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October 2007 Most of you will remember that on Easter Sunday, 2006, an intrepid band of Jesus-followers from a UCC church in Phoenix left the parking after the last strands of the Hallelujah chorus had faded and started walking to Washington, D.C. They did it because they wanted to make a witness to progressive Christian values that are not those of the Religious Right. They did it because they believe Jesus has been hijacked and because they wanted to spread a different message as they walked across America. Our Deacons welcomed them as they came through Oklahoma City, and the experience of feeding and housing them was unforgettable. Many of those friendships are deep and real, and the walkers will never forget the hospitality extended to them by Mayflower church. It has been over a year since we met them, but they are coming back! On Wednesday evening, October 17, Mayflower will present the documentary film that tells the story of CrossWalk America. It's called Asphalt Jesus and I have seen an advanced screening, and it is remarkable. Please mark you calendars for that evening and plan to come to Milligan Hall to see the film, and to help CrossWalk America spread its message even further. Some of the walkers themselves will travel to Oklahoma to be with us to watch the film and answer questions. The film has already been shown in other cities and the response has been overwhelming. People have commented that if they had known that this is what Christianity was all about, they might never have left the church. It is powerful, not only because it tells honestly and openly what the walkers experienced, but because some assumptions and stereotypes were broken down as liberals and conservatives found much they could agree on -- as long as they respected and regarded one another, instead of letting the media set the agenda. I hope we can fill Milligan Hall for this event. There is a charge for tickets because CrossWalk America needs to recover the cost of making the film and have funds available to travel elsewhere to show it and spread the word. But if there are individuals who want to help underwrite the screening, then the ticket prices can be reduced. Their goal is to raise $2,500. If we can get individual sponsors to raise $1,500, and 100 people attend, our ticket price could be $10. I don't want cost to keep anyone from seeing this film. This would also be a GREAT event for our youth group! For now, put the date on your calendar and I'll get you more information as the time draws near. We'll even make popcorn, and look forward to a wonderful evening! Grace and Peace, RM |
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