Every week at All Saints Church we put our faith into action. The focus of our action this week is the developing war between Israel and Hamas. This week we ask the parish to make our action for the week an action of prayer and reflection.

We are heartbroken over the escalating crisis in Israel and Gaza. While we recognize that this violence did not come out of a vacuum given the decades of oppression of the Palestinian people, the events of the last week have shocked the conscience of the world.

Civilian lives deserve protection. Period.

The scenes of Hamas-led forces abusing Israeli children and elderly hostages, or of hundreds of civilians gunned down at bus stops, music festivals, and in homes, are heartrending.  Even the strongest supporter of the Palestinian fight for self-determination can condemn the wanton mistreatment of civilians. Our hearts go out to the victims, hostages, and their families.

And while we pray for a speedy return of hostages and an end to violence in all its forms we also work to end the cycles of violence fueled by the unconscionable Israeli occupation, including the sixteen year old blockade of Gaza.

This week we ask the parish to make our action for the week an action of prayer and reflection.

The following messages and articles will also be available in printed form at the Action Table for you to consider.

1. We Must Say an Emphatic ‘NO’ To Hamas a Thousand Times – Reverend William Barber
2. From the Rector on the Violence in the Holy Land – Rector Mike Kinman
3. From Rabbi Heather Miller
4. The Situation – Rabbi Heather Miller
5. Tears for the Holy Land – From Bishop Budde and Dean Hollerith, Diocese of Washington

Finally, we offer these words from Bishop Steven Charleston:
Praying for peace in times of war can feel like facing a dragon with a paper sword. But we know that is only an illusion. War is not all-powerful, inevitable, or unstoppable. Its origins are in the same place as peace: in the human heart. When we pray for peace, we pray to reach the hearts of other human beings, on all sides of the conflict, to restore a sense of compassion and hope. We seek to pour the water of life onto the flames of hate, one person at a time, until the rage subsides. So please, keep praying with me for peace, no matter how tempted you may be to despair. Confront the dragon with your love, as you work in every way you can, for the cause of peace.

++++++++

If you ever need to look up your member of the U.S. House of Representatives or your U.S. Senators check here: www.house.gov and www.senate.gov.

To find contact information for your California State Senator or California State Assemblymember check here: www.senate.ca.gov and www.assembly.ca.gov.