Teresa’s Note: September 1, 2023

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Dear friends and members of University UMC: It’s the beginning of Labor Day weekend. Each year, as Labor Day approaches, I feel guilty about my perception of my own privilege. I have it good in comparison to so many others in this world. I have a roof over my head and rewarding work that enables me to pay for necessities, like food and shelter, and even some luxury items like tickets to the local Broadway series. Who am I to complain about wanting some rest on Labor Day when so many others struggle to make ends meet and work in grueling work environments? But lately, I’ve been learning that two things can be true. You and I can desire a day of rest. Such a desire doesn’t make us bad people. It makes us human. After all, Jesus Himself is the one who reminds us of the importance of rest. Further, longing for a time of rest and nourishment doesn’t mean we can’t also honor the plight of workers who labor for unfair wages in unsafe conditions. These aren’t mutually exclusive. Honor your own need for rest. Vote and fight for those who labor in unfair conditions. Both can be true.   We do hold in our hearts all those who labor. We pray especially for those who work in grueling conditions. We pray for those who long for meaningful work. For those who work hard but whose paycheck does not enable them to thrive. We pray for all those who feel as if they are barely surviving - including those who have good work and sufficient income but do not know the gift of rest. Thank you, church, for your unwavering support for those on the margins. And as you look towards Labor Day weekend, may you prioritize time for rest and play. Enjoy these readings I came across below. What a joy to be your pastor! Teresa A video of my daughter and I reading A Labor Day Litany for Texas Workers written by Rev. Becca Edwards of Texas Impact: This is a list of ‘things to do’ written by Helen Marie. It reads like a good poem with gentle instructions: Maybe instead of “I did nothing” you were:  Choosing to rest Taking a mental health day Looking after yourself Catching up on your life Doing things that mattered to you Taking time out Switching off from the outside noise. Listening to your body Not being busy  Having a much needed lie-in Prioritizing you Not partaking in society’s constant guilt trip around rest. “Rest and laughter are the most spiritual and subversive acts of all. Laugh, rest, and slow down.” - Anne Lamott The United Methodist Church is clear in its conviction that all people deserve dignity and justice in the workplace. In early twentieth century America, poor labor conditions prompted the Methodist Church of the time to pen a social creed. First drafted in 1908, this creed called for an end to child labor, a fair wage and safety standards. This video takes a look at the early creed: And you can also read more about the rights of workers in The United Methodist Book of Resolutions on the UMC’s website. Book of Resolutions: Rights of Workers "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28 A Labor Day Prayer Loving, Working God, On this Sunday we ask your special blessing on all people who labor, either for pay or as volunteers, in jobs or at school, in the workplace or at home, in our community and around the world. We especially pray for workers who do not have jobs and for those whose inadequate pay does not allow them to live with the full life you intend for each of us. Creator God, help us to build a new world in the midst of the old. A world where all workers are valued. A world where those who clean houses are also able to buy houses to live in. A world where those who grow food can also afford to eat their fill. A world where those who serve and care for others are, themselves, also served and cared for. We pray for the coming of a world where all workers everywhere share in the abundance that you have given us.  We ask these things knowing that you give us the courage and strength to live out our faith in the workplace and the marketplace, as well as in the sanctuary. Amen 2409 Guadalupe Street Austin, Texas 78705 512-478-9387 Want to change how you receive emails from us? Click here to update your preferences or unsubscribe or unsubscribe from this list