Teresa’s Note: August 30, 2024

Teresa's Note

Aug 30

Teresa's Note - August 30, 2024

You can listen to Teresa read this note here.

Dear friends and members of University UMC:

It’s Labor Day weekend. I hope everyone will have time for rest and perhaps some special time (and food!) with family or friends. It was about 10 years ago that I read these words about Labor Day in the newspaper: “Have fun, but please also take a moment to remember that this holiday, which went national in 1894, came about because our ancestors fought for and later achieved paid holidays, 40-hour workweeks and better working conditions”(San Antonio Express, Sept 2013) Those words were written by Becky Moeller who at the time was serving as president of AFL-CIO in Texas (the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations). She also happened to be a member of Buda UMC where I was appointed at the time. And she challenged everyone she met to advocate for all who are unemployed, underemployed, and all who labor in conditions that are less than life-affirming.

The United Methodist Church has long been invested in the labor movement. In the 18th century, John Wesley preached about society’s need to care for oppressed workers. He had a special concern for coal miners and was an early opponent of child labor. His followers continued to stand up and speak out against workplace injustices in England as industrialism spread. It was in 1908 that early Methodists wrote and adopted the Social Creed with these powerful words: “Today is the day God cries with the masses of starving people, despises growing disparity between rich and poor, and demands justice for workers in the marketplace.”

Likewise, the General Board of Church and Society of The UMC is dedicated to the work of living faith, seeking justice, and pursuing peace. This agency’s working headquarters is the only non-governmental building on Capitol Hill and I’ve always loved the passionate messages about peace and justice they spell out on their marquee. Below you’ll find a couple of those messages from recent years. The Book of Resolutions, a guiding resource in the general agency’s work, speaks to the rights of workers and states: “Employers have a particular responsibility to treat workers fairly and empower them to organize to improve conditions. The concern of The United Methodist Church for the dignity of workers and the rights of employees to act collectively is stated in the Social Principles. Employers and unions are called to ‘bargain in good faith within the framework of the public interest.’ In response to the increasing globalization of the economic system, the widening disparity between rich and poor, and attempts to deprive workers of their fundamental rights, the church reaffirms its position in support of workers and their right to organize.”

You can read more about the rights of workers in the link below, as stated in our denomination’s Book of Resolutions. I’m also sharing a couple of videos. One is a song performed by singers and musicians from UUMC entitled “Worker’s Song” by Ed Pickford. Another is a prayer video entitled “A Prayer Blessing for Workers” created by United Methodist Communications.

Thank you for the many ways you bear witness to the work of justice in this world. This day, and every day, may we enjoy the good rest that God desires for us. And having rested, may we never grow weary in advocating for the rights of workers.

What a joy to be your pastor!

Teresa

Worker’s Song

by Ed Pickford

performed by Katie Bennett Hobson, A.Villarreal, Paul Harper & Tom Caven

A Prayer Blessing for Workers

In this video reflection, let us lift up pray for those who work full-time, who serve as volunteers, or who seek employment. The meditation features a blessing for those in all lines of work.