The mission that drives us . . .

Church Women United, an ecumenical movement of Christian women impassioned by the Holy Spirit, advocates on behalf of women and children throughout the world. We find unity in diversity, and we work for a world of peace and justice. 

Our monthly forums reflect the commitment of participants to spiritually-guided action, explore issues of concern to local and state governments and to the citizens of Lane County, Oregon, and bring folks together to work toward a better world.

Explore options. Check out our forum schedule on the next page. When you stop by, you will not be asked to make a commitment. Church Women United of Lane County is open to all. 

  Join with Church Women United of Lane County friends to make this world a better place.​
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​Agreed to differ. Resolved to love. ​United to serve.
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     A Message from
     President    
     Mary Sharon           Moore
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Why pray for my enemies?

The most radical, revolutionary words Jesus gives us are these: Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! (emphasis and exclamation points in the original).

In this season of Lent I pray daily for “my enemies.” I’ve printed out my fresh set of ten prayer cards, each with the official portrait of a particular world-stage leader who is causing hardship, suffering, grief, even death, among broad swaths of people.

With each card, each image, I pray: “Lord Jesus, for your beloved (and I speak the individual’s first name), who is (deeply confused, in the grip of chaos, with a heart of stone, … whatever is brief and to the point), I ask you: Hug and release. Hug and release. Hug and hold firm.”

Well, this repeated “hug and release” is the rhythm of the human heart. My heart feels the rhythm of divine “hug and release.” And this last phrase: “Hug and hold firm”—I want that. I want it for me. This embrace is what I want most deeply for these powerful individuals who wreak havoc on the Earth.

Now I am no longer capable of dissing this one or that one. I’ve drawn close to their humanity, bruised and broken though it may be. Before the infinitely compassionate and nonviolent Jesus I can ask only for his unstoppable universal peace and love, for this one, and this one, and this one, each beloved of God.

​Hug and release. Hug and release. Pray, and release the prayer, confident that it is the Spirit of universal peace and love who prays in me.

​My “enemies” may not be spontaneously healed, but I am instantly changed. This is what it means to cultivate a nonviolent heart, to pray for the “enemy,” and to work courageously toward transformative justice.

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​Agreed to differ. 

Resolved to love. 

​United to serve.

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Join Us At Our Upcoming Forum:
Church Women United Hosts Friends from Braver Angels ~~~~~~~~~
Learn how to talk to anyone, no matter whether you agree on the issues or not.  Pick up new strategies.  All is not lost! Let’s break down walls and find common ground.  We meet this month at Eugene Friends Meeting, 2274 Onyx Street
Friday, April 4
10 a.m. coffee, munchies and conversation
10:30 a.m. Braver Angels
​All are welcome!

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View President Mary Sharon's video invitation to this event.​
         
​Read our newsletter published ten times each year,
"The Vine"           

Click the image below to see this month's issue of The Vine -- updates you won't want to miss-->

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