Comunidad Liberación - Liberation Community

Good Friday Vigil -- Vigilia de Viernes Santo

2011-04-20T18:02:00.002-06:00

Good Friday Vigil -- Vigilia de Viernes Santo

Gather at the GEO/ICE Detention Facility at 6pm, at the parking lot on 30th, just west of 30th and Peoria in Aurora.
There will be singing and sacred readings as we vigil at this site where, like Jesus,
our brothers and sisters are unjustly detained and mistreated.
Please bring flowers to leave at the entrance of the facility, to show our solidarity with those who continue to be crucified by the Empire of death.

Nos juntamos en el Centro de Detención de GEO/ICE, en el parqueo en calle 30, oeste de 30 y Peoria en Aurora.
Habrán cantos y lecturas sagradas mientras vigilamos en este lugar donde, como Jesús,
nuestros hermanos y nuestras hermanas son injustamente detenid@s y maltratad@s.
Favor de traer flores para dejar en la entrada del centro, para mostrar nuestra solidaridad con quienes siguen siendo crucificad@s por el Imperio de muerte.

Comunidad is Moving -- Comunidad Se Mudará

2011-03-01T16:03:00.000-07:00

Greetings, Comunidad Folks and Friends -- Saludos, Gente de Comunidad y Amig@s --

Estamos felices de compartir que empezando el domingo 6 de Marzo, Comunidad se reunirá para sus cultos dominicales en el nuevo Centro de Derechos Humanos de Aurora en 1400 Dayton (13 y Dayton, 1a cuandra al sur de Colfax en Aurora). Siempre nos reuniremos a las 10:30am.

We are happy to share that starting Sunday, March 6, Comunidad will be having its Sunday morning worship gatherings at the new Aurora Human Rights Center at 1400 Dayton (14th and Dayton, 1 block south of Colfax in Aurora). We will continue to meet at 10:30am.

El Centro de Derechos Humanos de Aurora (AHRC) es hogar para varias organizaciones comunitarias haciendo buen trabajo para comunidades marginadas en Aurora y el area de Denver, incluyendo Rights For All People/Derechos Para Todos y El Centro Humanitario, con los cuales Comunidad ya hace mucho trabajo. Entonces es muy emocionante compartir espacio en tan buen ambiente!

The Aurora Human Rights Center (AHRC) houses several community organizations doing good work for marginalized communities in Aurora and the Denver Metro area, including Rights For All People/Derechos Para Todos and El Centro Humanitario, with whom Comunidad already does a lot of work. So it is very exciting to be sharing space in such a great environment!

Ser parte del AHRC nos abre nuevas posibilidades y estamos anticipando el futuro brotándose en este nuevo espacio!

Being a part of the AHRC opens up some new possibilities for us and we look forward to the future unfolding in this new space!

Aquí es la información de nuevo -- Here's the info again:

Aurora Human Rights Center
1400 Dayton St.
Aurora, CO 80010
10:30am

Hay un parqueo al este del edificio y tambien se puede parquear en la calle. Te esperamos!

There is a small parking lot to the east of the building and on-street parking. Hope to see you there!

Interactive Dialogues on Immigration

2011-01-18T16:20:00.000-07:00

* * * * * * *

INTERACTIVE DIALOGUES ON IMMIGRATION FOR PEOPLE OF FAITH

SUNDAYS 6:30-8:00PM

SALEM UCC
5300 Florida Ave.
Denver, CO 80022
Feb 20 & Feb 27

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN
1585 E. Kingston St.
Aurora, CO 80210
March 6 & March 13

PARKVIEW UCC
12444 Parkview Dr.
Aurora, CO 80011
March 20 & March 27

Dialogue allows people to bring fundamentally different assumptions to the table, and helps to create an atmosphere in which a group uses the richness of each person’s view to reach a place of new understanding. Often called the art of thinking together, dialogue uses active listening, respecting, suspension of judgment, and speaking our voice. These tools help us to think and act as part of a whole finding that there is often a base of shared meaning.

   FEB 20 – HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: HOW DID WE GET TO THIS POINT?
   FEB 27 – LEGALITIES OF IMMIGRATION        Anne Allott, Allott Immigration Law Firm
   MARCH 6 – SOCIAL IMPACTS OF OUR CURRENT IMMIGRATION SYSTEM
   MARCH 13 – IMMIGRATION REFORM, WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS? Rights for All People
   MARCH 20 –INSIDE THE ICE DETENTION CENTER Sister Alicia Ramirez, Sisters Of Loretto
   MARCH 27 – TIME FOR FAITH BASED ACTION Jennifer Piper, Coloradoans for Immigrant Rights
Each session will provide an informational presentation, small group facilitated dialogue, and a time for Q&A.

Please RSVP to Wayne at onawalk@comcast.net or to Diane at 303-979-0046 in order to allow for adequate space and facilitators
Childcare will be provided for all who RSVP/light refreshments served
Literature on the process of dialogue will be provided to those interested prior to the event

COMMUNION WILL BE OFFERED AT THE CONCLUSION OF EACH SESSION FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO PARTICIPATE

Contribute to Comunidad's Emergency Fund

2010-11-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community
Community Emergency Fund
for Economic Sanctuary

Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community has established an Emergency Fund to provide “economic sanctuary” for our immigrant brothers and sisters who are experiencing the deepest kinds of systemic injustice and oppression. This action follows prayer and discernment regarding what our faithful response(s) might be to increasing anti-immigrant sentiment in our cities, state, and nation; the arrival of refugees from AZ in the MetroDenver area since the implementation of the racist bill SB1070; and requests for assistance with legal and emergency costs.

This fund will provide cash assistance to immigrant refugees from AZ resettling in the Denver Metro area, and to immigrant folk in our communities in need of help with legal costs or other emergency needs. To put it biblically:

Leviticus 19:33-34
When an immigrant resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the immigrant. The immigrant who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the immigrant as yourself, for you were immigrants in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.

A small group of broader community members will work together to distribute the funds.

* * * * * * * *

To contribute to the Fund, please send this portion along with your checks/cash to the following address (or download the form here):

IMPORTANT:
Make the check out to "Mayflower UCC"
AND
put "Comunidad Emergency Fund" in the memo line.

Mail your gift to:
Mayflower UCC
3001 S. Acoma St.
Englewood, CO 80110

Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Phone: Email:

Comunidad Leads Vigil at Detention Center

2010-11-09T14:48:00.001-07:00

On November 1, Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community led the monthly vigil at the GEO immigrant detention facility in Aurora, CO. Because it was All Saints Day/Day of the Dead, we called on those present to honor those who suffer death, whether physical or in other ways, at the hands of death-dealing immigration and economic policies, including immigrant detention (read more here about the injustice of detention policy); we also called upon the saints in our lives and our history to encourage us and strengthen us in the struggle to end detention and achieve just, dignified treatment of immigrants.

El día 1 de noviembre, Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community dirigió la vigilia mensual en el centro de detención de inmigrantes de GEO en Aurora, CO. Porque se llevó a cabo en el Día de Todos los Santos/Día de los Muertos, llamamos a tod@s a honrar quienes sufren muerte, que sea física o en otras maneras, a las manos de políticas de inmigración y economía que promueven la muerte, incluyendo la detención de inmigrantes (lea mas aquí sobre la política injusta de detención); también llamamos a l@s sant@s en nuestras vidas y nuestra historia para motivarnos y fortalecernos en la lucha para terminar detención y lograr el tratamiento justo y dignificado de gente inmigrante.

Thanks to AFSC/Coloradans For Immigrant Rights for their press release and for the photos below of the vigil. And thanks to Susan McKee of Women4Women-Knitting4Peace for the beautiful prayer shawls and Peace Pals for everyone.

Gracias a AFSC/Coloradans For Immigrant Rights por su notificación a la prensa y por las fotos abajo de la vigilia. Y gracias a Susan McKee de Women4Women-Knitting4Peace (Mujeres por Mujeres, Tejiendo Por la Paz) por las hermosas chales de oración y "Compañer@s de Paz" para tod@s.

Pastor Anne opening the vigil in prayer.

Pastora Anne abriendo la vigilia en oración.

Brother Mario shares his story as an immigrant worker with the group.

Hermano Mario comparte su historia como trabajador inmigrante con el grupo.

Comunidad members listen as Mario shares his story.

Miembros de Comunidad escuchan mientras Mario comparte su historia.

Honoring the dead through litany and ritual. This friend of Comunidad shares that a friend of hers is currently being detained in the GEO facility a block away.

Honrando a l@s muert@s a traves de litanía y ritual. Esta amiga de Comunidad comparte que un amigo suyo actualmente está detenido en el centro de GEO a una cuadra de distancia.

The altar to honor the dead and remember the saints.

El altar para honrar a l@s muert@s y recordar a l@s sant@s.

Wrapped in prayer shawls, we pray and call out the names of the saints.

Envuelt@s en los chales de oración. oramos y gritamos los nombres de l@s sant@s.

The power of community.

El poder de comunidad.

Protest SB1070

2010-09-07T20:52:00.002-06:00

Greetings, Friends -- Saludos Amigas/os!

Espero que estén disfrutando el clima mas fresco, y que nuestras/os amigas/os en Boulder están protegidas/os del fuego.

Tenemos la oportunidad de protestar el ley de Arizona SB1070 aquí en Denver este fin de semana cuando los Diamondbacks de Arizona vienen para jugar contra los Rockies. ¿Por qué protestar los "DBacks?" Porque el dueño del equipo ha donado muchisimo dinero a los mismos legisladores que empujaron pasar el SB1070, y usa el estadio (pagado con fondos públicos) para levantar fondos para esos mismos candidatos. El llamado para protestar los DBacks (y boicotiar los partidos que juegan) viene de grupos del base en Arizona como Puente y Alto Arizona

Entonces espero que se junten conmigo este Viernes, a las 5:30pm, en el estado de Coors Field, en las calles 20 y Blake en el centro de Denver. Traigan rotulos si los tienen!

Yo amo al beisból, pero amo a la solidaridad anti-racista mas. Espero verles allí.

--------------------------------

I hope you are enjoying the cooler weather, and that our Boulder-area friends are safe from the fire.

We have the opportunity to protest the Arizona law SB1070 right here in Denver this weekend when the AZ Diamondbacks come to town to play the Rockies. Why protest the DBacks? Because the owner has given a lot of money to the very legislators who pushed for SB1070 to be passed, and uses the public-funded stadium to hold fundraisers for those same candidates. The call to protest the DBacks (and to boycott games in which they play) comes from grassroots groups in AZ such as Puente and Alto Arizona.

So I hope you will join me this Friday at 5:30pm at Coors Field, on the corner of 20th and Blake downtown Denver. Bring signs if you have them!

I love baseball, but I love anti-racism solidarity even more. Hope to see you there.

Paz,
Pastor Anne

Comunidad Emergency Fund

2010-08-31T20:40:00.001-06:00

Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community

Community Emergency Fund

for Economic Sanctuary

Leviticus 19:33-34

When an immigrant resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the immigrant. The immigrant who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the immigrant as yourself, for you were immigrants in the land of Egypt:

I am the LORD your God.

A small group of broader community members will work together to distribute the funds.

* * * * * * * *

To contribute to the Fund, please send this portion along with your checks/cash to the following address:

IMPORTANT: Make the check out to "Mayflower UCC" AND put "Comunidad Emergency Fund" in the memo line.

Mail your gift to: Mayflower UCC 3001 S. Acoma St.Englewood, CO 80110

Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Phone: Email:

Comunidad To Launch Emergency Fund Aug. 1

2010-07-22T22:34:00.003-06:00

Greetings, Friends of Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community --

For several months the folks of Comunidad have been in prayer and discernment regarding what our faithful response(s) to increasing anti-immigrant sentiment in our cities, state, and nation might be, in addition to the work we are already doing. The arrival of refugees from AZ in the MetroDenver area in the last week or so, in addition to requests for assistance with legal costs from others in our midst, prompted an urgent discussion at worship this week.

Comunidad has decided, as part of our response and our witness to the community, to establish an Emergency Fund to provide a sort of "economic sanctuary" (as Laura Folkwein put it) for our immigrant brothers and sisters who are experiencing the deepest kinds of systemic injustice and oppression. This fund will provide cash assistance to immigrant refugees from AZ resettling in the Denver Metro area, and to immigrant folk in our communities need of help with legal costs or other emergency needs. Again quoting Laura, "Every undocumented immigrant family should be as blessed with passionate, well networked 'documented' friends in this crazy and getting worse climate." Or to put it biblically;

Leviticus/Levítico 19:33-34
When an immigrant resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the immigrant. The immigrant who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the immigrant as yourself, for you were immigrants in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.

Cuando un/a inmigrante resida con ustedes en su tierra, no lo/la maltratarán. El/la inmigrante que resida con ustedes os será como un/a ciudadano/a entre ustedes, y lo/la amarás como a ti mismo, porque inmigrantes fueron ustedes en la tierra de Egipto; yo soy el SEÑOR su Dios.

We will officially "launch" this fund at the Solidarity Fast protesting SB1070 on August 1st. We will also be setting up a small group of broader community members to establish some guidelines around distributing the funds.

To contribute, please send checks/cash to the following address:

IMPORTANT: Make the check out to "Mayflower UCC" and put "Comunidad Emergency Fund" in the memo line.

Mail your gift to: Mayflower UCC, 3001 S. Acoma St., Englewood, CO 80110.

Please share this email with others you think might be interested. And deep thanks to all of you for your commitment to justice and to God's vision of the beloved community.

Much peace,
Anne

--
* * * * *
Rev. Anne Dunlap
Pastor, Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community

Putting In the Garden -- Sembrando El Jardín

2010-07-06T20:33:00.000-06:00

Comunidad recently planted a garden, with home-grown vegetables for folks who need them. It was a fun afternoon!

Hace poco, Comunidad sembró un jardín, con verduras "crecidas en casa" para gente que las necesita. Fue una tarde divertida!

First we poured in the dirt. Primero pusimos la tierra.

Lots of dirt! Mucha tierra!

Even more dirt! Aún mas tierra!

Then we marked off squares. We used "square-foot gardening" which is supposed to yield a large crop in a small space. Despues marcamos cuadros. Usamos "jardín de cuadros de un pie" que supuestamente provee una cosecha grande en poco espacio.

Finishing the squares. Terminando los cuadros.

Getting ready to plant the first seeds: Corn! Preparando para sembrar las primeras semillas: Maíz!

Everyone planted a corn seed. Cada persona sembró una semilla de maíz.

All the seeds planted -- Todas las semillas sembradas --

-- and marked. -- y marcada.

And then they all got a good drink of water! Y después, le dieron todas su buena regadera de agua!

We planted corn, beans, squash (the Three Sisters in honor of those who originally belong to this land; tomatoes (with marigolds), chard, spinach, and cucumbers in these planters. We also planted radishes, peas, and more tomatoes in separate pots.

Sembramos maíz, frijoles, calabaza (las Tres Hermanas en honor a la gente que originalmente son de esta tierra; tomates (con florecitas "marigolds"), acelga, espinaca, y pepinos en estos cuadros. En otras macetas sembramos rábanos, chícharas, y mas tomates.

We are looking forward to the harvest! Estamos anticipando la cosecha!

Colorado AID

2010-07-06T19:55:00.000-06:00

Comunidad participates in this project.

Comunidad participa en este proyecto.

Invocation -- Invocación

2010-05-01T19:05:00.004-06:00

Opening Invocation -- Invocación de Apertura
May 1, 2010 Immigrant Rights Rally
Manifestación Pro-Derechos de Inmigrantes

Buenas tardes hermanas y hermanos...
Good afternoon sisters and brothers...

En el nombre de todo que es sagrado –
In the name of all that is sacred –

Les invito plantar sus pies en la tierra que nos sostiene.
I invite you to plant your feet on the ground which sustains us.

Respiren profundo y sepan que están conectadas/os a todo que nos rodee, y las unas a los otros.
Breathe deeply and know yourself connected to all that surrounds us, to one another.

Estamos aquí hoy para lamentar, para mantener lo que mi tradición proclama como sagrado un lugar para expresar nuestro luto y enojo, nuestra decepción y miedo y tristeza por toda la violencia y el terror racista que está pasando día por día en Arizona.
We are here today to lament, to hold that what my tradition claims as a sacred space to express our grief and anger, our dismay and fear and sadness at all the racist violence and terror unfolding day by day in Arizona.

Estamos aquí para gritar nuestro luto y enojo por esfuerzos parecidos para codificar el racismo y el odio que se está lanzando en otros estados.
We are here to cry out our grief and anger at similar efforts to enshrine racism and hatred being launched in other states.

Estamos aquí para gritar nuestra decepción y tristeza porque el Presidente ha decidido que el Congreso “no tiene apetito” para pasar la reforma migratoria este año.
We are here to shout out our grief and anger because the President of the United States has decided that Congress “has no appetite” for immigration reform this year.

Lamentamos!
We lament!

Lamentamos que ellos han olivdado que Dios nos pide...nos exige...que tengamos hambre, no por falta de comida, sino de tener hambre de justicia. De tener hambre de dignidad, y paz, y compasión, y justicia para todas y todos.
We lament that they have forgotten that the Holy One actually asks...demands...us to be hungry, not from lack of food, but to be hungry for justice. To be hungry for dignity, and peace, and compassion, and justice for all people.

Entonces estamos aquí para lamentar, y proclamar que Tenemos. Hambre.
So we are here today to lament, and to proclaim that We. Are. Hungry.

Pero cuando miro a todas y todos unidos aquí hoy, no puedo dejar de sentirme agradecida.
But as I look out among all of us united here today, I cannot help but also feel thankful.

Agradecida por todos los actos vigorosos de resistencia aquí y en todo el país
Thankful for spirited acts of resistance here and across this country,

Agradecida por las diversas comunidades uniéndose para exigir un fin al racismo,
Thankful for diverse communities joining together to demand an end to racism,

Agradecida por la gente del congreso que SI tienen apetito para la justicia
Thankful for congressfolk who still have plenty of appetite for justice,

Agradecida por la fuerza que puso a nuestros pies a mover esta mañana y nos trajo a este lugar,
Thankful for the strength which set our feet moving this morning and brought us to this place,

Agradecida por el poder del amor y unidad que va a llevar adelante a este movimiento.
Thankful for the power of love and unity which will carry this movement forward.

Por cualquier nombre que llamas al sagrado, al divino, la respiración de vida, en ese nombre gritamos nuestro lamento, nuestro hambre, y hasta nuestro agradecimiento.
By whatever name you call the sacred, the divine, the breath of life, in that name we cry out our lament, our hunger, and even our thanks.

Estamos aquí en el nombre de todo sagrado, ese nombre que nos une en la lucha, y en la esperanza.
We are here in the name of all that is sacred, that name which binds us together in struggle, and in hope.

Que así sea.
So may it be.

Offered by Rev. Anne Dunlap
Photo by Rich McLean

Good Friday Vigil -- Vigilia de Viernes Santo

2010-03-30T22:32:00.002-06:00

Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community

les invita

a conmemorar la muerte - la ejecución - de nuestro hermano Jesús

con una vigilia

en solidaridad con su sufrimiento

y en solidaridad con el sufrimiento

de nuestras/os hermanas/os inmigrantes,

detenidas/os injustamente como fue/es Jesús,

en el centro de detención de inmigrantes en Aurora, CO

Fecha: Viernes Santo, Abril 2, 2010

Hora: 7pm

Lugar: GEO centro de detención de inmigrantes, 30th y Peoria, Aurora (mapa)

La vigilia incluirá cantos y lecturas. Favor de traer una vela.

Para mas información, comuníquese con Revda. Anne Dunlap.

Fueron a un lugar llamado Getsemaní, y Jesús les dijo a sus discípulos: "Siéntense aquí mientras yo oro." Se llevó a Pedro, a Jacobo y a Juan, y comenzó a sentir temor y tristeza. "Mi alma está muy triste, hasta la muerte," les dijo.

"Quédense aquí y vigilen."

(Marcos 14: 32-34)

* * * * * * *

Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community

invites you

to commemorate the death -- the execution -- of our brother Jesus

with a vigil

in solidarity with his suffering

and in solidarity with the suffering

of our immigrant brothers and sisters,

detained unjustly as Jesus was/is,

at the immigrant detention facility in Aurora, CO

Date: Good Friday, April 2, 2010

Time: 7pm

Place: GEO immigrant detention facility, 30th and Peoria, Aurora (map)

The vigil will include songs and readings. Please bring a candle.

For more information, contact Rev. Anne Dunlap.

They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death;

remain here, and keep awake.”

(Mark 14: 32-34)

Praying With Our Legs -- Orando Con Nuestros Pies

2010-03-18T21:34:00.002-06:00

For many of us the march from Selma to Montgomery was both protest and prayer. Legs are not lips, and walking is not kneeling. And yet our legs uttered songs. Even without words, our march was worship. I felt my legs were praying.
Para much@s, la marcha de Selma a Montgomery fue al mismo tiempo una protesta y una oración. Las piernas no son labios, y el caminar no es arrodillarse. Sin embargo nuestras piernas articularon cantos. Aún sin palabras, nuestra marcha fue un culto. Sentí que mis piernas estaban orando.
- Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel

This coming Sunday, March 21, gives us a couple of opportunities to embody -- that is, put into action -- some of the things we have been talking about during this Lenten journey with Jesus to Jerusalem.

Este domingo que viene, Marzo 21, nos da unas oportunidades para encarnar -- o sea, poner en acción -- algunas de las cosas sobre las cuales hemos estado hablando durante esta jornada de Cuaresma con Jesús a Jerusalén.

This Sunday is a national day of action for immigration reform. There will be events all around the country, including a very large march in Washington, DC. We have the opportunity to participate in two local events in solidarity with those actions.

Este doming es un día nacional de acción para la reforma migratoria. Habrán eventos por todo el país, incluyendo una gran marcha en Washington, DC. Tenemos la oportunidad de participar en dos eventos locales en solidaridad con esas acciones.

First, a group of indigenous activists will be doing a sacred run, starting in Aurora and ending up in Denver, in part to raise awareness for immigration reform. They will be stopping at the GEO immigrant detention facility in Aurora for a protest before continuing on to Denver. This is the facility at 30th and Peoria, where the vigils are held each month.

Primero, un grupo de activistas indígenas va a hacer una carrera sagrada, empezando en Aurora y termindando en Denver, en parte para hacer conciencia para la reforma migratoria. Van a parar en el centro de dentención de GEO en Aurora para una protesta antes de contiunar a Denver. Este es el centro en la 30 y Peoria, donde se tienen cada mes las vigilias.

We've been invited to support the runners and participate in the protest. We've also been asked to bring water for the runners. The organizers expect the run will stop at the center at about 11:00am; they are asking community supporters to be there at 10:30am. I'd like us to gather together at TOSA to pray together first, so please see below for an adapted Sunday morning schedule.

Nos han invitado apoyar las/os corredores y participar en la protesta. También nos han pedido traer agua para las/os corredores. Las/os organizadores piensas que la carrera va a parar en el centro mas o menos por las 11:00am; han pedido a la comunidad de apoyantes llegar a las 10:30am. Me gustarí que nos juntaramos en TOSA primero, para orar, entonces vea mas abajo para un horario para la mañana.

Then, at 1pm, there is a rally downtown (Denver) for immigration reform; the flyer is attached. We can leave from the detention center once the protest there is done. The rally is at Confluence Park, 15th and Little Raven (2300 15th St).

Despues, a la 1pm, hay una manifestación en el centro de Denver para la reforma migratoria; un volante va adjunto. Podemos salir del centro de detención cuando haya terminado la protesta. La manifestación es en el Parque Confluence, 15 y Little Raven (2300 calle 15).

So -- Schedule for Sunday, March 21:
Entonces -- Horario para Domingo, Marzo 21:

10:00am -- Gather at TOSA (14th and Dallas)
10:00am -- Juntarnos en TOSA (14 y Dallas)

around 10:15am -- Head to the detention facility (a few folk may stay behind to pray while others go to the protest)
por las 10:15am -- Irnos para el centro de detención (algunas/os tal vez se quedarán para orar mientras otras/os van a la protesta)

1pm -- Rally, downtown Denver
1pm -- Manifestación en el centro de Denver

Please let me know if you're willing to help give rides to folks who may need them. And I hope to see you Sunday! Remember that to be in the street, insisting on dignity for all God's creation, is a sacred act.

Por favor, déjenme saber si pueden ofrecer transportación para la gente que tal vez la va necesitar. Y espero verles el domingo! Recuerden que el estar en la calle, insistiendo en dignidad para toda la creación, es un acto sagrado.

Peace and blessings in the name of our justice-loving brother Jesus,
Paz y bendiciones en el nombre de nuestro hermano Jesús, quien ama a la justicia.

Recordando Romero -- Remembering Romero

2010-03-09T12:36:00.001-07:00

“… que mi sangre sea semilla de libertad, y la señal de que la esperanza será pronto una realidad.”

Monseñor Óscar Romero

Asesinado el 24 de marzo de 1980

El Arzobispo Oscar Romero de El Salvador fue abatido a tiros mientras él celebraba la Eucaristía. El día antes, en una súplica apasionada, él les invitó a los soldados y a los miembros de las fuerzas de seguridad obedecer sus conciencias y la ley de Dios que dice “No mate!” y cesar la represión.

30º ANIVERSARIO

CONMEMORACIÓN DE LA VIDA Y DE LA MUERTE DE MONSEÑOR ÓSCAR ROMERO

MARTES, EL 23 DE MARZO DE 2010, A LAS 7:30 PM

EN LA IGLESIA STO. DOMINGO, 29^TH & FEDERAL, DENVER

LETANÍA CONMEMORATIVA, UN SKETCH CORTO POR ROMERO TROUPE,

REFLEXIONES PERSONALES, ARTESANÍAS DE EL SALVADOR, Y MÚSICA

Patrocinado por:: American Friends Service Committee, Denver Catholic Worker, Denver Justice and Peace Committee, Loretto Community, Project Salvador, y Spirit of Christ Catholic Church.

Contacto – Anna Koop 303 296 6390 ó akoopsl@juno.com

* * * * * * * * * * * *

“… may my blood be the seed of liberty and the sign that hope will soon be a reality.”

Archbishop Oscar Romero

Assassinated March 24, 1980

Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador was gunned down as he celebrated the Eucharist. One day before, in an impassioned plea, he called on soldiers and members of the security forces to obey their consciences and the law of God that says, “Do not kill!” and to end the repression.

30^th ANNIVERSARY

COMMEMORATION OF OSCAR ROMERO’S LIFE & DEATH

TUESDAY, MARCH 23^RD AT 7:30 PM

AT ST. DOMINIC’S CHURCH 29^TH and FEDERAL

LITANY PRAYER REMEMBERANCE, SHORT SKIT BY ROMERO TROUPE

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS, CRAFTS FROM EL SALVADOR & MUSIC

Sponsored by: American Friends Service Committee, Denver Catholic Worker, Denver Justice and Peace Committee, Loretto Community, Project Salvador, and Spirit of Christ Catholic Church.

Contact person – Anna Koop 303 296 6390 or akoopsl@juno.com

La Pregunta Al Lado del Camino

2010-02-16T19:56:00.002-07:00

(version in english here)

Sermón predicado 2/14/2010, en Parkview UCC, Aurora, CO.

Texto: Lucas 10: 25-37

En esto se paró un abogado, para poner a prueba a Jesús. “Maestro,” le dijo, “¿qué tengo que hacer para heredar la vida eterna?” Jesús replicó: “Qué está escrito en el Torá? ¿Qué lees allí?” Le respondió, “Ama al Señor tu Dios con todo tu corazón, con todo tu ser, con todas tus fuerzas y con toda tu mente,y a tu prójimo como a ti mismo.” “Has contestado lo correcto,” le dijo Jesús. “Haz eso y vivirás. Pero él quería mostrar que era justo, así que le preguntó a Jesús, “¿Y quién es mi prójimo?” Jesús respondió,

“Un hombre bajaba de Jerusalén a Jericó, y cayó en manos de unos ladrones. Le quitaron la ropa, lo golpearon y se fueron, dejándolo medio muerto. Resulta que viajaba por el mismo camino un sacerdote quien, al verlo, se desvió y siguió de largo. Así también llegó a aquel lugar un levita, y al verlo, se desvió y siguió de largo. Pero un samaritano que iba de viaje llegó adonde estaba el hombre y, viéndolo, se compadeció de él. Se acercó, le curó las heridas con vino y aceite, y se las vendó. Luego lo montó sobre su propia cabalgadura, lo llevó a un alojamiento y lo cuidó. Al día siguiente, sacó dos monedas de plata y se las dio al dueño del alojamiento. ‘Cuídemelo, y si gaste usted de más, se lo pagaré cuando yo vuelva.’”

¿Cuál de estos tres piensas que demostró ser el prójimo de quien cayó en manos de los ladrones?” “Quien se compadeció de él,” contestó. Y Jesús le dijo, “Anda entonces y haz tú lo mismo.”

**********************

“¿Y quién es mi projimo?”

Eso no es la pregunta que contesta Jesús, ¿verdad?

El abogado pregunta, “Quién es mi projimo?” y te da a entender que no está buscando una respuesta grande y universal – no está esperando la respuesta, “Bueno, todo el mundo!” Sino está esperando una respuesta que pone limites en su responsibilidad...o por lo menos afirmar los limites de su responsibilidad como él los entiende.

Pero eso no es la pregunta que contesta Jesús.

El abogado pregunta, “Quién es mi projimo?” y Jesús responde con la famosa historia del Buen Samaritano, una historia que con razón ha inspirado hospitales y clínicas y proyectos humanitarios y hasta leyes para proteger a personas que ayudan a quienes están en necesidad.

Pero es una historia que no contesta la pregunta el abogado.

“Quién es mi projimo?” el abogado pregunta. Pero Jesús da vuelta la pregunta y lo devuelve al abogado: “Cuál de estos fue el prójimo?” ¿Quién fue el prójimo al hombre dejado por muerto?

Esta es la pregunta esencial para Jesús: ¿Quién fue el prójimo al hombre que cayó en las manos de ladrones? El mandamiento de amar al prójimo como a ti mismo debe de provocar en nostoros no el intento de definir al otro, sino el intento de definir a nosotros mismos. La pregunta es sobre nosotros, y quienes debemos de ser, y como debemos de vivir en relación con la gente al nuestro alrededor – particularmente quienes son heridos, quienes han sido dejados al lado del camino para morir. ¿Cómo debemos de amar? ¿Cómo debemos de atender a los heridos a nuestro alrededor?

El abogado responde que el prójimo es quien tenía misericordia, quien tenía compasión por el herido, y Jesús le manda para hacer lo mismo. Tú sabes que hacer, ahora anda y házlo. Anda y ten misericordia. Anda y muestra compasión. Anda y se como el Samaritano en la historia, y no permita que un viejo odio y miedo étnico entre los Samaritanos y los Judios te desvie de dejar conmover tu corazón, de sentir compasion por el hombre dejado por muerto al lado del camino.

Amar al prójimo como a ti mismo, parece de esta historia, es no permitir a nada – ni siquiera lo mas fuerte y profundo de barreras impuestas por humanos – imponerse en el camino de este amor, esa compasión y misericordia. O sea, esa voluntad de dejar conmover tu corazón, y poder ver el otro como un ser humano, quien sufre, quien duele, quien sangra.

Ama así. Sin límites. Anda, y haz tú lo mismo, dice Jesús.

¿Quiénes son la gente en nuestras vidas que están dejados medios muertos en la zanja ¿Quiénes somos llamados a amar en la manera que describe la parábola...dejando atras nuestros miedos y barreras y todas las cosas que la cultura dice para mantenernos distanciados de los demas.

Hay muchas formas de responder esa pregunta. Quiero contarles una historia sobre una mujer y su familia, que nos pedira considerar pensar sobre quienes son las personas heridas en nuestras vidas: Conoci a Rafaela el jueves santo de la Semana Santa de 2005. Ella estaba sentada en la plaza central de Altar, Mexico, con su esposo y sus tres hijos. Acababan de bajar del bus de Guerrero, un estado lejos al sur. Altar es solamente a unos 30 minutos por carretera con baches desde la frontera con Estados Unidos y Mexico. En los ultimos anos Altar se ha convertido en el lugar de arranque para Mexicanos y para otros que quieren cruzar la frontera hacia los Estados Unidos. Los inmigrantes se juntan en la plaza donde pueden comer algo, comprar cosas como zapatos y sombreros y agua, y contratar un coyote, un guia quien se espera les ayudara para cruzar la frontera y a travezar el desierto de la muerte hacia un lugar donde les recogera alguien.

Yo estaba en Altar con un grupo de mi Antigua iglesia en Portland,Oregon. Habiamos estado estudiando la raices de migracion y la realidad en la frontera, y una de nuestra experiencias de immersion fue visitor a los immigrantes en la plaza de Altar. Y fue asi como conoci a Rafaela, temprano en la manana con un sol del desierto caliente, colandose por los arboles.

Cuando nos acercamos a la mujer y su familia, antes que nos vieran, notamos su miedo en ellos en sus ojos penetrantes, sus hombros encogidos, sus manos con senales de nervios. Podiamos ver nosotros que ellos eran pobres, probablemente campesinos de Mexico. Nos presentamos y les preguntamos si podriamos oir algo de su historia. Ellos nos trataron sin miedo, contestaron nuestas preguntas en voz baja y con sus ojos aun mirando para todos lados.

¿A donde van ustedes? les preguntamos.
No sabemos. A los Estados. Despues de eso no sabemos. No tenemos un plan.
¿De donde son?
Guerrero.
¿Porque salieron?
Porque no hay trabajo. Teniamos una pequena finca, pero no podiamos vender lo que sembrabamos. No podiamos sobrevivir. Vendimos nuestra tierra y ahora estamos aqui. Llegamos eta manana y hemos viajado toda la noche.
¿Hay algo que les gustaria preguntarnos? Hay algo que ustedes quieren que nosotros sepamos?

Rafaela levanto su vista de sus manos ansiosas, nos miro a los ojos por la primera vez, sus propios ojos rojos de llorar:

Yo solo quiero que haya un lugar seguro para nosotros y nuestros hijos.

Fue una historia que oimos una y otra vez cuando nos encontramos con gente que estaba a punto de cruzar la frontera—o que acababan de ser deportados. Ellos no podian sobrevivir en sus fincas, o en sus ciudades, ellos no podian alimentar a sus hijos/as. Ellos/as solo querian una vida major para sus familias. Escuchamos esta historia una y otra vez.

En los debates acalorados estos dias ustedes no escuchan historias como la de Rafaela. Ustedes oyen mucho de “el problema de immigracion” pero yo les tengo que decir que nosotros no tenemos un problema de immigracion. Yo se que decir esto puede sonar loco para decir en el clima politico de hoy. Pero espero que me escuchen.

Yo no creo que tengamos un problema de immigracion. Yo creo que tenemos un problema economico. Dejenme contarles un poco mas de la historia de Rafaela.

Rafaela and su esposo Felix eran duenos de una pequena finca en el campo, en Guerrero, donde ellos crecian algunas cosas para vender en el Mercado local y hacer suficiente dinero para apoyar a su familia. La implementacion de el Tratado NorteAmericano de Libre Comercio (NAFTA) en 1994, junto con otras politicas de libre comercio, arruino a fincas pequenas en Mexico, como la de Rafaela y Felix. Productos de agricultores Mexicanos como maiz, llegaron de gigantescas corporaciones en Estados Unidos a un precio mas bajo que los Mexicanos podian vender. Al menos 2 millones de agricultores de maiz perdieron su trabajo y sus tierras en los resultados de NAFTA.

En el caso de Rafaela y Felix, era el café. La tierra alrededor de su finca habia sido comprada por una compania multinacional de café, poniendolos a ellos en quiebra de su negocio. Ellos no podian sobrevivir en los salarios de miseria que pagados en la plantacion de café. Y fue pore so que ellos vendieron su tierra y todo lo que tenian y se dirigieron al norte.

Algunos agricultores van a trabajar en fincas que pertenecen a las corporaciones que siembran aguacates, tomates y lechugas que vienen a parar a nuestras tiendas de comida aqui. Otros van a las ciudades Mexicanas grandes para tartar de encontra trabajo en fabricas—Propiedad de companies Estaunidenses como Motorola, Glaxo-Smith-Kline, Levis. Ya sea en las fincas o en las fabricas, ellos tienen suerte si les pgan el salario minimo de 42 pesos al dia—alrededor de 4 dolares. Que tanto pueden hacer 42 pesos al dia, especialmente si tienes hijos/as, cuando un gallon de leche cuesta 32 pesos? Un paquete de pañales de bebe baratos cuestan 49?

No es entonces una sorpresa, que estos refugiados economicos se dirijan al norte, donde aun los trabajos mas pesados—limpiando moteles6 y centros de skier en Aspen, poniendo los marcos para las nuevas subdivisiones, limpieza de la bodega de Purina, cuidar las ovejas en el Oeste del estado, cortando tomates para Chipotle—aun los trabajos mas duros pagan mas que los trabajadores en Mexico y en la mayoria de paises en America Latina ven en un mes, si ellos/as tienen suerte?.

Lo que tenemos es un problema economico. Tenemos un sistema economico que deja a gente herida, abandonada por un lado del camino. Si fueramos a ponerlo en terminos de la parabola de el Buen Samaritano, los ladrones de hoy son las politicas economicas que destruyen a los pequenos agricultures. Las politicas que practicamente hacen esclavos/as a la gente en las fabricas propiedad de Estados Unidos. Politicas que forzan a familias a decidir que si debe o no dejar todo atras en la tierra que ellos ya no mas pueden trabajar. Politicas que forzan a los padres a dejar a sus hijos/as, parejas a dejar a quien aman, para tratar de hacer suficiente dinero para darles de comer.

Yo les he dado una historia muy compacta aqui de la compleja y devastadora realidad economica. Yo puedo seguir por mucho tiempo hablando del impacto de NAFTA y sus politicas hacia familias, comunidades y medio ambiente—no solo en America Latina, pero tambien en los Estados Unidos. Lo que quiero que escuchen lo que se necesita ser escuchado, que las politicas economicas que ultimadamente no les importa la vida de los mas pobres y vulnerable entre nosotros, todo en el nombre de ganar mas y tener productos mas baratos. A la gente se le quita su tierra y sus posibilidades y son dejados/as a un lado del camino para morir.

Ese camino llega hasta el centro de Estados Unidos. Y llega hasta Aurora. Ese camino recorre la calle Colfax y hacia la vecindad original de Aurora.

Ese camino corre por las calles donde los trabajadores immigrantes se juntan cada dia para esperar por trabajo, y piden a Dios que les paguen por su trabajo, piden que sus salarios no se los roben sus empleados quienes prefieren explotarlos por su mano de obra barata que tratarnos con dignidad.

Ese camino corre por los hogares de mujeres immigrantes quienes tienen miedo de reporter violencia domestica a la policia por temor a que seran arrestadas y deportadas y sus hijos se quedaran solos/as.

Ese camino llega hacia los apartamentos donde las familias de los immigrantes estan hambrientos porque tienen miedo de acercarse a los servicos a los que ellos tienen derecho, por temor a ser deportados y separados/as de su familia.

Ese camino llega hasta la 30th y Peoria, al Centro de Detencion donde immigrantes y residents, y aun ciudadanos/as han desaparecido despues de redadas en sus lugares de trabajo o en su vecindad, o despues que han sido detenidos por una curiosa ofensa de trafico como manejar muy despacio en una calle residencial.

Si nuestras politicas economicas injustas han dejado a la gente quebrada, golpeada a un lado del camino, nuestra politica migratoria es la equivalente a la de el sacerdote y Levita que pasan y se alejan dando por muerto al hombre—en otras palabras, es la respuesta opuesta a la de el Buen Samaritano. En vez de atender a las heridas de la gente las empeoran—primero haciendo “un camino de legalizacion” para migracion casi imposible, y luego por sembrar miedo, apoyar explotacion de trabajo, separar a familias y parejas, y en general por castigar al herido/a en su intento por buscar sanidad economica.

Cuando se habla de migracion, podemos debatir los puntos pequeños de que es legal o como debiera de ser una reforma, pero hasta cierto punto esas son las preguntas del abogado, preguntas que nos limitan de nuestra responsabilidad.

Pero Jesus le da vuelta a la pregunta hacia nosotros. Quien es el vecino/a de quien ha sido abandonado a la orilla del camino? El que tuvo misericordia, que tuvo compasión del hombre herido, el que dejo que su corazon fuera movido a misericordia y compasion por el hombre herido, desnudo y moribundo. Amar a tu projimo como a ti mismo es no permitir nada—ni siquiera el miedo y las barreras mas Fuertes impuestas por humanos—para que no tengamos compassion y misericordia del ser humano en frente de ti.

La pregunta de esencia para Jesus es la que, como cristianos/as, debe ser la pregunta de esencia para nosotros/as. Es la pregunta a un lado del camino: Quien es el vecino/a del que fue dejado por muerto?

Quien es el projimo/vecino para Rafaela? Maria?

Quien es el projimo de Marta? De Santos?

Quien es el projimo de Patricia? De Jorge?

Quien es el projimo, pregunta Jesus. El que mostro misericordia. El que ignoro la condena de la sociedad hacia la persona enfrente de el/ella y simplemente tendio a sus heridas.

Entonces, dijo Jesus, anda y haz tu lo mismo.

Anda e y haz tu lo mismo.

Aqui a un lado del camino, que podamos todos encontrar una forma de hacer lo mismo.
Amen.

The Question By The Side Of The Road

2010-02-16T19:41:00.004-07:00

(versión en español aquí)

Sermon preached 2/14/2010, at Parkview UCC, Aurora, CO.

Text: Luke 10: 25-37

Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Torah? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.” But wanting to show himself to be righteous, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied,

“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with compassion. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’”

Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

***********************

“And who is my neighbor?”

That’s not really the question Jesus answers, is it?

The lawyer asks, “Who is my neighbor?” and you get the sense he’s not looking for a vast universal answer here – not hoping for “well, everyone!” – but an answer that will put some limits on the reaches of his responsibility...or affirm the limits of his responsibility as he already understands them.

But that’s not the question Jesus answers.

The lawyer asks, “Who is my neighbor?” and Jesus responds with the now-famous story of the Good Samaritan, a story which has rightfully inspired hospitals and clinics and humanitarian projects and even laws to protect strangers who help those in need.

But it’s a story which doesn’t answer the lawyer’s question.

“Who is my neighbor?” the lawyer asks. But Jesus flips the question and turns it back to the lawyer: “Which of these was a neighbor?” Who was the neighbor to the man left for dead?

This is the question of essence for Jesus: Who was the neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers? The command to love your neighbor as yourself should provoke in us not the attempt to define the other, but rather, the attempt to define ourselves. The question is about us, and who we are to be, and how we are to live in relationship with those around us, particularly those who are wounded, who have been left by the side of the road to die. How are we to love? How are we to tend to the wounded around us?

The lawyer responds that the neighbor is the one who had mercy, who had compassion on the wounded man, and Jesus sends him off to do the same. You know what to do, now go and do likewise. Go and have mercy. Go and show compassion. Go and be like the Samaritan in the story, who does not permit even age-old ethnic hatred and fear between Samaritans and Jews to get in the way of allowing his heart to be moved, of feeling empathy for the man left for dead by the side of the road.

To love your neighbor as yourself, it would seem from this story, is to allow nothing – not even the strongest and deepest of human-imposed barriers – to get in the way of that love, that empathy, that compassion and mercy; in other words, that willingness to allow your heart to be moved, and to be able to see the other as a human being, who suffers, who hurts, who bleeds.

Love this way. Without limits. Go, and do likewise, Jesus says.

Who are the people in our lives who are lying half-dead in a ditch? Who are we being called to love in the way this parable describes...setting aside fears and barriers and all those things which the culture says should keep us at arm’s length from the other?

There are many ways to answer that question. I want to tell you a story, about a woman and her family, that will ask us to consider one way to think about who the wounded in our lives are.

I met Rafaela on Maundy Thursday of Holy Week in 2005. She was sitting in the central plaza of Altar, Mexico, with her husband and three young sons. They had just gotten off the bus from Guerrero, a state far to the south, a short time before.

You see, Altar is only about a bumpy 30 minute drive from the US/Mexico border. In the last several years Altar has become the “jumping off place” for Mexicans and others who want to cross the border into the US. Migrants gather in the plaza where they can get a bite to eat, buy supplies such as shoes and hats and water, and contract a “coyote,” a guide who will hopefully help them get across the border and across the deadly desert to a pick–up spot.

I was in Altar with a group from my former church in Portland, Oregon. We had been studying the roots of migration and the reality of life on the border, and one of our immersion experiences was to visit with migrants in the plaza in Altar. And so it was it was that I met Rafaela, early in the morning with a desert sun, already warm, breaking in through the trees.

As we approached the woman and her family, before they even saw us, we noted the fear coursing through them in their darting eyes, hunched-over backs, and wringing hands. We could see that they were poor, that they were probably campesinos, that is, peasant farmers from rural Mexico. We introduced ourselves and asked if we could hear some of their story. They regarded us with no less fear, answering our questions quietly, eyes still darting.

Where are you going? we asked.
We don’t know. To the States. After that, we don’t know. We have no plan.
Where are you from?
Guerrero.
Why did you leave?
There is no work. We had a little farm, but we could not sell what we grew. We could not survive. We sold our land and now we are here. We arrived on the bus this morning, we have been traveling all night.
Is there anything you’d like to ask us? Is there something you’d like us to know?

Rafaela looked up from her anxious hands, looked into our eyes for the first time, her own eyes red with tears:
I just want there to be a safe place. A safe place for us and our children.

It was a story we heard over and over when we met people who were about to cross the border – or who had just been deported. They could not survive on their farms, or in the cities, they could not feed their children. They just wanted a better life for their families. We heard the story over and over.

In the heated debates these days you don’t hear stories like Rafaela’s. You hear a lot, though, about “the immigration problem.” But I have to tell you, I don’t think we have an immigration problem. Now, I know that may sound like a crazy thing to say in today’s political climate. But...I hope you’ll hear me out.

I don’t think we have an immigration problem. I think we have an economic problem. Let me tell you a little bit more of Rafaela’s story.

Rafaela and her husband Felix owned a little farm in rural Guerrero, where they could grow a few things to sell at the local market and make enough money to support the family. The passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1994, along with other free trade policies, however, ruined small farmers in Mexico like Rafaela and Felix. Staples of the Mexican farmers, such as corn, poured in from giant corporations in the US at much cheaper prices than what the Mexicans could sell. At least 2 million Mexican corn farmers lost their jobs and their farms in the aftermath of NAFTA

In the case of Rafaela and Felix, it was coffee. The land around their farm had been bought by a multi-national coffee company, putting them out of business. They couldn’t survive on the pittance wages paid by the coffee plantation. And so they sold their land and all that they had, and headed north.

Some farmers go to work on corporate owned-farms that grow the avocados and tomatoes and lettuce that wind up in our grocery stores. Others go to the larger Mexican cities to try to find work in the factories – US-owned companies like Motorola, Glaxo-Smith-Kline, Levi’s. Whether on the farm or in the factory, they are lucky to make the minimum wage of 42 pesos a day – around 4 bucks. How far can 42 pesos a day go, especially if you have children, when a gallon of milk costs 32 pesos? A cheap package of diapers costs 49?

Is it any wonder, then, that these economic refugees head north, where even the hardest jobs – cleaning rooms at Motel 6 and Aspen ski resorts, putting up houseframes for the newest subdivisions, cleaning the new Purina warehouse, tending sheep on the Western Slope, picking tomatoes for Chipotle – even the hardest jobs pay more in a day than most workers in Mexico and most of Latin America see in a month, if they’re lucky?

What we have is an economic problem. We have an economic system which leaves people wounded, left by the side of the road. If we were to put it in terms of the parable of the Good Samaritan, the robbers of today are the economic policies which destroy small farmers. The policies which practically enslave people in the US-owned factories. Policies which force families to choose whether or not to leave everything behind on land they can no longer afford to farm. Policies which force parents to leave their children, partners to leave their beloveds, to try to make enough money to feed them.

I have given you a very compact overview here of a complex and devastating economic reality. I could go on for a long time about the impact of NAFTA and policies like it, on families, communities, and the environment – not just in Latin America, but in the US as well. What I want you to hear – what needs to be heard – is that these are economic policies which ultimately care nothing for the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable among us, all in the name of higher profits and cheaper goods. The people are stripped of their land and their possibilities, and left on the side of the road to die.

That road runs into the heart of the United States. And it runs right through Aurora. That road runs along Colfax and into the Original Aurora neighborhood.

That road runs by the street corners where immigrant workers gather every day to wait for work, and pray that they will be paid for it, pray that their wages will not be stolen by employers who would rather exploit them for cheap labor than treat them with dignity.

That road runs by homes of immigrant women who are afraid to report domestic violence to the police for fear they will be arrested instead, and be deported and their children left here alone.

That road runs by apartments where immigrant families are hungry because they’re afraid to access services they have a right to, for fear of deportation breaking apart their families.

That road runs by 30th and Peoria, by the immigrant detention facility, where immigrants, and residents, and even citizens are disappeared into after workplace and neighborhood raids, or after being stopped for the curious traffic offense of driving too slowly down a residential street.

If our unjust economic policies leave people broken and beaten by the side of the road, our immigration policy is the equivalent of the priests and Levites turning away from the man left for dead – in other words, it is the opposite of the Good Samaritan’s response. Rather than tend to people’s wounds, our policies make them worse – first by making a quote “legal path” for migrating nearly impossible, and then by seeding fear, encouraging exploitation of labor, breaking apart families and partners, and in general punishing the wounded in their attempt to seek economic healing.

When it comes to immigration, we can debate the fine points of what’s legal or what reform should look like but to a certain extent those are the lawyer’s questions, questions about the limits of our responsibility.

But Jesus flips the question on us. Who is the neighbor to the one left for dead? The one who had mercy, who had compassion on the wounded man, the one who allowed his heart to be moved to empathy for the stripped and beaten, barely living man. To love your neighbor as yourself is to allow nothing – not even the strongest and deepest of human-imposed fears and barriers – to get in the way of compassion and mercy for the human being in front of you.

The question of essence for Jesus is the one which, as Christians, must be the question of essence for us. It is the question by the side of the road: Who is the neighbor to the one left for dead?

Who is the neighbor to Rafaela? To Mario?
Who is the neighbor to Marta? To Santos?
Who is the neighbor to Patricia? To Jorge?

Who is the neighbor, Jesus asks. The one who showed mercy. The one who ignored society’s condemnation of the person in front of him and simply tended to his wounds.

Then, Jesus says, go and do likewise.

Go and do likewise.

Here by the side of the road, may we all find a way to do the same.

Amen.

Dos Eventos Importantes

2009-11-17T18:03:00.002-07:00

Dos eventos importantes para Comunidad y sus amigos -- Two important events for Comunidad and its friends!

Number 1 -- Número Uno

Next Thursday, Nov 19th, is National Day of Action Against Wage Theft
(more here)

Comunidad, as part of the Interfaith Worker Justice Committee of Colorado
and in partnership with El Centro Humanitario

will be holding a rally
11 am
on Thursday, Nov 19th
at El Centro Humanitario
2260 California St., Denver

Workers who have experienced wage theft,
faith leaders, and political leaders
will participate.

El próximo Jueves, 19 de Noviembre es el Día de Acción Nacional en Contra Del Robo de Salarios
(mas información aquí)

Comunidad, como parte del Comité Interfe de Justicia Para Trabajadores de Colorado,
y junto con El Centro Humanitario

van a tener una manifestación
a las 11 am
el jueves, 19 de noviembre
en frente de El Centro Humanitario
2260 California St, Denver

Trabajadores/as quienes han experimentado el robo de salario,
líderes de fé, y líderes políticos/as
van a participar

************************************************************

Número Dos -- Number Two:

III INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND CRAFTS FAIR

ORGANIZED BY THE WOMEN’S PROJECT OF EL CENTRO HUMANITARIO
Diverse Women in Action

When: Saturday November 21,2009

Time: 2pm-6pm

Where: El Centro Humanitario para los trabajadores/as

2260 California St. Denver,CO 80205

Come and enjoy Food from Mexico, Ecuador, Chile, USA, and Central American countries. There will be Latino music, poetry and other Latin American Cultural expressions.

Free Admission Food: Sampler plate $10

Come and do your Christmas shopping as you support the self development and sustainability of working women in Colorado

For more information call El Centro’s office 303-292-4115

Everybody is welcome

III Feria Internacional de Comida y Manualidades

Organizada por el Proyecto de Mujeres de El Centro Humanitario
Diversidad de Mujeres en Acción

Cuando: Sábado 21 de Noviembre 2009

Hora: 2pm-6pm

Donde: El Centro Humanitario 2260 California St.

Denver,CO 80205

Venga y disfrute comida de México, Ecuador, Chile, Estados Unidos, y paises Centroamericanos. Habrá Música, poesía, y otras expresiones de la Cultura Latina.

Una canasta navideña sera rifada a las 3pm entre todos los/as asistentes.

Entrada Gratis Plato Buffette $10

Venga y haga sus compras navidenas mientras apoya el autodesarrollo y sostenimiento economico de mujeres trabajadoras de Colorado

Para mas informacion llame a las oficinas de El Centro 303-292-4115

Evento Importante! Important Event!

2009-09-15T11:49:00.001-06:00

Derechos Para Todos, SEIU, CIRC, El Centro Humanitario, Comunidad Liberación,
y muchas otras organizaciones de labor y fe
les invita al foro comunitario

America Unida Para la Reforma Migratoria
Sabado 19 de Septiembre a las 10 a.m.
en la Iglesia Reina de la Paz
13120 E. Kentucky Ave Aurora, CO.

Senador Bennet estará presente ademas de muchos oficiales estatales y municipales para escuchar de
los retos que enfrentan la comunidad indocumentada y la necesidad urgente para una reforma migratoria
para nuestras familias, estudiantes, trabajadores, y economia.
Venga que escuchen a su voz tambien con un mural interactivo y un banco de videos!
Llame a 303-893-3500 #105 con preguntas
o visite nuestro blog en http://reformhereandnow.wordpress.com/

* * * * * *

Rights for All People, SEIU, CIRC, El Centro Humanitario, Liberation Community,
and many other faith and labor organizations
invite you to the community forum

America United for Immigration Reform
Saturday September 19th at 10 a.m.
at Queen of Peace Church
13120 E. Kentucky Ave. Aurora, CO.

Senator Bennet will be there in addition to many state and local officials to hear about
the challenges that the undocumented community faces and the urgent need for immigration reform
from the perspective of families, students, workers, and the economy.
Come let your voice be heard in our interactive art mural and video bank!
Call 303-893-3500 #105 with any questions
or check out our blog at http://reformhereandnow.wordpress.com/

Comunidad Liberación, Presente!

2009-06-20T20:20:00.008-06:00

Pastora Ana con miembros Comunidad y amigas/os de Centro Humanitario, en el evento Familias Unidas Para La Reforma Migratoria
-- Pastor Anne with members of Comunidad and friends from El Centro Humanitario, at the Families United for Immigration Reform event.
6/13/09

Familias Unidas Para La Reforma Migratoria

2009-06-10T22:20:00.000-06:00

Be at this HUGE event to support Immigrant Rights!

On June 13^th, 2009 the United Families tour will stop in Colorado! United Families is a nationwide tour led by Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez to encourage Congress to pass just & humane immigration reform in 2009! In over 20 cities, families that suffer under our broken immigration policies have told their stories to thousands of onlookers, the media, and elected officials.

You have the opportunity to be a part of this historic tour and a part of the solution! On June 13^th, Representative Gutierrez will partner with Representative Jared Polis to launch his summer United Families tour in Northglenn, Colorado. Colorado families will tell their immigration stories and Archbishop Chaput, Father Ames, Reverend Simpson, Imam Ali and other faith leaders will help us to understand how our faith calls us to respond. Finally, Representatives Polis and Gutierrez will explain what action congress can take and how YOU can help.

Please save the date for this historic event as faith leaders, community members and Congressional champions for immigration reform join to demonstrate the urgency of fixing our broken immigration system.

We invite YOU and 2,000 of your closest friends to attend this powerful event!

June 13^th, 2009! 1:00 PM, Doors Open at 11:30 AM!

RSVP to the Office of Congressman Polis @ 303-484-9596!

Immaculate Heart of Mary, Parish Center, 11385 Grant St., Northglenn, CO

Comunidad Se Mueve a Aurora -- Comunidad Moves to Aurora

2009-05-12T21:05:00.003-06:00

Noticias Emocionantes!!! Exciting News!!!

Este domingo, 17 de Mayo, vamos a empezar de nuevo a reunirnos para cultos, despues de varios meses de buscar espacio en Aurora.

Donde: The Other Side Arts Gallery
1400 Dallas St.
Aurora, CO
(una cuadra al sur de Colfax)
(mapa aquí)
Entra por la puerta que está en el parqueo.

Cuando: Domingo, 17 de Mayo, a las 10:30AM

Este es un cambio de lugar y tambien de hora. Esperamos verles allí!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

This Sunday, May 17th, we will begin again to meet for worship, after several months searching for a space in Aurora.

Where: The Other Side Arts Gallery
1400 Dallas St.
Aurora, CO
(1 block south of Colfax)
(map here)
Enter through the door in the parking lot.

When: Sunday, May 17, at 10:30AM

This is a change of location as well as time. We hope to see you there!

Anuncio -- Announcement!

2009-04-04T20:42:00.003-06:00

Se Le Extiende una Invitación Calurosa

A Ser Testiga/o De y Participar En

La Ordenación al Ministerio de La Palabra Y el Sacramento

Y

La Instalación Como Pastora de Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community
Un Ministerio de Mayflower United Church of Christ

de

Anne Draper Dunlap

on

Domingo, 3 de Mayo, 2009
3:00 pm
en
Mayflower United Church of Christ
3001 S. Acoma St.
Englewood, CO 80110

Las/os Pastores Se Pueden Usar Su Vestidura con Estola Roja
Recepción Después

* * * * *

You Are Warmly Invited

To Witness and Participate In

The Ordination to the Ministry of the Word and Sacrament

and

The Installation as Pastor of Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community
A Ministry of Mayflower United Church of Christ

of

Anne Draper Dunlap

on

Sunday, May 3rd, 2009
3:00 pm
at
Mayflower United Church of Christ
3001 S. Acoma St.
Englewood, CO 80110

Clergy May Vest, with Red Stoles
Reception Following

Painting/Pintura: Maximino Cerezo Barredo, “La Cena Ecologica del Reino.”
(The Ecological Supper of the Kin-dom)

Prayer Vigil for Just Immigration Reform

2009-02-24T19:34:00.009-07:00

Gracias a Jennifer Piper en AFSC/CFIR por organizar la vigilia, y por estas fotos de miembros de Comunidad participando en la vigilia, febrero 16, 2009. (Mas información aquí).

Thanks to Jennifer Piper at AFSC/CFIR for organizing the vigil, and for these photos of Comunidad members participating in the vigil, February 16, 2009. (More info here).

Pastora Anne Dunlap escuchando la histora de una inmigrante encarcelada en una redada.
Pastor Anne Dunlap listening to the story of an immigrant jailed in a raid.

Jennifer Piper con E., miembro de Comunidad, compartiendo su historia.
Jennifer Piper with E., member of Comunidad, sharing her story.

Miembros de Comunidad con otr@s en la vigilia.
Members of Comunidad with others at the vigil.

Pastora Anne ofrece la oración de clausura, en frente del centro de detención.
Pastor Anne offers the closing prayer, in front of the detention center.

Vigilia Para Justicia -- Vigil For Justice

2009-02-17T17:09:00.002-07:00

From the Aurora Sentinel -- Del periódico Aurora Sentinel:

Miembros de Comunidad estaban allí -- Members of Comunidad were there.

Faith calls together crowd for immigration vigil

FAITH VIGIL Daniela Ortega, 9, stands with her mom, Elsa, during a candlelight vigil to promote the passing of immigration reform Feb. 16 near East 30th Avenue and Peoria Street in Aurora. (Heather A. Longway/The Aurora Sentinel)

Clergy-organized group protests outside GEO Group detention center

By BRANDON JOHANSSON
The Aurora Sentinel

Published: Monday, February 16, 2009 10:24 PM MST
AURORA | About 50 people from various advocacy groups gathered near an Aurora detention facility Monday, Feb. 16, to rally for changes to the nation’s immigration policies and an end to raids on suspected illegal immigrants.

The vigil, which was organized by local clergy, was one of more than 100 actions across the country aimed at “demonstrating the faith communities’ commitment to inject humanity and compassion into the public dialogue on immigration,” organizers said in a statement.

Jennifer Piper, of the Quaker organization American Friends Service Committee, said ending raids was one of the main goals of the vigil.

“These raids really tear families and workers out of our community,” Piper said.

The vigil brought out a diverse crowd with participants ranging from toddlers to senior citizens. The group clutched candles, said prayers and spoke about their concerns.

“All faith traditions share a common mandate to welcome and care for all members of our community and love our neighbors as ourselves,” Jeremy Shaver, executive director of the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, said in a statement. “As people of faith, we must keep that in the forefront of our minds as we approach the complex issue of immigration.”

Organizers said recent immigration raids have been destructive for immigrants’ families and they hope the vigils lead to change in Washington.

“We call on President Obama and members of Congress to demonstrate the courage to pass immigration policies that uphold and protect the dignity and human rights of all,” Shaver said.

The vigil was held just a few blocks from a privately owned and operated detention facility that houses suspected illegal immigrants. Florida-based GEO Group, which owns the facility, has plans to expand it — a proposal that has come under fire from immigrant groups.

Butch Montoya, founder of H.S. Power and Light-Latino Faith Based Initiative, said in a statement that it was important for faith leaders to speak out on immigration issues.

“Faith leaders are in a unique position to serve as a bridge between different communities struggling to come together on this difficult issue,” he said. “It is why we are standing here today as part of a growing national movement to renew America’s best ideals and values, not our worst instincts. We value immigrants and honor their God-given dignity, and we urge our political leaders to enact immigration reform with that in mind.”

Noticiero -- News Bite

2009-02-16T16:35:00.002-07:00

Friends of Comunidad, please note that we are currently meeting together every other Sunday for a potluck lunch, community building, and strategizing for our move to Aurora. Please email us to confirm the date and location (it's a moveable feast!): liberation.communityATgmail.com.
(put the "@" in where it says AT)

Amigas y Amigos de Comunidad, favor de anotar que actualmente estamos reuniéndonos cada otro domingo a mediodía para una comida (cada uno/a trae un plato para compartir), y para construir comunidad y hacer estrategias para mover a Aurora. Favor de mandarnos un correo electrónico para confirmar la fecha y el lugar (es una fiesta que se mueve!): liberation.communityATgmail.com.
(ponga la "@" donde dice "AT")

Vigilia Para Justicia -- Vigil For Justice

2009-02-16T16:10:00.002-07:00

Feliz Navidad -- Merry Christmas

2008-12-21T21:25:00.004-07:00

Bendiciones y Paz -- Blessings and Peace

Comunidad Celebra -- The Community Celebrates!

2008-11-16T21:14:00.005-07:00

La Comunidad celebró su primer boda esta noche, gozando con Elsa y Felipe en su amor.

Lo pasamos muy alegres!!

The Community celebrated its first wedding tonight, rejoicing with Elsa and Felipe in their love. We had a great time!!

En Contra de colón -- Being Against columbus

2008-10-15T10:05:00.003-06:00

Pastor of Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community Anne Dunlap speaks at the Transform columbus day rally on the capitol steps, October 11, 2008. She spoke of the need for white Christians to resist the columbian legacy of domination, violence, and exploitation which is still present with us today.

Pastora de Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community, Anne Dunlap, habla en la manifestación de Transformar el día de colón en las gradas del capitolio, 11 de Octubre, 2008. Ella habló de la necesidad de que Cristian@s angl@s resistan la legacía de colón de dominación, violencia, y explotación que todavía está presente con nosotr@s en el presente.

Chipotle Vigil/Vigilia Frente a Chipotle

2008-10-08T09:44:00.002-06:00

Visita la Coalición de Trabajores de Immokalee (CIW) para un informe sobre sus protestas aqui en Denver contra Chipotle, con fotos incluso de unos miembros de Comunidad Liberación!

Visit the Coalition of Immokalee Workers for a report on their protests here in Denver against Chipotle, with photos including of members of Liberation Community!

Haga clic aqui/Click here.

CIW Viene a Comunidad -- CIW Comes to Community!

2008-10-02T16:31:00.003-06:00

Este domingo durante el culto, damos la bienvenida a un grupo de trabajadores y activistas de la organización Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) (haga clic aquí para su sitio de web). La Coalición está en Denver para protestar Chipotle por no pagar un salario justo a sus trabajores quienes cosechan tomates. CIW ha logrado conseguir un mejor salario de compañias tan grandes como Taco Bell, Burger King, y McDonald's. Es un honor recibir a miembros de CIW alrededor de la mesa de nuestra comunidad. Tendremos un tiempo para escucharles durante el culto.

Les animo asistir, y que inviten sus amig@s! Es un gran oportunidad de oír de otr@s quienes están en la lucha para la justicia en otra parte del país. Además, Rev. Julie Todd, pastora y activista, estará con nosotr@s para celebrar la Santa Cena.

(Abajo, les adjunto el horario de protestas este fin de semana.)

Nos vemos el domingo!
***********************************************************************

This Sunday during worship we welcome a group of workers and activists from the organization Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) (click here for their website). The Coalition is in Denver to protest Chipotle for not providing a just salary to the workers who pick tomatoes. CIW has succeeded in obtaining better salaries from companies as large as Taco Bell, Burger King, and McDonald's. It is an honor to receive members of CIW around the table of our community. We will have time to hear from them during worship.

I encourage you to attend, and invite your friends! This is a great opportunity to hear from others who are in the struggle for justice in another part of the country. Also, Rev. Julie Todd, pastor and activist, will be with us to celebrate communion.

(Below is the protest schedule for this weekend.)

We'll see you Sunday!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday/Domingo, October 5:

1644 Evans Ave (west of University Blv, near DU)
1pm - Picket at the first ever Chipotle restaurant,

(protesta afuera del primer restaurante de Chipotle)

Monday/Lunes, October 6:

1543 Wazee St. in downtown Denver (en el centro de Denver)
All Day - Plantón outside Chipotle HQ, an all-day protest "waiting" for

Chipotle to do the right thing. Starts first thing in the morning. Come for all or part.

(Todo el día -- Plantón afuera de las oficinas de Chipotle, una protesta de todo el día
"esperando" que Chipotle haga lo correcto. Empieza en la mañana. Venga para todo o parte.)

6:30pm - Vigil outside Chipotle HQ.
(Vigilia afuera de las oficinas de Chipotle)

Tuesday, October 7th:

Morning til Mid-Day - Plantón outside Chipotle HQ continues. Come for all or part
(Mañana hasta mediodia -- sigue el plantón afuera de las oficinas de Chipotle. Venga para todo o parte.)

---
Photos from CIW flickr site, Back to Reality.

Come To The Table - Vengan A La Mesa

2008-09-23T23:29:00.002-06:00

Marcha Inmigrante/Immigration March

2008-09-02T14:10:00.005-06:00

Unas fotos de la march 8/28 -- a few photos of the march 8/28.

Two Events This Week/Dos Eventos Esta Semana

2008-08-26T16:37:00.001-06:00

Hola Amig@s --

Quiero recordarles de dos eventos esta semana.

La primera es el evento dando la bienvenida a l@s activistas que vienen de toda la nación para la marcha el jueves. El evento es mañana, miercoles 8/27, y empieza a las 6:30pm.

Donde: Centro Juan Diego
2830 Lawrence St. (mapa aquí)
Cuando: Miercoles 8/27, 6:30pm

Habrá comida, música, y otros detalles. Es una buena oportunidad de conocer a activistas en todo el país quienes están trabajando por los derechos de inmigrantes.

El otro evento es la marcha inmigrante, el jueves.

JUEVES, AGOSTO 28, 2008
Marcha: Empieza a las 9:00am
2855 W. Howard Pl. (Rude Park) (Federal y 14, mapa aquí)
Manifestación Despues: La Alma/ Lincoln Park
(W. 12th Ave. & Mariposa St., mapa aquí)

Vamos a marchar con las mujeres de Centro Humanitario. Nos reunamos en la esquina de 14 y Federal. Busquen el rótulo grande de El Centro Humanitario.

Si están viendo por televisión la violencia de la policia contra las personas quienes están protestando y les da miedo, recuerden que esta marcha el jueves es permitida, y la ruta protegida, y la policia no debe de causar ningún problema. Además, estaremos junt@s, en comunidad, fortaleciéndonos.

Nos vemos pronto, si no esta semana ojalá el domingo. En el culto estaremos estudiando mas el libro de Exodo; esta semana nos toca el clamor de la gente de Israel en esclavitud, y el llamado a Moisés.

Dios les bendiga, y Paz

********************************************************************

Greetings, friends --

I'd like to remind you of two events this week.

The first is an event welcoming the activists who are coming from all over the country for the march on Thursday. The event is tomorrow, Wednesday 8/27, and begins at 6:30pm.

Where: Centro Juan Diego
2830 Lawrence St. (map here)
When: Wednesday 8/27, 6:30pm

There will be food, music, and other things. It's a good opportunity to get to know activists from all over the country who are working for immigrant rights.

The other event is the immigrant rights march, on Thursday.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 2008
March Step-off at 9:00am
2855 W. Howard Pl. (Rude Park) (Federal and 14th, map here)
Rally to follow @ La Alma/ Lincoln Park
(W. 12th Ave. & Mariposa St., map here)

We will be marching with the women of Centro Humanitario. We will meet at the corner of 14th and Federal; look for the big sign from El Centro Humanitario.

If you are seeing on TV the violence by police against protesters and you're afraid, remember that this is march on Thursday is permitted, and the route protected, and the police should not cause any problem. And, we will be together, in community, strengthening each other.

See you soon, if not this week then hopefully Sunday. In worship we are exploring Exodus; this week we will be reading about the cry of the Israelites in slavery, and the call of Moses.

God bless you, and Peace.

CL/LC Standing Up For Justice

2008-07-29T19:32:00.002-06:00

Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community members have already been busy this week, lifting up our voices for justice. Several us were present yesterday at a press conference announcing opposition to Denver Ballot Initiative 100 (click here for more info), and from there headed to Aurora for the city council meeting to speak out for/with day laborers. CL/LC members spoke boldly at the rally and also in the council meeting itself; although the ordinance passed (click here for more info), there are signs that the council is open to continuing to work with El Centro to provide a safe gathering place for day laborers.

Last week, some of us heard Bernice Johnson Reagon speak; she mentioned the allies who came south to join in the civil rights movement, describing them as folks who had decided that if there was going to be a struggle against racism, they did not want to be absent. That is the work that CL/LC has been up to this week, the sacred, faithful work of standing up for human dignity, and it is work we hope to continue.

*******************************************************************************

Los miembros de Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community ya han estado ocupad@s esta semana, levantando nuestras voces para la justicia. Algun@s estaban presentes ayer en una conferencia de prensa anunicando oposición a Iniciativo de Votación 100 en Denver (haga clic aquí para mas información, en inglés), y desde allí fuimos a Aurora para la reunión del consejo municipal, para levantar nuestras voces por/con jornaleros. Miembros de CL/LC hablaron claramente en la manifestación y también en la mera reunión del consejo; aunque pasaron la ordenanza (haga clic aquí para un artículo en inglés), hay señas que el consejo está abierto a seguir trabajando con El Centro para proveer un lugar seguro donde los jornaleros se pueden juntar.

La semana pasada, algun@s de nosotr@s oimos a Bernice Johnson Reagon; ella mencionó la gente que vinieron al sur de los Estados Unidos para aliarse con el movimento de derechos civiles, describiéndoles como personas quienes han decidido de que si iba haber una lucha contra el racismo, no quierían estar ausentes. Este es el trabajo en que CL/LC ha estado metido esta semana, el trabajo sagrado y fiel de ponerse de pie a favor de la dignidad humana, y es un trabajo que esperamos continuar.

Support Day Laborers/Apoya Jornaler@s

2008-07-12T12:10:00.000-06:00

From Coloradans for Immigrant Rights:

The Aurora City council will consider a new ordinance that would make it a crime to stop your car to pick someone up, flag a car down, or look for work outside a temporary employment agency.

Come out on Monday to the Rally and stay to give testimony.

WHAT: Rally and Testimonies at City Council Meeting to Oppose Anti-Day-Laborer Ordinance

WHERE: Steps of Aurora Municipal Building 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO 80012

WHEN: Monday, July 14, 2008 Rally at 6:30p.m. (7:30p.m. City Council Meeting)

BACKGROUND
For the last two years the City of Aurora has been escalating their constant harassment against the day laborers who congregate in the intersection of Dayton Street and Colfax Avenue.

Their actions include wrongfully ticketing of day laborers for trespassing; threatening to close down the business owned by a Hispanic woman who gave supported workers by allowing them to seek refuge on her property while waiting for work; and police calling building owners to intimidate them into not renting or selling their buildings to Centro Humanitario.

After the Peter Boyles Show, which hosted Mayor Ed Tauer and other city officials, the Colorado Minutemen Project has shown up to harass the day laborers at Dayton and Colfax.

Since our first call for help on June 16, 2008, the City of Aurora has amended their current laws regarding the control of temporary employment agencies to include non profits, specifically agencies that provide assistance to day laborers.

The City of Aurora is meticulously reviewing and amending their current laws to make sure the ordinance against day laborers is “perfectly enforceable.”

Upcoming Justice Action -- Acción Para Justicia

2008-07-09T16:11:00.000-06:00

Mark Your calendar!

The city of Aurora is passing an anti-day laborer and anti-Centro ordinance on July 14th, Monday, to block El Centro from entering into the Art district in Aurora to open a safe gathering place. El Centro Humanitario and day laborers are holding a rally to against the ordinance. We need your support!

What: Rally and Testimonies at City Council meeting to oppose anti-day laborer ordinance
Where: Steps of Aurora Municipal building, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO 80012
When: Monday, July 14th, 2008
Time: Rally at 6: 30 P.M. (7:30 P.M. city council hearing)

Let me know if you'd like to attend (liberation.communityATgmail.com).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marque Su Calendario!

La ciudad de Aurora está proponiendo pasar una ordenanza en contra de jornaleros y en contra de el Centro Humanitario, el lunes 14 de julio, para prevenir que el Centro Humanitario pueda entrar al distrito de Artes en Aurora para abrir un lugar seguro para reunirse. El Centro Humanitario y los jornaleros van a tener una manifestación en contra de la ordenanza. Necesitamos su apoyo!

Que: Manifestación y Testimonios, en la reunión del Consejo de la Ciudad para oponersea la ordenanza anti-jornalero
Donde: Gradas del Aurora Municipal building, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO 80012
Cuando: Lunes, 14 de julio, 2008
Hora: Manifestación a las 6: 30 P.M. (7:30 P.M. reunión del Consejo)

Avísame si está interesada/o en participar (liberation.communityATgmail.com).

News y Cosas

2008-07-09T15:38:00.000-06:00

(English Below)

Saludos, amigas y amigos --

Es difícil creer que Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community ha estado reuniéndose para cultos para todo un mes. Tenemos un lindo grupo que canta con ganas, explora profundamente la Escritura juntas/os, y se une alrededor de la mesa para partirel pan en comunidad. (Gracias a Revs. Phil Campbell y Allyson Sawtell para ayudar oficiar la Santa Cena!) Y continuamos el compañerismo de la mesa al comer juntas/os después del culto.

Hasta hemos estado haciendo unas acciones para la justicia -- unos miembros de la Comunidad fueron a Aurora para estar en solidaridad con los jornaleros por si acaso llegaran los Minutemen, y también fueron de apoyo en una conferencia de prensa anunciando una marcha grande por los derechos de inmigrantes que se va a llevar a cabo durante de Convención Democrata.

Tenemos la oportunidad de participar en otra acción en la próxima semana, el lunes14 de julio:

La ciudad de Aurora está proponiendo pasar una ordenanza en contra de jornaleros y en contra de el Centro Humanitario, el lunes 14 de julio, para prevenir que el Centro Humanitario pueda entrar al distrito de Artes en Aurora para abrir un lugar seguro para reunirse. El Centro Humanitario y los jornaleros van a tener una manifestación en contra de la ordenanza. Necesitamos su apoyo!

Que: Manifestación y Testimonios, en la reunión del Consejo de la Ciudad para oponersea la ordenanza anti-jornalero
Donde: Gradas del Aurora Municipal building, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO 80012
Cuando: Lunes, 14 de julio, 2008
Hora: Manifestación a las 6: 30 P.M. (7:30 P.M. reunión del Consejo)

Avísame si está interesada/o en participar (liberation.communityATgmail.com). Se puede ver el trabajo de El Centro Humanitario aquí.

También quería avisarles de que he empezado un "blog" -- que estás leyendo -- para noticias de la iglesia y también para ayudar publicar sobre quienes somos y por que somos. Todavía el sitio está "bajo construcción."

Además, voy a empezar a usar una nueva dirección de correo electrónico para asuntos de la iglesia. La dirección es liberation.communityATgmail.com. Si conoce a alguien quien está interesada en la iglesia, se puede compartir esta información con ella/el.

Mientras tanto, esperamos verles este domingo! La lectura del evangelio es una parábola maravillosa, y el Rev. Malcolm Himschoot va a estar con nosotras/os para ayudar oficiar la Santa Cena.

Paz, Anne

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greetings, friends --

It's hard to believe that Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community has been worshiping together for a month already. We have a nice core group that sings with gusto, digs deep into scripture together, and gathers around the table to break bread in community. (Thanks to Revs. Phil Campbell and Allyson Sawtell for helping to officiate communion!) And we continue the table fellowship by eating together after the service.

We have even begun doing some actions for justice, with some Comunidad members going to be in solidarity with day laborers in Aurora last week in case the Minutemen showed up, and showing up in support at a press conference announcing a large immigrant rights march to take place during the DNC.

We have the opportunity for another action next week, on Monday July 14:

The city of Aurora is passing an anti-day laborer and anti-Centro Humanitario ordinance on July 14th, Monday, to block El Centro Humanitario from entering into the Art district in Aurora to open a safe gathering place. El Centro Humanitario and day laborers are holding a rally to against the ordinance. We need your support!

What: Rally and Testimonies at City Council meeting to oppose anti-day laborer ordinance
Where: Steps of Aurora Municipal building, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO
80012
When: Monday, July 14th, 2008
Time: Rally at 6: 30 P.M. (7:30 P.M. city council hearing)

Let me know if you're interested in attending. (liberation.communityATgmail.com) Check out the work of Centro Humanitario here.

I also wanted to let folks know that I have set up a blog -- which you're reading! -- for news about the churchand also to help spread the word about who we are and what we're about. It's still under construction.

Also, I'll begin using a gmail email address for church stuff, which is liberation.communityATgmail.com. Anyone you run across who might be interested in the church, please share that info with them!

In the meantime, we hope to see you on Sunday. The lectionary gospel is a fantastic parable, and Rev. Malcolm Himschoot will be joining us to help officiate communion.

Peace, Anne

Check It Out

2008-07-09T15:34:00.000-06:00

(Español abajo)

Greetings friends --

You might like to see this article Malcolm Himschoot wrote about our first worship service for Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community, complete with a photo. Click on the link! And thanks to Malcolm for his help getting the word out about our new church.

We hope to see you this Sunday at 5:30pm; bring along any friends who might be interested.

Peace, Anne

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Saludos amigas/amigos --

Tal vez les gustaría ver este artículo que escribió Malcolm Himschoot sobre nuestro primer culto de Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community, con una foto. Haga clic en el enlace! Y gracias a Malcolm por su ayuda en ayudar anunciar nuestra nueva iglesia.

Esperamos verles este domingo a las 5:30pm; invite amigas/os que estarían interesadas/os.

Paz, Anne

Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community Begins Worship

2008-07-09T14:36:00.000-06:00

Estimadas/os Amigos/as --

Saludos! Estoy feliz de informarles de que la Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community, una iglesia nueva que es bilingue, empezará a reunirse para cultos y construir comunidad este domingo, 15 de junio, a las 5:30pm.

Fecha: Domingo, 15 de junio
Hora: 5:30pm
Lugar: 3001 S. Acoma St., Englewood, CO
(una cuadra al oeste de Broadway, en la esquina de Acoma y Cornell)
(nos estamos reuniendo en el primer piso de la iglesia Mayflower. Se puede entrar en la puerta al nivel de la calle en la calle Cornell)

Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community es una iglesia esforzándose a vivir fielmente, a encarnar la visión de Dios de la comunidad bienamada, y a resistir con gozo la opresión y la injusticia. Todas/os están bienvenidas/os a esta iglesia, gente de cualquier edad, raza, etnicidad, género, orientación sexual, clase económico, etc. Tanto como Jesús recibió a todas/os, la Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community también recibe a todas/os.

Les esperamos con brazos abiertos, para cantar, orar, y compartir el pan y el vino en la mesa de Dios juntas/os!

Paz,
Anne Dunlap
Pastora, La Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community
--------------------------------------------------

Dear Friends --

Greetings! I am happy to let you know that Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community, a new church which is bilingual, will begin to meet for worship and community-building this Sunday, June 15, at 5:30pm.

Date: Sunday, June 15
Time: 5:30pm
Place: 3001 S. Acoma St., Englewood, CO
(one block west of Broadway, on the corner of Acoma and Cornell)
(We are meeting in the basement of Mayflower UCC. You can enter at the street-level door on Cornell)

Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community is a church striving to live faithfully, to embody God’s vision of the beloved community, and to resist joyfully oppression and injustice. Everyone is welcome at this church, people of whatever age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, economic class, etc. Just a Jesus received everyone, Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community also receives everyone.

We await you with open arms, to sing, pray, and share the bread and wine at God's
table, together!

Paz,
Anne Dunlap
Pastor, Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community

Comunidad Liberación - Liberation Community

Good Friday Vigil -- Vigilia de Viernes Santo

Comunidad is Moving -- Comunidad Se Mudará

Interactive Dialogues on Immigration

Contribute to Comunidad's Emergency Fund

Comunidad Leads Vigil at Detention Center

Protest SB1070

Comunidad Emergency Fund

Comunidad To Launch Emergency Fund Aug. 1

Putting In the Garden -- Sembrando El Jardín

Colorado AID

Invocation -- Invocación

Good Friday Vigil -- Vigilia de Viernes Santo

Praying With Our Legs -- Orando Con Nuestros Pies

Recordando Romero -- Remembering Romero

La Pregunta Al Lado del Camino

The Question By The Side Of The Road

Dos Eventos Importantes

Evento Importante! Important Event!

Comunidad Liberación, Presente!

Familias Unidas Para La Reforma Migratoria

Comunidad Se Mueve a Aurora -- Comunidad Moves to Aurora

Anuncio -- Announcement!

Prayer Vigil for Just Immigration Reform

Vigilia Para Justicia -- Vigil For Justice

Faith calls together crowd for immigration vigil

Clergy-organized group protests outside GEO Group detention center

By BRANDON JOHANSSON The Aurora Sentinel

Noticiero -- News Bite

Vigilia Para Justicia -- Vigil For Justice

Feliz Navidad -- Merry Christmas

Comunidad Celebra -- The Community Celebrates!

En Contra de colón -- Being Against columbus

Chipotle Vigil/Vigilia Frente a Chipotle

CIW Viene a Comunidad -- CIW Comes to Community!

Come To The Table - Vengan A La Mesa

Marcha Inmigrante/Immigration March

Two Events This Week/Dos Eventos Esta Semana

CL/LC Standing Up For Justice

Support Day Laborers/Apoya Jornaler@s

Upcoming Justice Action -- Acción Para Justicia

News y Cosas

Check It Out

Comunidad Liberación/Liberation Community Begins Worship

By BRANDON JOHANSSON
The Aurora Sentinel