritual discipline while fully respecting another.

(See a Register Guard article of the vigil, click here to see a photo click here)

THE GOD I DO BELIEVE IN…
JESUS, THE BEST CHRISTIAN MOST OF US CAN IDENTIFY
September 12, 2010

With my need for trifocals, often times, bumper stickers are lost on me. I simply can’t get close enough to read all the fine print! But not too long ago I did get close enough to read a bumper sticker that proudly proclaimed “Sorry I missed church. I was busy practicing witchcraft and being a lesbian!” There is little doubt that Christianity has an image problem.

As I shared with you in The Messenger, my summer began listening in on a conversation with some young adults who planned an online marketing conference for the 6th of July at 6:00 with 60 different speakers speaking for 60 seconds each. I was deeply saddened as one of the planners commented that they hoped all of the sixes in the timing of the conference would keep Christians from participating! (Some Christians in the world today think that the number six is representative of the devil or at least all that is evil.) There is little doubt that Christianity has an image problem.

According to research by the Barna Group, “many of those outside of Christianity, especially younger adults, have little trust in the Christian faith, and esteem for the lifestyle of Christ’s followers is quickly fading among outsiders. They admit their emotional and intellectual barriers go up when they are around Christians, and they reject Jesus because they feel rejected by Christians.” (From unchristian by David Kinnaman) Statistically speaking, their research shows that only 16% of young adults in the United States have a good impression of Christianity while 38% have a bad impression. Christianity has an image problem.

So what are we to do? As Christians… as people who are trying to live each day following in the footsteps of Jesus, what we are to do? As David Kinnaman from the Barna Research Group has affirmed, “Christians are supposed to represent Christ to the world. But according to the latest report card, something has gone terribly wrong. Using descriptions like ‘hypocritical,’ ‘insensitive,’ and ‘judgmental,’ young Americans share an impression of Christians that’s nothing short of… unchristian.” (From unchristian) What are we to do?

Most of us would agree that the news stories of the past week have done little to help the image of Christianity. To quote my good friend Patt Rollins, whose sleepless night led us to come together on Friday evening in a prayerful response to what many of us consider to be the unchristian words and intentions of a small group of people in Florida, “Being a Christian ain’t for sissies. We are called to follow in the footsteps of Christ.”

Patt’s words reminded me that earlier in the week, as John and I were talking about the hateful religious rhetoric that is swirling all around us, he commented that it is at times like this, as the public voices of our Christian faith espouse doctrines and beliefs that are so deeply opposed to the heart of Christianity, that he wonders if it wouldn’t just be easier to step away from faith all together. Christianity has an image problem. What are we to do?

I must confess to you that I don’t have an easy answer to my own question. As tempting as it may be to become a Unitarian, I cannot. I can only say that I believe in the Way of Jesus. I can only say that for me, the God that I believe in is best known through the life and teachings and ministry of Jesus Christ. I can only say that I am called to do the best I can to follow in the footsteps of Christ.

But even as I say this, I know that some may hear this as a claim that excludes any and all who do not share this belief. And still others will hear this as a call to convert our sisters and brothers of other faiths. So let me borrow another’s words and say it in another way. “For me, Jesus is the face of God, the heart of God, the ethics of God, the way of God. In Jesus I am discovering what a life full of God looks like… But at the same time, I recognize the faithfulness of many other people who have other names for their access into God’s realm.” (From The God I Don’t Believe In) Jesus is my way but I don’t believe, when it comes to faith, that it is my way or the highway.

Gary Wilburne, in his book The God I Don’t Believe In, writes: “When I hear language like ‘You can’t be saved unless you accept Christ as your personal savior,’ I know that it is usually sincere and heart-felt. But what it most likely means is, “We are on the inside and you are on the outside. Ours is the only true faith. If you do it our way, you’ll have better access to God than the followers of Moses or Buddha or Mohammed, or Charles Darwin, or the ‘Inner Light,’ or whatever.” And like Wilburne, I affirm that “while the Way of Jesus is… my path, my doorway, my approach to God’s realm, I respect and encourage others to make their entrance into the same realm by their particular way, however different from my own.”

In my heart of hearts, I believe that Jesus is the very best Christian any of us can identify. And guess what? Jesus wasn’t a Christian. He was a Jew. I think we all know that but I think we often either ignore it or forget it or maybe just don’t understand it. So let me repeat what I just said. I believe that Jesus is the very best Christian any of us can identify but Jesus wasn’t a Christian. He was a practicing Jew. Jesus was a person of extraordinary love, compassion, and forgiveness. When the leaders of the synagogue preached exclusivity and privilege, Jesus offered an alternative – the inclusive love of God and humble service in God’s name. He called for a new understanding of justice in God’s world. I believe that this is what we are to do if we are following in the footsteps of Christ.

Another has said that “Ours is not the easy road of simply believing a set of ancient creeds or politically correct doctrinal statements. According to the gospels, Jesus did not bring us a new religion or a new code of ethics. What he brought us was a life filled with God, acting as God would act.” (From The God I Don’t Believe In) Listen for a minute as we remember some of the ways that Jesus said that God expects us to act…

… You used to be told, “Love your friends and hate your enemies.” But I tell you, love your enemies, and pray for those who use you badly.” Matthew 5:43-44

… I give you a new commandment: Love one another. As I have loved you, you must love one another. John 13:34

… A person who says, “I love God,” and hates a neighbor, lives a lie. A person who does not love their neighbor, whom they see, certainly can’t love God, whom they have not seen.” 1st John 4:20

… Do for other people what you would like them to do for you. This is the real meaning of the law Moses gave you, and what the prophets taught you. Matthew 7:12

… If someone hits you on one side of your face, offer them the other side as well. It someone takes your coat, give your jacket too. Luke 6:29

… If a person forces you to walk one mile, walk two miles. Matthew 5:41

… Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who have sinned against us. Matthew 6:12

… Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will escape being condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give freely, and it will be given to you in good measure – pressed down, shaken up, spilling over into your lap! What you give will be what you get back. Luke 6:37-38

I stand before this Sunday morning and every Sunday and affirm that I am a Christian… a follower of Jesus Christ… a believer in the Way of Jesus Christ. I agree with Marcus Borg who has said, “Jesus is what can be seen of God embodied in a human life. He is the revelation, the incarnation of God’s character and passion – of what God is like and of what God is most passionate about. He shows us the heart of God.” (From The Heart of Christianity) But having affirmed this, I must still confess that God is bigger than any of my ideas about God and that no one religion has absolute claim on the one and only absolute truth. I believe that God’s love and justice is for all people and no accident of birth into a different time or different place or different culture or different faith will keep us from that love.

I remember a tearful conversation with my mother several years before she died. She called one evening after a troubling encounter with a friend who was trying to convince my mother that anyone who had not “accepted Jesus Christ as his or her personal Lord and Savior” would spend eternity in hell. This individual was convinced that this was clearly outlined by God in the Bible. My mother, shaken by the conversation, told me that she had found her courage and found her voice. She simply responded by saying that if the doors of God’s heaven couldn’t open wide enough for her friend David, who was a devoutly loving Jew, then she wouldn’t be walking through those doors either. As a devoutly loving Christian, she believed that nothing can separate us from God’s love.

One of my all time favorite stories is Anthony deMello’s story of the elephant and the rat. I have shared it before but it speaks volumes today about the ways we sometimes limit God’s reach. Some of you will remember the story.
An elephant was enjoying a leisurely dip in a jungle pool when a rat came up to the pool and insisted that the elephant get out.

“I won’t,” said the elephant.

“I insist you get out this minute,” said the rat.

“Why?”

“I shall tell you that only after you are out of the pool.”

“Then I won’t get out.”

But finally he lumbered out of the pool, stood in front of the rat, and said, “Now then, why did you want me to get out of the pool?”

To check if you were wearing my swimming trunks,” said the rat.

And deMello ends his story with these words, “An elephant will sooner fit into the trunks of a rat than God will fit into our notions of God.” (From The Song of the Bird)

There is little doubt that Christianity has an image problem but we can do something about that. We can broaden our notions of God. We can affirm that while the Way of Jesus is our path, our doorway, our approach to God’s realm, we respect and encourage others to make their entrance into the same realm by their particular way, however different from our own. We can celebrate our God who will never ever fit into the trunks of a rat!

Walk to End World Hunger

2010-08-18T16:01:00.000-07:00

On Sunday October3, Church World Service and Food for Lane County will be hosting a CROP Hunger Walk. All you need to do is pick up a donation packet from the Wesley Center or any other team leader and come to the walk. You can all so just donate online and find out more about it at www.cropwalk.org. We are encouraging people to consider raising money for sponsorship in the walk, then walk one or three miles. There is to be an increase of hungry people in Lane County and this would be one way to help. The funds are distributed as follows: 75% Church World Service and 25% Food For Lane County.
If you need materials, contact the Wesley Center, ask for Leslie and we will help.
Event Date: Sunday October 3rd
Time: 2:00 Start Time (come a little early if you have not regerstered before hand)
Place: The Large Pavilian at the main interance and parking lot off of MLK and Coberge rd.

We will also be having an organizational meeting on Tuesday September 28th at the Wesley Center following our weekly meal. If you would like to join us for the meal at 6:30 please let us know. The meeting will be at 7:30 at 1236 Kincaid [Wesley Center]
For More Info on Church World Service and the CROPWALK: www.cropwalk.org

Stop By Wesley This Summer

2010-08-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

If you have not had the chance yet this summer to stop by and check out the Wesley Center, please come in and say hi. Warren and Leslie would love to meet you and find out what you are interested in. There are plenty of cozy couches and chairs to hang out in.

This Summer at the Wesley Center!

2010-07-06T14:43:00.000-07:00

The summer has gotten off with a great start with our writers group and the upcoming Liberation Lunch. Our writers are working on a variety of projects including short stories and completing a novel in a month. The first Liberation Lunch of the summer will be this Monday the 12th at 12:00 were Warren will discuss some current legal issues and human rights. Stay tuned for more and come join us for what you can.

Thank you from 2010 Graduates

2010-06-28T21:40:00.000-07:00

Hey to the Wesley Center community!

I just graduated from the University of Oregon. It has been a fabulous four years of college, made all the better for the three years I have spent at the Wesley Center. As things are ending and I'm getting ready for this next step, I've been thinking back on college quite a bit, reflecting on what's been good and bad, and what I've learned.

I want to write a thank-you on behalf of all the graduates this year. The 2009-2010 school year was a fabulous time for the Wesley Center. We had amazing Tuesday night Fair Trade and Fellowship gatherings, a supportive and enthusiastic group, and our membership is ever expanding in compassion, creativity, diversity, and friendship.

Thank you to everyone who makes this possible. To the Wesley Center board, to Warren, to Ria, to you all. Thank you especially to my fellow Wesley Center attendees.

This place has been such a home for me in Eugene and at the UO. I love this place: the fellowship, the freedom, the building, the community, the food... I love the ability to express myself and to develop as a leader, a person of faith, and a being of infinite questions and growth.

As we head out for this next step, we graduates are heading in all directions. This means across the country and the world, and staying right here in Eugene. It means new jobs, internships, school, or an uncertain future. But we have this place as a memory, a foundation, and a wonderful place on our continuing adventures in life.

The Wesley Center has meant the world to me. I think I speak for all the 2010 Grads. Thank you all so much. It's been a wonderful time here together.

With love,
Katie

Busy Weekend Coming up at Wesley!

2010-05-12T12:14:00.000-07:00

So Friday is out Spring Fling Silent Auction Dinner and Dance! Tickets are still available for $15 for general public and half price for students! Call the Wesley Foundation (346-4694) or email peaceuofo@yahoo.com.

Below is a list of items that will be up for auction,all proceeds to benefit the Wesley Center:

Kelly B. Townsend Glass Creations Ornate Glass Bead
Rainbow Creations Wood and Crystal Moonbeam Hanging
The Rockey’s Sun River Vacation House
Rennie’s Landing GC $25 [4]
Tag-a-Long Cycle for Child [Hooks to Parent’s Bike]
Happy Hooker Hats Knitted Hats [2]
Custom Windchimes Windchimes [Pink Flowered Vintage Plate
Joy’s Uptown Style Cap and Turtleneck [$150 Value]
City Snails and Spa GC
Designer Purse from Beijo Bags [Means Kiss in Portugese]
Footwise GC $25
Potter’s Quarter GC $15
Cousin Jack’s Pasties One Case of Mixed Pasties
Sun Automotive Oil Change and Lube [$38 value]
Dickie Jo’s GC
Benedetti’s Meat Market $20 GC
Hair Doo Ba $30 GC
Chapala’s Dinner Entree for Two

Handmade Items:

Fingerless Gloves Knitted
Child Hat Knitted
Handsmocked Baby Dress
Smocked Baby Dress to be made to your specs!

Services:

One Hour Blog Set-up.
3 Hour Kitchen Cleaning - no chemicals

Support Wesley: Spring Fling May 14, 2010

2010-05-06T21:43:00.000-07:00

From Wesley Center Spring Fling

Spring Fling!
Dinner, Dance & Silent Auction

On
Fri., May 14, 2010 at 6PM

From Wesley Center Spring Fling

Held at Wesley Foundation
1236 Kincaid Street, Eugene
Benefit for the Wesley Foundation

Entree Chicken Fettuccini or Veggie Option
Greek Salad/Dessert

Live Music and DJ: David Lund
Register by May 12, 2010 to reserve your seat
Call the Wesley Foundation (346-4694) or email peaceuofo@yahoo.com.

Watch Video from Last year's Spring Fling

See Great Events for the Rest of the Term!

2010-05-06T15:48:00.000-07:00

See out Events List on the left for the happening at Wesley for the rest of the term! Here's a few highlights to temp you:

Friday, May 7 at 4:30 - 5:30 pm Leafletting at Pacifica Forum - We just gather at the Wesley Center, walk over and hand out leaflets which remind passers-by that we reject hate in our community. This is a non-confrontational gathering aimed at educating the surrounding community. The Wesley Center is doing it this week, but on other weeks, it will be other community groups, student clubs, and churches. It would be great to have three or four leafletteers. Email me if you’d like to join us - thanks!

Thursday, May 13 at Noon - 1:30 pm - Liberation Lunch: The Difference Between Assault and Battery - find out some key concepts in the law and how civil rights are protected [and not] in our country.

Friday, May 14 at 6-9 pm - THE SECOND ANNUAL SPRING FLING - fundraiser for the Wesley Center. We need servers, helpers, and students to come. The tickets are $15 for a full meal, entertainment and silent auction. If you buy 8, you pay $100 [$12.50 each]. Please email me - we need you on this one!

Sunday, May 16 from 2-8 pm - TOXINS AWARENESS AND ALTERNATIVES FAIR - Let’s get behind Aurora as she brings vendors, speakers, and a film to Wesley. Learn about personal care products and other products. How some are dangerous. How others contribute to a safer planet and a better life for you. Avoid putting poisons on and in your body - THERE ARE ALTERNATIVES!

We want to see you there!

An interesting Tuesday discussion

2010-02-27T11:02:00.000-08:00

This Tuesday, our Fair Trade and Fellowship meal was somewhat different from the norm. Warren was unfortunately sick (he's doing much better now), but we held out Tuesday gathering without him, and this resulted in quite an interesting discussion.

Because our normal Tuesday program wasn't possible, Warren asked us to go around our circle and to discuss the things we are involved in at the UO or in the community aside from the Wesley Center. While most of us do know each other relatively well, we very seldom have long conversations about the details of our involvement in other student groups.

Our Wesley Center students are incredibly interesting people. In our group, we have members involved with groups as diverse as Norwegian and Old Norse language clubs to LGBTQA members, a student leader in the Pacific Islander clubs, a member of the Men's Center, and and several involved in social justice, volunteering, and activist groups.

We also discussed our majors and years of school. In my three years at the Wesley Center, I have noticed an increasing move to greater diversity in student interests, backgrounds, and identities. We are not a homogeneous group of Christian youth. Rather, we are a dynamic set of people with different beliefs in a variety of questioning positions. We are involved in a vast array of projects, and we bring those other skills and interests with us for our time at the Wesley Center. Our group is stronger for the increasing diversity of perspectives and talents represented on our Tuesday night gatherings.

We ended the evening with story telling. Ria suggested that we reach way, way back into our high school memories for something to share with the group. I came up almost empty: my high school experience is something I have largely left in the past, and happy to leave it there. Some of our members, however, had fabulous stories of adventures and school-wide games, of creative time use and fabulous summers. Almost half of our group was in their high school marching band. Several went to inner city schools, others suburban, others small rural places. Some of the stories had me nearly in tears from the hilarity of the situation.

What last Tuesday made me realize was the power of our community, which is founded on the needs and talents of its student members. We are the heart of the Wesley Center, and what we have to offer is a considerable array of interests and experiences. I feel so lucky to be a part of this fabulous group, and to be surrounded by students of such passion and compassion, who are here for their own reasons, but who mutually support each other.

No More Deaths Spring Break trip

2010-02-24T11:37:00.000-08:00

Eight University of Oregon students will be returning to work on the US/Mexican border this spring break! Last year the Wesley Center supported a group of six volunteers to spend the week with No More Deaths, a humanitarian aid organization that operates in the desert south of Tucson, Arizona, to end suffering and death of migrants. Our group last year had an incredible experience (see blogs from April of last year). We experienced an extremely intense week of service and work in a beautiful place, surrounded by wonderful people and an intense history of suffering and individual sacrifice. We visited important sites on both sides of the border, including an art display in the Mexican town of Nogales. We camped in the desert, and hiked the migrant trails with gallons of clean water to leave on the trails. We offered people food and First Aid. We saw some exceptionally difficult things, and learned a lot about the human face of the immigration debates. We also grew very close as a group, and shared the intensely difficult moments along with the fabulously joyfull.

This year our group will again include members of the Wesley Center, as well as other students who have participated in past Wesley Center events. We will spend spring break in the desert, working together to make a difference in that delicate social and ecological setting.

I'll be sure to keep you posted on our trip, and on our successes and trials through the process. We will be departing on March 18th, so please keep us in your thoughts and prayers through the following week and a half.

In the meantime, we will be collecting donations of material and monetary support at the Wesley Center. Needed items include basic first aid material (bandages, ointment, blister kits), socks, men's shirts, and shoes. There will be a bin at the Wesley Center starting Monday, March 1st. We are also soliciting monetary contributions to support our trip. Checks should be made out to The Wesley Center, with No More Deaths in the memo line. They can be slipped under the door of the Wesley Center office at any time the building is open.

Be on the lookout for more No More Deaths updates!

Wesley Center a Safe Place

2010-02-12T15:52:00.000-08:00

I want to write a quick thank-you to the Wesley Center. As a student on the UO campus, I generally feel welcomed and accepted. But several events of this last two months have made it clear that Hate Speech and threatening actions do occur in Eugene, and even on our campus.

I so appreciate Warren's ongoing leadership and support in the efforts to end Hate Speech on the UO campus. But more than that, I appreciate the continuing opportunity to create a safe place at the Wesley Center. Students use our space to debrief stressful advocacy work, or to discuss current issues on campus. We, as students, desperately need places where we can meet in safety and in an inclusive environment. I have often heard expressions of gratitude from my fellow students, who do not attend the Wesley Center as members, but have found a refuge and resource here. I am so grateful for the chance to share our facilities with our larger UO community, especially in times of stress and need.

Sister Helen's visit a success!

2010-02-03T11:24:00.001-08:00

Thank you to everyone who attended the Sister Helen Prejean events last week! We had a huge group at the event here to discuss religious perspectives on Capital Punishment. Then, on Sunday, January 24th, we had a huge turnout of the young religious community meeting at First United Church of Christ. The events were fabulous and led to some wonderful conversations regarding capital punishment and larger questions of human rights, social justice, and the role of the religious community in responding to social issues.

If you would like to hear more about events related to Sister Helen Prejean's University of Oregon visit, please visit Wesley Center student Katie D's blog for the university at http://www.isupportuoregon.org/my_duckstory/blog/katie_d/sister_helens_oregon_visit

Thank you again to everyone who participated in the events, and to everyone who helped us make this happen!

Wesley Schedule Change to Support GLBTQA

2010-02-02T13:26:00.001-08:00

Due to our efforts to support the GLBTQA, here are the latest last minute changes to the Wesley Schedule tonight and throughout the week.

Please join us as you can - TODAY, Feb. 3 -

v TODAY - Lunch will be available at 10:45 [Sandwiches again, Sorry]. Than at 11:20, we will join in:

v TODAY - Solidarity March on Wednesday, February 3 at 11:30am beginning at the corner of 13th and Kincaid [info below]; and
v TODAY - Solidarity Rally on Wednesday, February 3 at 12:00pm in the EMU Amphitheater

v TODAY - Wednesday, February 3, 6:30 p.m. An Evening with Dr. Jackson Katz: More than a Few Good Men: Why Some Men Hurt Women and How Men Can Help. Free lecture sponsored by Wesley Center, Dean of Students, ASUO Women’s Center, and many more. Please come to the EMU Ballroom at 7 p.m. If you’d like to help “table for the Wesley Center – please email Warren [I could use some help!] Thanks – bring a friend, please.

The Rest of the Week is as follows:

v Thursday, February 4, 8:30-3:30 Training event for clergy and religious leaders on Domestic Violence with Jackson Katz. If you’d like to join Warren in this, please email him – the cost of $10 per person will be paid by the Wesley Center.

v Thursday, February 4, 4 p.m. Creative Expressions Group, writers and poets, please join us for our weekly group. Refreshments, writing projects, discussion and more.

v Thursday, February 4, 6:30 p.m. Wesley Board Meeting, pizza and meeting – please let Warren know you plan to attend.

v Friday – Events To Be Determined

v Sunday, Feb. 6, 10 and 11:15 a.m. Worship followed by Bible Study at First UMC – concerns, questions, and creative interpretation. Please bring questions for discussion – or email me ahead of time or just feel free to ask. This Bible Study follows the worship time at First UMC [10 a.m.], if you’d like to join us for just the Bible study. Please join us.

v More to come – including Retreat, film nights, Affirming an Open Community, Gardening and Great free food and Chocolate each Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Come and join us at the table.

Prayer Vigil for Haiti

2010-01-20T13:56:00.001-08:00

The Newman Center (the Catholic student ministry group at the UO) is arranging for this prayer vigil on Friday. Please see the information below and consider adding your prayers to those of other members of our campus community. The service is non-denominational, and all are welcome.

Our prayer vigil is for Haiti, those who have died, those who survive and those who are rescuing them. It is in the Fir Room of the EMU at 12:30 PM - 12:50 PM on this Friday.

Feel free to invite your friends and other members of the community.

Invitation to a Discussion of Capital Punishment

2010-01-17T14:45:00.000-08:00

To members of the UO campus religious groups community,

You are invited to join other religious groups for a series of events relating to capital punishment and theological perspectives. These will take place from January 19th to 25th and involve speaking events by Sister Helen Prejean, a Catholic nun and long time anti-death penalty activist. She wrote Dead Man Walking (which was made into a movie) and has recently published her second book, The Death of Innocents. She has agreed to take part in a conversation regarding the theological reasons for her life as an activist for this cause (event descriptions below).

All members of campus religious communities and other local youth groups are welcome, so long as an atmosphere of welcoming and respect is maintained. Will the leadership of each group please provide an estimation of participants so we can ensure sufficient seating and food?

Please join the dialogue!

Sincerely,
Katie and Madeline

Religion and Capital Punishment Student Dialogue
January 19 6:30-8:30
Students and members of campus religious groups are invited to gather at the Wesley Center at 12th and Kincaid St. for a meal together (BBQ and vegetarian options) followed by a conversation about various religious opinions of Capital Punishment. We will discuss writings by Sister Helen Prejean, and prepare questions for a conversation with her on January 24th.

Religion and Capital Punishment: A Conversation with Sister Helen Prejean
January 24 7:00-8:30, First United Church of Christ (24th and Harris)
Members of campus and student religious groups are invited to join Sister Helen for a conversation about the theological perspectives of her work against the Death Penalty. Questions will be prepared ahead of time. While all members of student religious groups are invited, it is encouraged that those who are able attend the preparatory conversation on January 19th and exhibit respect and open-mindedness.

Public events:

Movie Screening and Capital Punishment presentation
January 21, 7-9:30 Living Learning Center Performance Hall
To prepare for the campus visit of Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking (Pulitzer-Prize nomination) and internationally recognized anti-capital punishment activist, University Housing and the Robert D. Clark Honors College will host a special screening of the film, Dead Man Walking directed by Tim Robbins and starring Susan Sarandon as Sister Helen and Sean Penn as death-row inmate Elmo Patrick Sonnier. Dr. William Long, Professor of Law at Willamette University and author of A Tortured History: The Story of Capital Punishment in Oregon will deliver a pre-screening talk to contextualize the film, and “ show why the debate over capital punishment has risen to such visibility in the last few years in American discussion.” Dr. Long will also briefly explain how death penalty cases are handled and his theory of the "waves" of American history with respect to the death penalty. After the film, Dr. Long will moderate a discussion with the audience and answer questions.

“Inalienable Human Rights Today” public presentation by Sister Helen Prejean
January 25, 7:00 pm in Law School room 175

Haiti

2010-01-14T13:29:00.000-08:00

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti, and with the families and friends of all those impacted by the crisis.

Please consider making donations as you are able. We would like to encourage monetary donations to some of the fabulous organizations who respond to emergencies like the earthquake in Haiti. My personal suggestions are Doctors Without Borders (http://doctorswithoutborders.org/) or UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/.

Please keep all those involved in your thoughts in the coming days.

Pacifica Forum Protest

2010-01-13T21:40:00.000-08:00

An invitation to action.

The Pacifica Forum is a Free Speech group that brings white supremacists, neo-Nazis, Holocaust deniers to speak on campus. They are allowed to meet on campus because of a member who is a retired professor, but their group includes no students.

Last week a group of students attended a meeting in protest of what people feel is hate speech and leads to unsafe campus conditions.

For more information, please see the Register Guard article about last week's protest. http://www.registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/web/news/cityregion/24334073-57/forum-pacifica-campus-talk-group.csp
(To clarify, I am not the Katie cited in the article)

Students will attend this week's forum in protest as well. We are meeting at 2:30 in the EMU, and then attending the meeting in 220 Agate Hall at 3:00. The Wesley Center will be open after the protest for debriefing and a safe space.

While the opinions in this article are my own and do not reflect the official position of the Wesley Center, it is important to note that we of the Wesley Center are taking action on this issue. It is unacceptable that these people spread hate speech on our campus, and that they hold meetings inciting intolerance and violent rhetoric in the same building that houses most student organizations, including members of communities specifically targeted in Pacifica Forum events. Please do educate yourself on this issue, and consider taking action.

If community members do not speak out against hatred, we are just as culpable. To live in a just society requires action. Please join us in this action.

Winter Term

2010-01-06T00:23:00.000-08:00

Hey Wesley Center students and friends!

This is just to invite you all to our 2010 blog! It's a brand new decade, and it's already obvious that it's going to be a busy year. We're talking classes, activism, volunteering, amazing food, Bible study, and (hopefully) some dancing. I'm thinking Hula.

The calendar is still in progress, but I'm thinking that you'll want to check back often. We've already got some cool plans: a retreat, weekly Bible study at First UMC, classes taught at First and at the Wesley Center, plus some amazing visiting events. We (the Wesley Center students) are driving the boat on events and event planning, so you know we will bring in a fabulous variety of interests and skills in this new year.

We are also blessed with some new faces at Wesley, plus some old friends who haven't been around for the last term. We have a fabulous group, and it looks like things will only get better from here.

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T16:51:00.000-08:00

I hope that all Wesley Center students, board members, staff, readers, and associated people had the most fabulous of all Christmases.

May this special day mean time for family or friends or whatever fills you.

Blessings to all of you this Christmas, and may this season bring you hope, comfort, joy, and peace.

Goodbye for now!

2009-12-11T14:39:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone at the Wesley Center and in our Wesley community for another fabulous term together! We students have joyfully put finals behind us, and are heading home for some much-needed rest and relaxation.

I am so grateful that this academic term was so filled with friendship and love. Thank you to Warren and to the other Wesley Center participants. Thank you also to our Wesley Foundation Board, and to all the work you all do to support this wonderful place.

Winter term is shaping up to be a dynamic and exciting time! We'll keep you posted here, and please feel free to get involved any time.

Our doors are always open.

Happy Holidays!

Special Thanks to our Duke of Pancakes!

2009-12-08T11:36:00.000-08:00

Here at the Wesley Center, we celebrate the beginning of finals in a very special way. Dann Houghton, pastor of Drain and Yoncalla United Methodist Churches and member of the Committee on Higher Education arrives bright and early to cook up a mess of the world's finest pancakes.

I'm a great believer in pancakes. I believe in the power of the pancake to brighten even the most dreary Monday morning. Even when that afternoon will bring massive examinations or hefty essays still only halfway finished. Some freshly made, secret recipe pancakes can turn a whole day around.

It's become a tradition, and one I appreciate greatly.

Each year Dann (The Duke) is waiting as the students either trickle in or come in hordes. He's got batter to spare and some delicious side dish sizzling on the griddle.

That's the moment you realize...

you're glad it's Monday.

Thank you, Dann, for performing a miracle. Again.

If You're in the Neighborhood....

2009-12-07T09:51:00.001-08:00

There will be pancakes at Wesley until 11:00 this morning! Come get brain food in between or before finals.

Action Alert: Fundraiser to Support Sexual Assault Support Services on Campus

2009-12-03T11:40:00.000-08:00

We are asking people to meet in the EMU Amph. at 4PM today at which point we will walk over to Autzen stadium and split up into pairs. The pairs will pass on the message below and collect donations for this sorely underfunded service.We will be asking people for a $1 donation forSexual Assault Support Services (SASS). If you want, you can forward this email, or find it on the Women's Center Facebook page.

Our statement:
In September 2009 a woman was raped within a few blocks of Autzen stadium during the first football game of the season. Sexual assault does happen on this campus and in this community.UO students believe the issue sexual violence is a priority. Please show your personal support by donating $1 to our local non-profit advocacy agency (SASS) which provides services to students.
Maggie Minnich

"The Wesley Center is supportive of this student led effort intended to strengthen Sexual Support Service on campus. If you can help, please meet at 4 p.m. at the EMU."
Warren and Wesley Students
(We would love to see you there!)

Writer's Group Update

2009-12-01T19:53:00.000-08:00

This year we have developed into a small but extremely dedicated group of writers. It's amazing what happens when you get a group of creative people together: all these ideas start flowing, themes emerge, new forms of expression, and you come to realize that thoughts you have in passing actually have a huge significance.

Being a writer can be such a lonely calling: it is possible to become isolated in your own ideas and your own images. But get us together and we're dying to talk through these same solitary imaginings and make them public, collaborative.

This year we are planning to put together an anthology of our work. During our meeting yesterday, we arrived at a theme for the year: Identity. We have spent this term talking about feelings of gender and the gender identity of people and objects. Our next two academic terms will continue on this theme. We will discuss Self and Other and explore these pieces of Identity (personal and fictional).

I am so excited to have these plans, and to have these people to write with me. We have a list of smaller topics we will discuss or develop writing prompts around these issues. At the end of the academic year, we hope to each contribute three works of poetry, fiction, non-fiction, or whatever to the anthology: one each regarding gender, Self, and Other.

If you would like to join us, then please come to our first meeting of next term. We will be working as a cohort, so while visitors will always be welcome, if you would like to take part in this journey, we need you to be there for the start. Get in touch with us if you want to participate!

There's a lot of writing to do...

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-28T23:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays to all Wesley Center members and friends! I hope you are all enjoying the holiday with your choice of people: with friends or family near or far. All of us enter the holiday season with a mixture of joys and pains, and I hope that your celebrations far outweigh the sorrows.

We at the Wesley Center have a great deal to be thankful for. We celebrated an early Thanksgiving on Tuesday the 24th with a fabulous meal prepared by Blake. Seems like I was just mentioning how grateful we all are for his food. Let me say it again and again: Blake, thank you so much for all that you do, especially in regards to your efforts at the health and happiness of us starving college students. That was the best stuffing I have had in a long, long time (go ahead and quote me on that).

We also played a rousing game of Holiday Jeopardy, which was a big hit. Next year I'll have to remember to brush up on my Thanksgiving trivia, since Warren is quite the stickler for details! The question that topped the evening off for me was under "Thanksgiving Puns" and was "This is the feathery-est side of the turkey" what is the question? Give up? You sure? Ready... "What is the OUTside!" Oh man, that still gets to me.

Anyway, it was a great evening, and reminded us all again of how lucky we are to have a home like the Wesley Center.

John and his family even offered a Thanksgiving Day meal and celebration to any of our group who wanted to join them. Thank you so much for your welcome, John!

As a final word, I would like to say again how thankful I am for the Wesley Center. I've been awfully busy this year, and when every Tuesday rolls around I am unbelievably relieved to know that I can spend the evening in a welcoming and fun-loving group of people who care so deeply about each other and about the world. This year members of our group have suffered from the normal pains of living: sickness, troubles at home, overloaded schedules, and injuries. But we keep on getting through things, and we keep on keeping together.

So to everyone at the Wesley Center: thank you for your friendship and support. I don't know what I would do without you.

For all those friends who support our group: I don't know if you realize how important you are to us. Thank you!

As a final note: I am thankful that I am currently over my sickness and uninjured: we've got some joyful Thanksgiving pounds to celebrate with a couple of workout sessions!

Peace to you this holiday season.

Congradulations, Katherine!

2009-11-25T20:11:00.000-08:00

Have we mentioned before that Wesley Center students are changing the world?

Katherine was a leader in bringing PowerShift, a national climate change youth organization, to the University of Oregon this month. Her dedication meant that over 500 students from across the Western US enjoyed a fabulous conference with speakers, workshops, movies, food, and activism over a three-day period.

Their action and dedication influenced President Obama's decision to attend the UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen this December.

Now, not only is this a monumental example of social organizing and the potential of youth leaders and activists in the face modern causes, it is also a testament to individual engagement and the power of democracy. We are citizens of the world, and we aren't afraid to tell the world what we think needs to change!

But here's the part I just LOVE: Katherine will also be attending the Conference in Copenhagen. That's right, our own Katherine will be there with the world's leaders working to make change.

Katherine, we are so excited for you, and so grateful for your enthusiasm and dedication.

We also expect constant updates.

Now get out there and change the world!

Food for Lane County

2009-11-19T14:07:00.000-08:00

November 17th marked the third annual Wesley Center trip to Food for Lane County. We spent almost three hours volunteering: re-packaging an enormous container of oatmeal into individual bags for future distribution.

I love volunteering at Food for Lane County. It's one of my favorite activities that the Wesley Center takes part in. I love the feeling of “faith on your feet:” of getting out into the community and making a difference. It was a great time for bonding for those of us who went: as we put labels on the bags and then scooped, sealed, boxed, and arranged the cereal (in maximum-efficiency assembly line style) we also talked like we do when we are just spending time together: funny stories, plans, social theories, and ideas for future activities. We talked about plans for travel and volunteering, about our past hobbies (we spent a long time describing the various personalities that accompany the different marching band instruments), and post-graduation plans.

Food for Lane County is a hugely important part of the Eugene community. They serve as a central point of donations and distributions for food banks in the county. They also provide food for valuable organizations that serve populations of the mentally ill or shelters for homeless people or victims of domestic violence. And they can do what they do because volunteers arrive to rearrange cans, repackage restaurant leftovers, and to turn a one-ton bag of oatmeal into innumerable grocery bag-sized packages for distribution. They have volunteer-run gardens and soup kitchens. All these things are possible because individuals and groups see the value in their work and are willing to spend their time making sure that their work continues.

If all goes according to plan, the Wesley Center group will be going back at least once this academic year. I think it's so important to take the energy and passion this group contains and to put it to some purpose. And Food for Lane County is a fabulous way to do that.

(for more information about this volunteer trip, please see my other blog at http://www.isupportuoregon.org/my_duckstory/blog/katie_d/food_for_lane_county)

The Laramie Project

2009-11-15T11:56:00.000-08:00

For the past several weeks, our Wesley Center group has been reading selections from The Laramie Project, a play written in response to the 1998 murder of Mathew Shepard, a gay college student in Laramie, Wyoming. The play is written as a series of interviews with community members, and truly commemorates this tragic event, and the nature of hate crimes, community action and inaction, and the multiple factors that allow for and react to hate crimes of this nature.

Because the play is written in the style of a series of interviews, characters arrive, speak their piece, and then disappear from their narrative. You hear from dozens of members of various sectors of the community: religious leaders, teachers, friends of Mathew and the two men who killed him, members of the gay community, businessmen, activists, and police. When something like this happens in a community, there are as many complex and conflicting reactions as there are individuals. The play tries to capture that reality through this kaleidescope of testimony, juxtaposed and intermixed with the perspectives of others.

What moved me most about this work was the discussion that arose from it. We read selections in a circle, each taking responsibility for one character after another, and reading aloud words of pain, of anger, of inspiration, and of hatred. It was a bit like slipping into the Laramie community itself, and hearing the perspectives of the people there coming from our own mouths.

But then we talked about what the play means. We talked about hate crimes, about the rights of peoples from various segments of the population. We talked about the tendency to reject events of this kind: to choose to believe that your own community is not one in which events of this kind can take place. We talked about religious leaders who refuse to support those who need help, and about community members who refuse to take accountability.

We talked about our own community. Eugene is a wonderful and complicated place. We live daily with the legacy of our mixed past: of the hippie movement evidenced by the overflowing of local produce, of the activism and community organizing and multiple service agencies working with those who need a hand. But we also live with a legacy of racism here in Oregon, with its history of involvement with the Klan and with hate crimes. We live in a community occasionally marked by police brutality and by community members being hateful to each other.

These are not topics that are always discussed. It is so much easier to celebrate the goodness and beauty of this city, and to pretend that there is no ugly portion. But friends with disabilities report instances of discrimination, and of unkindness so basic as people not making room for them on the buses. Instances of racism are reported. Hateful comments on the street. And the story of a policeman who tasered two international students in their apartment after being called in on an falsely-reported break-in.

I see that my community is like any other: with as many attitudes and perspectives as there are people living here. And, like any other community, there are undertones of misunderstanding that sometimes shades into hatred. Like any community, we need to constantly monitor ourselves, and to consistently stand for what we know to be right and to not tolerate those things we witness that we know are wrong. Having conversations that were generated by reading The Laramie Project is a start. The steps that come after might be different for all of us. But I think that most of us are ready to sign up as allies and activists in our community: individuals who will respond with compassion and a call for justice when hatred is witnessed.

At least, that's what I believe my community to be capable of. That's what I saw in the faces of my fellow Wesley Center members as we discussed The Laramie Project. It's what I expect from myself, more each day: to stand for what is right and just.

Even when that means leaving the safety of belief in an already-just community. Even when it means a lot of work. Even when it means leaving our comfort zones in order to get things done.

Let's go get things done.

Food For Lane County: Please Join Us!

2009-11-12T15:57:00.000-08:00

This week (November 18th) we will be returning to Food For Lane County for another night of volunteering. We usually spend an evening working there at least once a term. And it's usually one of my very favorite Wesley Center evenings: we get to be up on our feet, talking with each other as we bag food and organize cans to be distributed in the community.

Please join us! We will be meeting at the Wesley Center at 6:00 for a quick sandwich dinner, and then heading off to volunteer. I'm hoping we'll be repackaging bulk cereal like last year, but we might be doing anything from sorting cans to repackaging leftover food from the UO cafeterias. It'll be a great night, and we need the extra hands! If you do decide to come, please wear close-toed shoes, and if you have long hair please tie it back.

I'll be bringing my camera, and promise to post a full report!

Thank you, Blake!

2009-11-03T11:55:00.000-08:00

We eat a lot of good food at the Wesley Center. But the nights when Blake comes to cook our food we're more likely to have a full house of students, and more likely to leave the Wesley Center feeling that uncomfortable/satisfied feeling of someone who has totally stuffed themselves with amazing food.

Blake is the Wesley Center Board chairperson and a huge supporter of the Wesley Center and campus ministry in general. I know that because I attend the board meetings and see how deeply he feels about supporting our Wesley Center home. He hosts meetings, he organizes events, and generally fights to keep the place solvent and welcoming.

But probably not all the students know about Blake as an advocate and activist. They just know him in the most basic way: he's the man with the fabulous food.

Blake is from Texas, and roughly once a term we are treated to some of the most spectacular Texas-style chili I have ever eaten. Blake's chili with cornbread and organic salad? Yes, please.

So thank you, Blake, for your support and for your cooking. And that's for all your cooking: the meals you've made for fund raising events, the BBQ you cooked for the board meeting you hosted, and the other times you've volunteered your fabulous food at the drop of a hat. You say you like cooking for large groups of people, and I imagine a bunch of college students make a good audience. But I still feel like we're the clear winners in this whole deal.

So from all of us, thank you. Thank you, and please keep coming back.

PS

We are supported by so many fabulous members of our local Methodist churches that perhaps it might be seen as unjust to single one person out for distinction. But... you haven't had the chili.

Do Objects have Gender or Engender a Gender?

2009-10-26T22:11:00.000-07:00

Many of us in the writer's group are students of other languages including Spanish, German, French, Latin, and Old English to name a few. Each of these languages assigns a gender to object, though, from language to language the same object can change gender. Today we did a writing exercise where each of us brought an object that seemed to us to embody gender. The objects we had were a yellow plastic toad, a clam shell, a small, piece of granite rock and a wheelchair. What genders come to mind when you think of these objects and why?

Choral Extravaganza a Big Success!

2009-10-26T10:28:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who attend last night's Choral Extravaganza! The event was a Big Success! Stay tuned for photos from the event.

Congratulations to two of our Wesley Center writers!

2009-10-20T18:08:00.000-07:00

Two of our Wesley Center students, Leslie and Katie D, spent the majority of last year working on essays for the UO Comparative Literature's Undergraduate journal: NOMAD magazine. After months of work, many editing sessions, a practice reading in the Wesley Center and a formal conference-style reading last year, their project is FINALLY complete! The journals are now out and available after a release party Wednesday night. Please wish these authors congratulations, and come by the Wesley Center to see the (autographed) magazine!

Wonder how college students feel about religion?

2009-10-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

Wesley Center student blogger Katie D. is also a writer for the University of Oregon's fund raising group. She writes two blogs each week, and last week she wrote this piece about the Wesley Center. If you ever wonder how college students feel about religion, church, and the importance of having an open and affirming faith home like the Wesley Center, this would be a great piece to check out. http://www.isupportuoregon.org/my_duckstory/blog/katie_d/the_wesley_center

Tuesday night October 6th No More Deaths

2009-10-08T17:07:00.001-07:00

This Tuesday marked another conversation in our continued discussion of the humanitarian aid organization No More Deaths. I have written widely on this subject before, and have also spoken about it at our weekly meetings and at First United Methodist church.

This time, Ria and I revisited our spring break trip with No More Deaths last year. We talked about the experience of walking the trails in the desert south of Tucson, Arizona. We talked about what we learned about the lives of the migrants who are crossing from Mexico and Latin America: their reasons for leaving and the difficulties they face in the journey. We told stories about our week there: about living in a makeshift camp, distributing clean water on the trails, our conversations with migrants, our visits to monuments and Mexican border towns, and the experience of being in such a harsh and beautiful place.

All of us who participated in the trip last year were deeply effected by our time there. Many of us have been inspired to further action in support of Chicana/o issues nationally and locally.

And we have the fabulous opportunity of returning to work with No More Deaths this spring break. I think the group will be even bigger this year, and will include many repeat activists.

Untitled

2009-10-04T12:27:00.000-07:00

I was recently honored by being a part of the newsletter sent to the UO alumni. If you'd like to read an article about me, here's the link!

http://www.isupportuoregon.org/my_duckstory/story/21

Choral Extravaganza October 25th

2009-10-02T15:20:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars! The Choral Extravaganza will be held October 25th at 7:00 pm. This is an extremely popular annual fund raising event for the Wesley Center.

In addition to seven fabulous choirs, free cookies, and student speakers, this year we will be hosting a special guest, the Oregon-Idaho Conference Bishop Tsugio Hoshibata. His presence with us is a true honor, and will make this special event even more memorable.

So please join us and bring your friends and family.

First Night of Fair Trade and Fellowship

2009-09-30T21:51:00.000-07:00

Fair Trade and Fellowship nights are back! Tuesdays 6:30 to 9:00 (more or less) you can find us at the Wesley Center, sharing in great meals and then some amazing time together, studying, discussing, and being in community together.

This Tuesday was the first time back from our long summer apart. It was great to be back in that space as a full group again. There was so much to catch up on! But with an academic year already underway, we didn't have much time for chatting about our pasts: it's already time to be planning for our year together.

We brainstormed for programs, social events, educational and volunteer opportunities, and ideas for spiritual advancements. These programs will happen on Tuesday evenings, but will spill over into the rest of the week. Non-Tuesday night programs include:

-Gathering and Discussion “Conspiracy, Symbology, and Dan Brown” will meet in The Buzz in the EMU every Thursday from 11:00 to noon, and will feature discussions of Dan Brown's controversial works, like The DaVinci Code. How much is based on truth, what is artistic flourish, and what is a downright lie? Katie B. will be using her extensive background in theology and world religions to lead us in informal talks. Open to all students and interested parties.

-The Wesley Center Writer's Group: If you write poetry, nonfiction, short stories, screen plays, blogs, lyrics, or anything else, please join us! During fall term we will be meeting on Mondays at 5:00 pm.

-Study together Sunday mornings at First United Methodist Church. Proposed topic: Just Faith, a curriculum based on social justice issues in the Bible.

-Prayer gatherings, time as yet undetermined, to allow members of our Wesley Center group (and other students and community members as well) to come together in prayer. This program was just dreamed up, and will hopefully be developing over the course of the term.

-Service opportunities, including Habitat for Humanity, Food for Lane County, and a blood drive.

-A weekend retreat, probably returning to Camp McGruder

And all of this activity is IN ADDITION TO our weekly meetings!

Tuesday night program this year will include our members sharing their interests and talents, as well as an additional educational and outreach focus to the LGBTQ community. We will be discussing the meaning of a “Reconciling Community,” and how issues of sexual identity are impacting Methodism and the larger Christian community today. Other plans include a Tuesday night Taize worship service, photography and hula lessons (led by talented Wesley Center members), a presentation from the AccessAbility student group, and continued discussion of our previous No More Deaths trip and plans for another trip this spring.

I feel so lucky to be a part of this vibrant and supportive community. It is so wonderful to have a venue to share our talents and interests, and to come together regularly in support of each other. This year is going to be amazing, not only because of the fabulous plans we have, but because we are all present with and for each other.

The year has begun, and so has the Wesley Center! I am so excited to see where this year will take us.

Thanks for the Garden!

2009-09-29T11:32:00.000-07:00

I'd like to send out a huge thank-you to Boy Scout Troop 89 for the fabulous clean-up job they did in our backyard garden! They turned that jungle into an orderly and productive space. It's amazing what a group of middle school Boy Scouts can do. Philip Scranage (who we will hopefully have as a Wesley Center member several years from now) is doing his Eagle project based on helping us transform that space into a sustainable organic garden, and will be helping us on a Phase Two of fall planting soon.

So to all of you, thank you so much! I am so grateful and honored to have the Wesley Center be a part of your Eagle project. And we'll all be eating the tasty results of your great work.

Welcome Back!

2009-09-28T13:53:00.001-07:00

Well, friends and readers, the school year has officially begun! We know for sure because of last night's Welcome Back Bar-B-Que, served Texas-style by Blake, a Wesley Center Board member and our very own Texan.

As always, I am so happy to see the new year come in and our Wesley Center activities begin again. This year promises to be happy and busy as well, with lots of plans for service, activism, classes, writer's meetings, gardening, and many other good times together.

The food is always a big highlight for us. When Blake cooks the meals, I wouldn't dream of missing the event. In addition to BBQ meat and beans, we also had salad, roasted vegetables, bread, and desert. It's almost as if the Wesley Center Powers that Be don't believe we know how to feed ourselves (and they're probably right!)

I missed the Wesley Center a lot this summer: the fellow students, our gatherings for meals, the activities, the food, and the place itself. The Wesley Center is a home for many of us, and the vacant summer months left a bit of a hole in the pattern of my days. I'm so glad to have the place back on the weekly map, and to be welcomed back in such a hearty and friendly way!

If you're around, please join us tomorrow, Tuesday, at 6:30 for our first official meal together of the school year. We will be planning our Tuesday Night Fair Trade and Fellowship meetings for the rest of the year. Bring your calendars and big plans! It's shaping up to be quite the year.

Coast Trip

2009-09-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

This is a long-overdue summary of the Wesley Center's fantastic trip to Camp McGruder, an oceanside retreat center for church groups. We spent a weekend there in February, experiencing the beauty and importance of that special place beside the ocean.

The theme of the weekend was environmental stewardship. This is a perfect topic for an area so beautiful as that: we hiked on the dunes and in the forests, we watched the tides, we had a campfire at night. I saw a seal, salamanders, and many different kinds of birds. In a place like that, it is impossible not to feel the beauty and importance of our natural surroundings: I always feel filled up by the ocean, humbled and inspired.

The first evening we were there, we sat on the beach and talked about some of the environmental impacts human habitation had had in the area. The largest was the introduction of the European beach grass, which has fundamentally changed the structure of the dunes and the nature of the habitat there. This changes the ecosystems near the water, building the dunes higher, eliminating short-grass habitats for nesting birds and small animals, and also disturbing the natural patterns of the dunes, which includes various sizes and types of dunes. This beach grass, like so many introduced species, has out-competed the native grass types, and has no natural controls to compete with it. Even the efforts of environmentalists who are trying to control the beach grass have largely been ineffectual because the roots of the grass go so deep, and the grass can regrow from even a portion of those roots.

It was sobering to sit beside the ocean, during a beautiful sunset, and hear about the damage that was already occurring around us. So much environmental damage is caused by human thoughtlessness or ill-considered attempts at improvement. In order to affect change, we will have to think creatively and with a great deal of foresight: nothing we change is without its future impacts.

The eight of us who came along for the weekend were left with much more than this to think about, however. We also left with an increased feeling of community. We had traveled all that way together, had told ghost stories around a campfire and swung on a huge rope swing on top of a dune. We'd had an adventure as a group, taking us out of the campus context in which we are all so comfortable and spent a weekend surrounded by natural beauty and the comfort of friends. As an extra bonus, we stopped by the Tillamok cheese factory and witnessed cheese making, as well as sampling the ice cream.

Every time I go to the coast, I am reminded again how special this region is. We live in a beautiful place, filled with so much potential and so much inspiration. It is our job to take care of this area and to nurture the natural world that nurtures us.

On that trip, in that company and context, I was reminded again of my place in the world: a steward, and a lover of the beauty of all things.

Garden

2009-09-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

When we tore out the lawn in the back of the Wesley Center and planted a garden almost two years ago, I never imagined the true possibilities for this space! The organic garden we planted this spring truly exploded in the hot summer months. It is currently a jungle of tomatoes, herbs, cabbages, peppers, and broccoli! It might even be a little too successful for normal gardening standards, but when I went out this afternoon to visit, I was overjoyed to see how the project has expanded.

Hopefully as students come back to campus this fall, we can tame it back into a more organized and conventional project. The end hope is to eat homegrown organic vegetables with our Wesley Center meals this fall, munching down on salads and stir-fries that we helped create.

For now I escaped with some beautiful tomatoes and a delicious-looking red bell pepper. Thank you, Wesley Center garden!

An Apology and a Promise

2009-08-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

I feel that I have an apology to make to any Wesley Center blog readers out there: this project, with all its possibility, has really not been fully realized during these last few months. I want to apologize because this blog was a project I undertook in order to give much-deserved publicity to this amazing organization, and the blog as it currently exists is nothing like a fair representation of Wesley Center activity or importance.

The good news is that the absence of blogging is generally due to the incredible amount of activity the Wesley Center students participate in, both during the summer and the school year. Since the school year ended, our students have scattered to the corners of the country and the world. We've been home to visit parents, off for summer research programs, busy with jobs and employment, vacationing, and generally maintaining our busy, busy lives.

The other good news in all of this is that this provides a ton of bloggable material. I know that, if you're reading this blog, you're interested in who we Wesley kids are, what we're interested in, and what we find at the Wesley Center.

So again, my apologies for not bringing these stories to you. But now here's a promise, a set of plans for this blog in the coming year.

First: A quick set of belated stories from the previous spring, just for the record

Second: A profile of and quick summer recap of each Wesley Center member, by way of introduction.

Third: A school year weekly report of our Tuesday night activities and discussions at the Wesley Center. We are a creative group, and should be sharing these discussions and student-led activities with you.

Fourth: A monthly update of general Wesley Center stuff: the garden, the programs hosted there, the volunteer activities, and reports back from Bible studies or group presence at First United Methodist or other Eugene churches.

Fifth: A monthly post from our Wesley Center creative writing group. The Wesley Center is hosting quite a bit of talent that deserves some recognition.

Hopefully this will make up for a slow start on the blog last year. Hopefully I'll get some real group participation in making all this happen! But, one way or another, we're going to bring the blogging back to the Wesley Center. Because we work hard and want you to know what we're up to.

Please accept my apology again, and hold me to my promise. It's going to be an incredibly busy year this year. And you're going to be hearing about it.

Sincerely,
Katie

Second Annual Kava Night

2009-08-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

On May 29, 2009 the Wesley Center hosted a fabulous event: the second annual Kava Night, thrown by People of the Pacific (POP), a group of UO students of Polynesian decent and led by Ria, our Wesley Center intern.

This free event boasted a fabulous meal, live music, Island information and a trivia contest, and some of the best dancing I've seen in a long time. All that, plus Kava.

Kava is a kind of tea made from a root that grows on the Pacific islands. It is legal and available in stores, and has effects similar to alcohol. Each culture has a different name for Kava, and a different tradition of consumption, from mystical to medicinal to “just for fun.”

POP filled the Wesley Center. It was decorated, filled with food, and brought in more than 75 people, representing a huge variety of people. There were community members, students, family of the POP hosts, and many of the Wesley Center regulars. I think it was the best student-led event I have ever attended: the entertainment was amazing, the food was great, and the atmosphere of the whole event was of laid-back good feeling.

During the event, we snacked on coconut slices, drank Kava, and answered trivia questions to win shell necklaces and palm fans. The Kava part included the Fijian traditions around Kava, including how to ask for another round and the correct response to a drink. Kava is not something you sip on: it tastes “earthy,” or, more accurately, like dirt. But there is a really nice ceremony to it, with an emphasis on the group and on appreciation for the drink.

The dancers were absolutely amazing. There were Hawaiian, Tongan, Samoan, Tahitian dances, mostly choreographed by student dancers themselves. Ria, who is Samoan, was in charge of the event, and also sang, danced, and choreographed. The Hula dancers were part of Island Arts Productions, which is a dance school in Eugene. I was interested to see hula performed by dancers who knew what they were doing, and to hear an introduction to each song and learn about what story the dance was telling. The dancing is beautiful, and very unlike the stereotypical “hula girl” image of the dance.

I am so glad that the Wesley Center is available to host events like this. It was such an amazing opportunity to celebrate cultures that most of us do not often get to see. It is so important that students are able to celebrate their heritage and share it with the larger university and Eugene community. And it is such a fabulous opportunity for the rest of us to celebrate the talent and diversity of our community. Ria has been such an asset to the Wesley Center in her work as an intern and her consistent energy and devotion. At Kava Night I got to see her in another role: as a dancer, a cultural leader, and as a part of an entirely separate organization where she also pours out her energy.

So be on the lookout for the next Kava Night, to be held this coming spring. And we'll keep you posted on other POP events taking place on campus and at the Wesley Center.

Believe me, you don't want to miss it.

Yard Sale Raising Funds to Support Wesley Center

2009-06-08T09:52:00.000-07:00

If you're in the Wesley Center area today, stop by our yard sale fundraiser. Items for sale include furniture, music, books and more! All proceeds will support the Wesley Center activities.

BBQ!

2009-05-28T15:29:00.001-07:00

This week the Wesley Center took a field trip to John's house for a BBQ. It was an awesome event that got us out of the campus mindset and onto a lawn and poolside. The burgers were delicious, and, as always, the company was great.

This time of the academic year is the most difficult for me. The end is in sight, but classes continue. Most of my friends at schools in other parts of the country have already completed finals and have started their summer travels, jobs, or general laziness. But our academic year continues under the blue skies and shady trees, and we have essay after essay to desperately wrap up.

An evening at the Wesley Center is a vital part of my survival mechanism for this time of the year. Have some conversations unrelated to my academic life. Spend some time with wonderful and help each other out with their daily joys and concerns. Spend some time admiring our beautiful backyard garden (blog on this coming soon, but it is really quite impressive).

Take some time to have a burger and sit by a pool. Relax. Talk about literature and cookies and ridiculous sports stories.

(sigh) Life is good.

Lifeboat

2009-04-30T10:24:00.000-07:00

This week at the Wesley Center we did a series of exercises to discuss what our priorities are and what we think is really important in our lives. We had to rank things like "three meals a day" and "friends" and "the stars and moon" in the order we would give up if we had to. We also filled out a "forced choice" test which was supposed to rank our priorities in areas like wealth, freedom, security, religion, orderliness, and new experiences.

I spend a lot of time working on various areas of my life. I spend a lot of time maintaining friendships and my relationship with my family. I also work very hard at school and try to have as many adventures as possible. But it is easy to go through life doing these things without really considering the order and reality of your priorities. It was also very interesting to discuss these tests with the other students at the Wesley Center. Most of us rate our family and friends very high in our priorities, and things like orderliness and wealth were less important.

For the final activity of the evening we all made up a character and then played a game involving epidemics with a shortage of medicine, lifeboats without enough space or food, and pirates who demanded human sacrifice. The point of the exercise was to vote each time for one character to have to die. While we treated this as a sort of funny game, we also discussed how leaders make decisions like this all the time, based on factors like wealth and youth.

I really enjoyed this evening, also, because we all got a chance to talk about ourselves and our own outlooks on life. I love the activities we do together when we study other topics, but sometimes it is a wonderful thing to talk about our own experiences and plans.

I also discovered something about myself that night: I am an extremely manipulative person. My nondescript character was the second-to-last to get voted off the lifeboat!

Spring Fundraiser a Smashing Success

2009-04-16T20:46:00.000-07:00

Recently The Wesley Center students hosted a Spring Fling fundraiser. The fundraiser featured a silent auction including many of the Wesley Center student talents including handmade jewelry, Spanish Lessons, How to Set Up your own blog, handy man services and more. To date this fundraiser raised $3700 to support Wesley Center activities including Tuesday night fellowship dinners and discussion.
Below are some pictures and film from the Spring Fling, we are grateful to those who support the Wesley Center and hope you will continue to do so in whatever ways you and your family can.

Note: Spring Events Calendar Now Available

2009-04-14T15:48:00.000-07:00

The Wesley Center Spring Events calendar is now up! This quarter promises to be a busy with nearly 40 events to choose from. The Wesley Center strives to meet the social, spiritual, and volunteer needs of the students participating. For the most part Wesley Center Events are Come As You Are; however, people looking to participate in any event marked Special Event, are asked to email peaceuofu@yahoo.com in advance so that transportation, food, and other logistics may be adequately prepared.
If you would like to receive emails about Wesley Center News and Events please send an email to peaceuofo@yahoo.com with the subject "Subscribe to Wesley Center List". The Wesley Center welcomes students from all walks of life and faiths.

Visual Arts: Theater Group

2009-04-08T13:55:00.000-07:00

It is often thought that some forms of art that rely heavily on sight to create them are of particular difficulty for people with visual disabilities. This was proven false with the help of the Theater Group that used the Wesley Center as their headquarters. Students from the 4j School District ranging from first grade to a high school senior, who are blind or have low vision and hearing disabilities came together to act. The world of the theater is full of life skill lessons and experiences such as personal space in relativity to others bodies and how the sighted world sees you when you cannot see them. Through games, verbal and physical exercises and the acting out of a scene from Monty Python's the Holey Grail the group learned about themselves and had fun doing it. Each student have different skills, interests and accommodations.

Students scene here read their scrips

in Braille one being helped by her teacher.

No More Deaths Trip (An Introduction)

2009-04-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

Note: the majority of this blog was previously published at http://www.isupportuoregon.org/my_duckstory/blog/katie_d

I have really struggled with starting this blog.

I want to write about my experience during spring break. I want to write about being out in the desert with the humanitarian aid organization No More Deaths, and tell you about hiking food, water, and medical assistance out onto the migrant trails in an effort to end suffering and death along our southern border. I want to write about the stories told, hardships witnessed, and friendships made. I undertook this trip with five other Oregon students, with the blessings and support of many people in our Eugene community, especially Warren and some kind folks at First United Methodist Church.

But it is hard to begin. It is hard on two levels: a personal and a public one. On a personal level this is a hard story to tell because my spring break was such an emotionally overpowering time. It was nearly bipolar: to witness suffering and be present in places that memorialized the pain of my fellow human beings, but at the same time to be surrounded by beauty and the hilarity that comes with close proximity between friends. It was an emotional jumble that I am far from sorting through.

But the public concern is just as difficult a barrier. This is not an issue that people feel united on. My alternative-style spring break was not helping to mitigate Hurricane Katrina damage, nor was it working with Habitat for Humanity. That is work that is not controversial, that I would stand in good company for doing: it’s work that nearly everyone would say is deeply needed and for the good of all.

But you tell the wrong person you were working on the border, helping “those Illegal Immigrants,” and you witness such extremes of reactions. You hear people applaud your humanitarian efforts less often than you hear the familiar litany of complaints: job loss, poverty, crime. And you have reactions of fear: fear that you were on the border consorting with drug runners and murderers.

I am not looking for approval or applause for my efforts in the desert. I do, however, feel moved to tell the stories and to share what I have learned and witnessed regarding this very complicated issue of migration. So, over the course of several blogs, I would like to tell a variety of stories. I will write about men I talked with at a soup kitchen in Nogales after they had been deported. I will write about the militarization of the border: about Border Patrol helicopters and car searches, and about seeing various aspects of the Border Wall, from art in Nogales to virtual wall towers to a section of fence outside of Sasabe that cost $8 million a mile but took a friend of mine less than thirty seconds to climb. And I want to write about two places we visited that moved me beyond what I can express in the format of a brief summary.

But for now, back to the personal part of this story. Camping in the desert a

nd working with No More Deaths changed me, and changed my expectations for my daily routines. I did not use a computer all week. I turned my cellphone off, and did not use my ipod. I also did not shower. The desert and our purpose there emptied me of many of my usual desires and habits. Instead I drank in a beautiful place, bonded with inspirational people, worked hard, and did my best to help those who needed it.

And now, back in Eugene, I feel called to hop back in a car and drive the 22 hours back to Tucson, to stay in the desert tent with its routine and its purpose. I will end this blog by saying that I will be going back to work with No More Deaths. This summer if I can, next spring break for sure, and possibly the entire summer after I graduate.

So please, read the coming blogs that we will be writing. We will all be posting these stories: stories of what affected us most, stories of harsh realities we have now witnessed. Hear what is happening with your (tacit) political consent and your tax dollars. Imagine the footprints in the baking sun, the lives left behind and the enormous fear of desert and patrols. I hope my stories can contribute to changes, somehow, that will lead to fewer deaths on our border, and to less fear.

I feel very present, still, in the desert and in what is happening there. I feel close to and conscious of the thousands crossing the desert tonight, desperately hoping for a new home and a true chance in life.

Wesley Center Students Deliver Message of Grace at United Methodest Church

2009-03-22T17:55:00.000-07:00

Reverend Warren Light and some of the students of the Wesley Center were invited this weekend as guest speakers at the Coburg United Methodist Methodist Church. Below are some pictures from the event as well as a video Wesley Center student, Catherine Berger, a religious studies major at the University of Oregon, speaking on grace.

John Dominic Crossan

2009-03-05T15:59:00.000-08:00

Allow me to begin with a quote: “The normalcy of civilization is not an inevitability of human nature.”

Good one liner, right? Pretty countercultural stuff, with a kind of great revolutionary ring: we should not make claims that the way our culture works now is inevitable or natural. People can choose to act outside of society and it works just fine for them, so we know that society as a whole can also be changed. Examples: people who live non-violently, people who live purely on local produce and people who live monasteries in silence.

I didn’t pick up this departure from normalcy from some kind of hippie meeting. It was at my church, First United Methodist. And the quoted speaker is a respected (and controversial) theologian and Biblical historian, John Dominic Crossan. He is a member of the Jesus Seminar, a controversial group of Christian scholars who are re-examining the life and times of Jesus to interpret his teachings in the modern church. He is the author or co-author of many books on the life and times of Jesus and the history of the Bible, including his newest book The First Paul: Reclaiming the Radical Visionary Behind the Church's Conservative Icon. This book, like many of his others, was co-authored with Marcus Borg, another theologian and one of my favorite Christian authors. I studied Borg’s Heart of Christianity at my home church in Colorado during my junior year of high school, and had the privilege of hearing Borg speak that year. Crossan and Borg’s perceptions on the Bible as a revolutionary text—one that challenges us to act now according to Jesus's visions of social justice and equality—are why I became really interested in Christianity in the first place.

I love this side of my religion. The side that goes back to Jesus as a radical thinker who said that the immigrants should be welcomed, the poor should be fed, the prisoners visited, and that the untouchables and un-save-ables, of the day should be welcomed as equals and as friends. I love the Jesus who had little good to say about the established church, who was so intense in his challenge of the established order that he died for it.

John Dominic Crossan gave four lectures over the course of Saturday and Sunday on the topic of the apostle Paul. I wasn't able to attend the Saturday lectures, but today's event was so, so exciting. The lectures I attended were: “The Message of Paul: Paul & Justice” (subtitled “ Galatians 3:26-29 'There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female; for all are one in Christ Jesus' Was that hyperbole or program?”), and “The Legacy of Paul: Paul & Gender.”

I love looking at the Bible with someone who has studied the context and original content of Biblical writings. As I am not myself any kind of authority on ancient Jewish and Roman culture, much of the Bible is lost on me without someone to explain. And without a scholar's help, Paul is a very difficult writer to understand. As Crossan told us, Paul wrote letters that were answering specific concerns and questions of Christian communities at the time. He was not writing to us as 21^st century Christians: when we read Paul's letters we are literally reading other people's mail, and not mail that was set into any kind of understandable context.

Aside from this problem of reading letters without their contexts, scholars have decided that not all of the writings attributed to Paul were actually written by him. This was common during the time of Biblical writings: a leader's students would continue writing in their name after the leader's death out of respect and a desire to continue their message beyond that one person's life. But what is obvious when you read the letters of Paul is that not all Pauls thought the same.

The writer of Romans had a very different perspective on women then did the writer of “Paul's” letter to the Colossians. Crossan spoke about a “radical” Paul, and then a “conservative” Paul, and finally a “reactionary” Paul. Thus, in Philemon we have a strong condemnation of slavery: a commandment to free a Christian slave that would therefore have implications on the entire system of slavery in the Roman Empire. But later in Colossians slaves are instructed to obey their masters, and in Titus Paul does not even address the slaves directly, instructing the masters that their slaves should be subservient to them and to uphold the social order.

Again in these books there are varying perspectives on women. Paul's letter to the Romans was entrusted to a woman, whose responsibility it would be to read the letter aloud to Christian communities and to then explain the contents. But then we not only have an instruction for women to be subservient in Colossians, but the book of 1 Timothy contains the infamous instruction “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent” (1 Timothy 2:11-13).

Obviously this last passage has been used for generations and generations of churches to keep women in a place of subservience and submission, and it is a passage that plagues current women seeking to become clergy. But just as obviously this passage was not written by the same man who entrusted his letter to the Romans to a woman messenger.

John Dominic Crossan's interpretation of all of this is that the original Paul believed that all were equal in following Jesus. His statement about there being neither man nor woman, slave nor free, was not just something pretty to say: it was his culturally radical idea that, although people are different, there could be no hierarchy in the fellowship of Christians. This meant, for Paul, that there could be no Christian slaves held by Christian masters, and the question of women's place was not even worth a letter: it was simply a fact that in listing the respected Christian Roman leaders he included many women.

This interpretation of faith is one that demands a radical change in people's lives. Crossan speaks of grace as a free offering of a new spirit, faith as the acceptance of that offering, and then faith again as the changes we make in the world. It means a complete change: a rejection of the hierarchies of our world in order to care for the world, giving us the chance to bring about distributive justice that would make all people equal.

Crossan also spoke repeatedly to the violence in our world: the violence we do to each other and the violence to our world. Many images of God in the Bible essentially amount to a household: a well-run household being one in which everyone has enough, with people who need help getting it, and people working together. When this is applied to God, then Earth is God's household and we have done a poor job keeping things running smoothly. Basically, in this interpretation of the Bible, we're making God look bad, and getting closer to blowing ourselves up in the process.

I could write on and on about this event: about the idea of non-violence and non-compliance with the “normalcy” of society. I could talk about the idea of distributive justice and again about the idea that the world we are supposed to be working toward is one in which everyone gets the help they need and no one goes without. To hear some church leaders talk, the biggest issue facing the world today is homosexual priests. I don't think so. Crossan doesn't think so, and I find it hard to imagine Paul or Jesus thinking so as hierarchies continue to mean that the household of humanity is founded on degradation, lack, and desperation.

So that's my church message of the day: that the current state of the world is not operating on any kind of rational plan, and our household needs some work. I happen to be a Christian so imagine a Christian plan. But that's not really the only important thing here: what is important is that there are huge problems in our world, and that enough thoughtful, compassionate (and radical) people getting together at the same time can change the world for the better.

What is the Wesley Center, and why do we keep coming back?

2009-01-13T15:04:00.000-08:00

So here's the basic run-down on this place. The Wesley Center is part of the United Methodist Church's campus ministry. The Wesley Center at the University of Oregon is located right off campus near the UO bookstore and serves a group of university students from both Lane Community College and the University of Oregon (both undergraduate and graduate students), as well as some friends of students. The Wesley Center is a Methodist group, but the students who attend come from a variety of faith backgrounds. There are those who were raised in the Methodist church (like I was), others from other Christian back grounds looking for a new interpretation of their faith, and those who have never before had good experiences in a Christian setting.

The Wesley Center does not ask us to be anything we are not. We do not have to attend church, we don't have to take communion, we do not even have to be Christians to participate. We have space for a variety of perspectives, and our discussions are student-led and directed, with topics selected by the group at the beginning of each term. This means we have, in the last year, had discussions on topics ranging from United Methodist Social Justice Principles to International Day of the Disabled to Immigration to the Greek Orthodox Church. Future topics include Issues in the Criminal Justice System, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Stewardship and Creation Care, and a traditional Ash Wednesday service.

We meet every week on Wednesday nights. We eat a meal together, and in the last year our food been increasingly focused on Fair Trade and locally grown foods, reflecting our interest in food justice. During the meal we talk about whatever there is to talk about: weather, music, food, classes, politics, and what have you. And for those participants who, like me, are reluctant cooks living on their own, the chance for a good meal that requires no preparation on my part is always a small miracle. Then we clean up after dinner and have our group discussion, led by students or by Warren (our campus minister), and often featuring group participation as well.

So that's it. That is the Wesley Center at it's most basic and most essential. It's a place to meet, to get fed, to talk about applicable and interesting things. So why does something that simple bring fifteen or so students back week after week?

Part of it is Warren. He's our pastor, and is why I continue to attend Wednesday night dinners. Aside from being incredibly intelligent and versed in Methodist theology, he is also a fun and wonderfully compassionate individual who cares deeply about the students, encouraging us in our interests and helping us through our trials. And that kind of concern and support from a non-parental adult can make a huge difference in the life a college student.

Then there is the format of the evenings, which allows each of us to bring in our interests and perspectives in whatever way we choose. This is also quite the opportunity for college students: to be the ones to choose what to discuss is a chance seldom offered us. And to be able to teach what we know is, at least for me, something to get truly excited about. Beside this, Warren has been very supportive of other interests, including taking the group to volunteer at Food for Lane County and letting me rip out most of the backyard to put in a vegetable garden. We've also started a Writer's Group for those of us who consider ourselves to be writers of one kind or another and want the support of a writer's community to encourage their creative efforts. Other members use the building on other days for club meetings, like People of the Pacific (POP), that meets there weekly. We will be starting a Bible study soon as well, which will be taking place at First United Methodist Church after the service on Sunday mornings.

But the food. It always does come back to that. Because we are busy. Every one of us is busy with school, some of us with work or sports or other activities. We all have dozens of reasons not to be on campus at 6:30 on Wednesday nights. And yet we keep showing up, keep participating. All the reasons I listed above are an important part of the equation, but to be honest, the promise of a good meal and easy conversation once a week is a comfort and a high point for me.

So there it is: the Wesley Center. For me, it is a faith home, a center for creativity and friendship and relaxation. I have led several discussions and plan to continue over the next few terms. I have the garden and the writer's group. And now I have a blog here at the Wesley Center as well.

Something this good is worth sticking around for, worth committing time and energy to.

Please pass the Fair Trade chocolate bar.

Welcome

2008-11-25T20:25:00.000-08:00

“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

For an introduction to the Wesley Center blog, I will be sharing a recent experience leading a Wednesday night discussion as an example of the activities and opportunities for students.
We started the evening with a discussion of that quote: when have you been a stranger and felt welcomed? All of us have at some point been somehow outside of our comfort areas, and I hope that most people have experienced some helpful person reach out to them and ease their way. We shared experiences from our lives: times we had been in a new place and somehow been helped to feel at home.

But this article is not about our “stranger welcomed” experiences. This blog is about another experience of mine, about witnessing the absence hospitality in the context of discrimination and militant exclusion. After discussing our positive experiences with welcoming strangers, I presented pictures and stories from my recent volunteer experience with a humanitarian aid organization called No More Deaths, which operates on the border of Mexico in the Sonora Desert of Arizona.

This article is also not about immigration policy. This is an article about my experience with a single aspect of a population that so often faces what could be called “inhospitality” at the hands of the American government and people. One hundred and eighty-three migrants died last summer in the Arizona desert alone. That is not a question of economics or legal immigration restrictions. It is a question of morality. We, as a government and as a people, allowed one hundred and eighty-three people to die of dehydration, heat stroke, and exposure this summer. That is injustice. These people should not be allowed to die alone in the desert.

No More Deaths works to provide water, food, and medical attention to those migrants in desperate need in the desert. No More Deaths staffs a permanent aid station in the desert, and hike water caches out onto the trails used by migrants. Their activities aren’t illegal because they are not transporting the migrants, but their actions do clash with the official wishes of the government, and they disagree with border patrol policy and actions. Their work is moral in the deepest meaning of the world: they are protecting people from unnecessary suffering and death.

My trip to the border was constructed as mostly an educational one. I went with a group of adults from my home church, St. Andrew United Methodist in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. We spent several days learning about the reality of life on the border and the challenges that migrants face in their lives in Mexico and why they choose to come to the US. To that end, we spent two days in Mexico, first in a town called Mariposa where many deported migrants are left by US Border Patrol, and then in Altar which is a jumping-off place for many groups of migrants hoping to make the trip to the US illegally. In Mariposa we visited a No More Deaths first aid station, where we talked with an official from the Mexican government, and saw some of the conditions in this community of deported “illegals” from the US. The aid station exists because many migrants are returned to Mexico with injuries, such as blisters or sprained ankles, and then are in a Mexican town they have never seen before without money, contacts, or ability to return home to their families. Several people I talked to were in desperate positions: trying to decide whether to return to their families or attempt the crossing again, without the monetary resources to do either. One man I talked to had been in the US for eight years and had been pulled over for speeding and then deported from his home.

In Altar we had the opportunity to talk to many members of the migrant community. They told us about the lack of work in their home communities, about the necessity of emigration to provide for a better life for their families. They told us about the changes in the Mexican economies in recent years: US trade policy has changed the Mexican agrarian system by allowing subsidized corn from the US and Canada to be sold to Mexico for less than the cost of Mexican production. Many of the migrant men told us their families had owned small corn farms for generations, but could no longer compete on the global markets, or had been replaced by large agribusiness. Others have been forced out by globalization: international competition for low wages caused closings in their low-wage factory jobs. Left without jobs, these men would use their individual savings and loans from their family and friends to seek work in the US.

We spent the night at a Catholic hospitality house, where migrants could spend a couple of days and eat good meals while on their way from one place to another. We shared a meal and I talked with the four migrants sitting near me. One man had come all the way to the border only to find he had insufficient resources to make the trip North (a border crossing often costs more than $1,000), and would have to return home in defeat. Two men had been captured and deported recently, and were left without resources and knew that their families were depending on their success in obtaining jobs in the US. The fourth man was leaving the next morning on his journey to the US: he had signed on with a coyote (smuggler) who would take him all the way to Minnesota where he would join his brother. These faces of the variety of migrant experiences and the desperation they felt was so obvious during that simple meal. Most men were desperate to reach the US job markets and torn apart to be leaving their families. Many expressed fear of the desert and concern about their lives in the US. But, for one reason or another they felt the journey was necessary.

Our last full day we worked as No More Deaths volunteers, hiking migrant trails in the Arizona desert, offering help. We carried water to strategic points on well-frequented trails and then hiked with food, water, and medical supplies. As the sole Spanish speaker in my hiking group, I was the Voice: my job was to yell into the desert that we were a humanitarian aid group with help for those who needed it. I called out into the desert as we hiked, hoping my voice could convey more than that simple message. I hope that people on those trails heard me saying something more: that we are here to help, that we wish you life and health, that human life is valued here. I called them compañeros, compañeras. Friends, comrades.

There is a message of radical hospitality in the Christian tradition, starting in the Old Testament and continuing to the life of Jesus, who would share meals with the marginalized members of society in his time. We come from a history of migrants, of rejected populations, of marginalized and desperate people. Our message to the migrants in the desert was a Christian one: come, friend, eat our bread, drink our water. Let us wash your feet. Be welcome.

Note:
I will be returning to No More Deaths during spring break and I hope to bring a group of Wesley Center students with me. We will wash feet, offer water, bandage cuts and blisters. We will hear stories. We will witness. We will be the compassionate face of America: a group of people that believe that human life has intrinsic value, beyond the laws of nations or the heat of deserts. Come, stranger. Be welcome.