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Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Monday, January 20, 2025
All Day

“We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right.” —Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

As Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 20th) approaches, the important topic of dismantling structured racism also draws our focus. As we know all too well, our society has been struggling with these deep-seated issues for many years. And though at times it seems we have not made any progress, now more than ever we need to remain aware of the impact structured racism has on our neighborhoods, our cities, our countries and our world.  And as we consider this daunting task, it is also a good time to reflect on the words of Unitarian minister, Edward Everett Hale:  “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. And by the grace of God, I will.”

As a Matthew 25 Church, Rose City Park Presbyterian has committed to do the following:

 
• Build congregational vitality by challenging people and congregations to deepen their faith and get actively and joyfully engaged with their community and the world.
• Dismantle structural racism by advocating and acting to break down the systems, practices and thinking that underlie discrimination, bias, prejudice and oppression of people of color.
• Eradicate systemic poverty by working to change laws, policies, plans and structures in our society that perpetuate economic exploitation of people who are poor.
• Tend to the intersectional priorities of climate change, gender justice and heteropatriarchy, and militarism.

This isn’t the only day or week that we’ve committed to focusing on these issues, rather we’ve promised to integrate these priorities into our everyday lives and every aspect of our ministry. We look forward to celebrating these commitments this Sunday and going forward into the year.

If you are looking for ways to connect meaningful with others on MLK Day, there are some options here. Events include the 11th annual March for Human Rights and Dignity, as well as the World Arts Foundation Community Celebration held this year at the Hyatt Regency Portland from 11am-3pm. Or maybe you’d like to attend a local vigil organized by some of our sister churches in SE Portland: Community Candlelight Vigil, Sunday, January 19 at 4:30pm on the NE Corner of SE 51st and Lincoln St. Learn more HERE.