Labor Sunday

The Sunday of Labor Day Weekend (September 1) is Labor Sunday, a day to lift up workers, to celebrate their contributions, and support their struggles. It is also a day to lament and commit ourselves to improving jobs so that every worker has wages, benefits, and work hours that allow them to be self-sufficient.

Conditions and events at work absorb our energy, occupy our minds, and impact our psyches when we are at work and after returning home. Some workers confront particularly unjust situations-unsafe conditions, extremely low pay, racism, sexism, and other abuses. All workers, whatever their position in the hierarchy of jobs, may suffer from indignities, large and small, that cripple their spirit and hinder their journey to greater wholeness. The Church, the body of Christ, is called to seek out and accompany people wherever they are. So the Church must also be in our offices, factories, stores, farms, schools, and all the places where people work. As Isaiah reminds us, we are called "to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke" (Isaiah 58:6).

We will observe Labor Sunday when we gather for worship this Sunday, September 1, 5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street. Our financial offering will be designated for Neighbors in Need (www.ucc.org/nin), and you are also invited to bring nonperishable food for Project Dignidad. Following worship, we will gather for our first Sunday potluck meal.

The UCC Justice and Witness Ministries provides a wealth of resources for pursuing work-related justice, including links to a few of these resources.

Labor Sunday at The Gathering
Sunday, September 1
5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street.