Deuteronomy 25:4; 1 Corinthians 9:7-14

The Apostle Paul applies the Law that gives oxen the right to eat grain to the rights of human workers to fair compensation for their labor. Have you ever felt “muzzled” in your workplace?  If so, what did you experience and how did you feel?  Thousands of employees experience “wage theft” which occurs when employers pay less than minimum wage; refuse overtime pay; force workers to work off the clock; hold back final paychecks; misclassify employees as independent contractors; steal tips; and fail to pay workers at all.  What do you think Paul might say about wage theft?  Low wages?  Two local and national organizations are working to fight wage theft.  For more information, go to Interfaith Worker Justice and Arise Chicago.

Be sure to take a few minutes to watch the short clip about low wages and wage theft, “Made in LA”.

Deuteronomy 5:12-15

The Sabbath commandment regulates the workweek, ensuring that all workers (even animals) have regular time off. Why do you think time off is so important to God? What power dynamic is being addressed by the Sabbath policy? Who is being protected? From whom? Though we have regulated workweeks (40 hours, prescribed breaks, overtime pay, etc), how are workers’ rights to time off being eroded today? What policies have contributed to that erosion? What policies would help to protect workers and the need for time off?

There is no devotional for Sunday, February 22, 2015

Yesterday, Walmart announced that it is raising the wages of 500,000 minimum wage workers.  Soon, employees will see an increase to $9.00 per hour and a year from now, pay will increase to $10 per hour.  While this will be an improvement for many, it is far below the $15 an hour workers were seeking from the company–the largest employer in America.  In addition, the increase will not significantly impact the 46% of Walmart’s workforce who work part time.

Do you think Walmart’s decision is a good sign for low-wage workers?

Leviticus 25:39-43, Exodus 1:8-14

God’s Labor Policy in Leviticus prevented perpetual slavery (release was required in the year of Jubilee, which occurred every 49 years) and banned harsh treatment of workers—the exact opposite of what God’s people had experienced as slaves in Egypt. What was the worst treatment you experience as a worker? Has that experience made you more sensitive to labor issues? How?

It’s 7 below zero in Chicago this morning with a wind chill of -27 degrees.  While that might not be cold if you live in Minnesota, it is cold enough to shut down schools here.  So, what do you do on a cold, cold, day?  Here’s a suggestion:  Watch a movie!

Here’s one:  “The Dark Side of Chocolate”, a short documentary about child slavery on West African cocoa plantations.  Hershey’s Chocolate announced today that they are going to use “simpler” ingredients in their chocolate products.  Nestlé announced something similar on Ash Wednesday.  Unfortunately, they still use cocoa that is not certified fair trade.  That means every chocolate kiss contains the “ingredient” of child slavery.  I say, Kiss ’em goodbye!

Isaiah 58:6-12

What are God’s goals for true fasting? What promises does God give to those who fulfill a true fast? If “exploitation” describes worker injustice, what word would you use to describe worker justice?  How do you think true fasting would change the conditions of the workplace and the social status of workers? During this Lenten Compact, what is one change would you like to see in the way workers are treated in your community?  Your workplace?

Starting today–Ash Wednesday–we’re “Not Lovin’ It”.  We’re embarking on our Fast Food Fast for Worker Justice as a way to show solidarity with all low-wage workers throughout the global economy.  We’re giving up Big Macs and Big Gulps and Blizzards and Lattes.   But we’re not just giving up Fast Food; we’re giving up an economic system that chews up people and spits them out all in the quest for greater and greater profit–the idol of the marketplace.

Every day during Lent, a devotional will be posted to help you engage the issue of worker justice.  You can share comments, interact with others who are on the Fast Food Fast.  Together, we will learn what God has to say about work and wages and a different economy.  And we will move toward God’s vision of ‘shalom’ and justice.  Link HERE for today’s devotional.

Isaiah 58:1-5

In Isaiah’s day, there was outward evidence of spiritual desire, yet the people’s religious activity was not matched with just social structures—specifically, the way workers were treated. Do you see a similar disconnect today? Think of an example. The Hebrew word translated “exploit” in verse 3 (NIV) can also mean “exert pressure upon”, “drive”, and “oppress.” Have you ever felt exploited? When? Think of an example of how workers today are being exploited.

Lent begins tomorrow, which makes this SHROVE TUESDAY!  Or if you prefer, Mardi Gras or Fasnacht.

So, while you’re eating your pancakes, paczkis, and fatty meat and peas, take a moment to meet Nancy Salgado, a Logan Square fast food worker who was featured in The Reader’s ‘This Week’s Chicagoan’ column.  Read her story HERE.

On Sunday, February 22, you’ll be able to meet Nancy at Kimball Avenue Church, 3429 W. Diversey Ave. (2nd Fl) at 10:00 am.  She will be joined by Luke Sullivan, an organizer with Arise Chicago, a faith-based organization that is addressing issues of worker injustice.  With their help, we will begin to look at the issues facing low-wage workers everywhere. Be sure to read the comments posted below Nancy’s story.  This will give you a sense of the public opinion about raising the minimum wage. As you read them, ask yourself how Jesus might comment.  I’m sure we’ll talk about it when we meet Nancy on Sunday.

Sermon text from February 15, 2015, on Matthew 20:1-16

Bruce Ray, Pastor of Kimball Avenue Church, Chicago

Ched Myers in his book, Say To This Mountain, writes, “Parables have typically been preached in North American churches as ‘earthly stories with heavenly meanings.’ That, however, is exactly what they are not. (my emphasis) Rather, Jesus is describing the sovereignty of God in the most concrete possible terms, using images any illiterate peasant could understand. The genius of parables is that they offer recognizable scenarios, drawing listeners in, then throw surprise twists in order to challenge listeners’ assumptions about what is possible. Jesus no doubt struggled to explain his vision because it was so much at odds with the prevailing order and thus with the expectations of his audience.” (Myers, Ched; Dennis, Marie; Nangle, Joseph; Moe-Lobeda, Cynthia; Taylor, Stuart. “Say to This Mountain”: Mark’s Story of Discipleship (Kindle Locations 841-845). Orbis Books. Kindle Edition.)

Jesus’ parables about the kingdom of heaven reveal the ordering of all of life by the reign of God. Such is the parable of the Landowner and the workers in his vineyard recorded in Matthew 20:1-16. It is a story of labor relations, work, and wages in the kingdom of heaven. And it is a story of the values that are fundamental to God’s re-ordering of life. And it is a story that reveals the answer to our prayer, “your kingdom come; your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” as it relates to the structures of work and the economy.

Read the entire sermon text here….  021515 Sermon