Greetings from BT

BT writes from Jerusalem:

Besides managing the dental clinic and teaching English, I am also involved in a women’s ministry of reconciliation. During a recent retreat we looked at principles of reconciliation during times of crisis when relationships are tested, and we tend to identify with one side or the other. As believers it is important to reach out to one another and make the effort to come together to pray together. Putting this principle into practice during the recent Gaza conflict, some of the women had taken the initiative, and we prayed as Israeli, Palestinian and ex-pat women for people on both sides of the conflict. Even in a small way we can make a difference by praying for God’s mercy and compassion; caring for widows, orphans and strangers; and speaking against injustice and violence on both sides.

Click here to read her full report.

Oscar Romero - 3/24/80

Oscar Romero: Bishop of the Poor

In 1980, in the midst of a U.S. funded war the UN Truth Commission called genocidal, the soon-to-be-assassinated Archbishop Oscar Romero promised history that life, not death, would have the last word. "I do not believe in death without resurrection," he said. "If they kill me, I will be resurrected in the Salvadoran people."

On this 29th anniversary of his death, the people will march through the streets carrying that promise printed on thousands of banners. Mothers will make pupusas (thick tortillas with beans) at 5 am, pack them, and prepare the children for a two-to-four hour ride or walk to the city to remember the gentle man they called Monseñor.

Oscar Romero gave his last homily on March 24. Moments before a sharpshooter felled him, reflecting on scripture, he said, "One must not love oneself so much, as to avoid getting involved in the risks of life that history demands of us, and those that fend off danger will lose their lives."

Click here to read a profoundly thoughtful prayer offered at Romero's memorial service that has become an indelible part of the heritage this brave and humble man left to us.

EO Open House

Donor Option #2480

Now, more than ever, we need your help as we reach out to serve women and families in need in the Rochester area.

Please designate your United Way gift to His Branches - it’s as easy as 1 2 3…

1. Obtain a 2009 United Way Donor Designation Form from your employer or online by clicking here.
2. Check the last box in Paragraph #3 on your United Way form.
3. Write “His Branches, Inc.” and enter our organization ID number: 2480.

...or donate directly by mail or through our website. Thanks for your support!

America at the Crossroads

Dear Friends,

I write to you today with contrasting and conflicting emotions. We have just seen the inauguration of the nation's first black President, and many of us, even those who didn't vote for him, are celebrating that historic moment. Given the scourge of slavery and the suffering of African Americans through most of the past 400 years, our ancestors would never have believed that a black man would someday be elected to the most powerful and influential position on earth. That is, indeed, a political achievement that is unprecedented in the history of this great nation. I congratulate President Barack Obama on his victory and his inauguration. Shirley and I are praying for him, the First Lady, and their children.

At the same time, I am deeply saddened and profoundly troubled by many of the policies and positions that the new president has pledged to support. He has taken dead-aim at the institution of the family and the moral principles on which it is based...

Click here to read Dr. James Dobson's entire commentary on the times in which we live in the February issue of Family Action News.

Risego 1st Anniversary

Dear Friends of RISEGO:

March represents our one year anniversary commemorating the completion of “The Arnett,” a Social Entrepreneurship Center dedicated to creating young entrepreneurs. The Arnett includes several businesses and partners that are also willing to share their many lessons with the next generation of business people.

Please join us in March for one or more of the events below and on the attached flyer to meet and support our business partners and the showcasing of entrepreneurial talent in our region.

Jazz and Poetry Night—Friday, March 6th
5-7 pm - Shop, Dine and Tour the Arnett
7-9 pm - Jazz & Poetry

Join us on March 6th for an evening of Jazz featuring young entrepreneurs Gabriel Condon and a host of his friends. Band members include: Alex Coté (drums), Paul Watrobski (bass), Dave Barron (bass), and Rod Blumenau (piano). The band will be joined by a few up and coming poets that will share their expressions.

ARTS Night—Friday, March 13th
5-7 pm - Shop, Dine and Tour the Arnett
7-9 pm - Art Expressions by Richmond Futch & Friends

Join us on March 13th to view the great works of art available for sale and viewing at the Arnett. Renowned artist, Richmond Futch and friends will showcase their art and the source of their inspiration.

Global Entrepreneurship Expo—Friday, March 20th
5-7 pm - Shop, Dine and Tour the Arnett
7-9 pm - Global Entrepreneurship Expo

Join us on March 20th for an evening of celebration as we hear stories from Social Entrepreneurs that are making a world of difference through their businesses and social ventures. Presenters include Kingdom Ventures, Inc., the Institute for Social Entrepreneurship and others.

Youth in social entrepreneurship forum—Friday, March 27th
5-7 pm - Shop, Dine and Tour the Arnett
7-9 pm - Youth in Social Entrepreneurship

Join us on March 27th for an evening dedicated to youth entrepreneurs that want to launch a successful business or social venture. The evening includes a Social Entrepreneurship Workshop and presentations by the youth. The youth will be encourage to take their ideas to the next level by enrolling in Risego’s Youth in Social Entrepreneurship Training Series.

RISEGO, 336 Arnett Blvd., Rochester, NY 14619

For information about the events or RISGEO, please call 585-413-3388 or via email.