March:April 2017 FCM Newsletter 2

tom cusack
Our Circle of Directors meeting in Cleveland at the
beginning of February was inspirational. The
Circle is currently made up of 16 FCM members of
great dedication and thoughtfulness.
(https://www.facebook.com/pages/Federation-of-Christian-Ministries/179262215432851)
We came
together at a unique time in our country’s history
and that of the world. Our Chairperson, Tom
Stricker mentions in his current article his
observation of chaos developing in the world. I
want to affirm that observation.
We are experiencing evolutionary forces at work
across the globe. I suggest there is something
profound happening, the meaning of which is not
yet clear. Its manifestations include a shakeup of
the post-World War II order of nations, as led by
the United States. It includes the movement of
large numbers of refugees across the globe,
causing new pressures and dangers. We see the
advance of global warming with its results in
intensified weather experiences, oceanic
acidification, the retreat of ice caps and glaciers
with the resulting rise of ocean levels. We see the
usual sources of “news and truth” (the main line
media) being assailed by criticism and the formal
assaults of manufactured-news. With all this the
foundations of the stability we have experienced
after World War II are shaking, crumbling, and
rearranging. How will we respond as individuals
and as FCM? The increased involvement of each
of us, guided by our inner connection with the
Spirit is, I believe, critical at this moment.
I would like to address that response within
FCM at the micro level and the macro level. The
micro level focuses on us as individual members
of FCM. I request of you an increased activity in
your own spiritual life, introducing into your
devotions 2 x 2 4 FCM [two minutes daily of
prayer and of meditation for the benefit of FCM as
a religious body]. In addition please add to your
devotions Tuesday 10 4 FCM [10 minutes of
prayer and meditation for FCM each Tuesday].
This sequence of dedicated spiritual activity will
energize and guide FCM and yourself under the
direction of the Holy Spirit. Consciously step up
your random acts of kindness, reach out and talk
"nonviolently" (lovingly) to people with whom you
disagree. Be the change you hope to see.
On a more external plane, please make
systematic your interaction with your FCM
ministerial colleague. Look into the free
application, Zoom https://zoom.us which
supports videoconferencing and use it with your
colleague.
Second, volunteer as an Area Representative to
work with your FCM regional Vice President in
building community within FCM.
Third, wear your FCM pin when acting as an
FCM minister. It is a striking pin which elicits
questions. Memorize a version of this elevator
speech to answer those questions: FCM was
founded 50 years ago by men who had
resigned from the Roman Catholic
priesthood, typically to marry. Because they
wanted to continue to minister they founded
FCM. Now we include both men and women.
We commission ministers. We endorse
chaplains and pastoral counselors. And we
gather faith communities.
On the macro level FCM as a religious body will
navigate the 501 (C) (3) prohibitions on political
involvements and influences. We will
consistently comment on issues of social justice
from an educational viewpoint providing a basis
for you to consider the directions your own
efforts can take. We will not suggest specific
responses to political developments except to
observe them and comment on them as to how
our values might impact them. At the same time
FCM’s leadership will be looking for you to make
personally felt declarations to the membership
through our Constant Contact email facility.
Finally, take the time to find the contact
information for your federal and state legislators,
available online and write to them. Your
influence is essential as they make decisions
affecting all of us. As you make this effort, do so
with the awareness that in this new context of
increasing global chaos we must go deep within
to our soul’s level to gain the inner calm and
direction needed to successfully be in the
4
moment as we navigate a new landscape.