Dominican Alliance Study Days, 2007

One member from each of the 12 Dominican Alliance congregations, a representative from Leadership, the Executive Director, and the Justice Resource Person of the Alliance joined with a facilitator from Friday, May 5th to Sunday May 7th, to begin the plans for the 2007 Dominican Alliance Study Days and the celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Dominican Alliance.

The purpose of the event is to offer an opportunity for study to members from the Alliance congregations, to provide a relational experience of the Alliance for 350-400 participants, and to mark the 10th Anniversary of the Dominican Alliance.

The study aspect will flow from Alliance goals and will focus on the Alliance Committees’ contributions. An inspirational keynote address will be offered. Time for contemplative integration, fun, and relational experiences will be provided.

The event will take place October 26-27, 2007 at a central location. More information and requests for collaboration will follow.

"The New Colossus" by Emma Lazarus

Perhaps it would be good these days to reflect on Emma Lazarus' poem "The New Colossus" as we struggle with immigration and migration issues.

The New Colossus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"