Growing the Light: Advent Reflections on Farmworker Justice
This Advent, join unwavering allies of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), Rev. Dr. Cláudio Carvalhaes, Rev. Kaji Douša, D.L. Mayfield, and Rev. Brian McLaren in preparing to grow the light of farmworker justice throughout the new year. The season of Advent draws us into a time of anticipation and preparation with all who long for release from oppression. Through the Fair Food Program (FFP), the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, together with student and faith allies, kindles the flame of justice for farmworkers in the tomato fields of Immokalee and now on farms across seven states. Sign up today to receive this weekly Advent reflection series and its calls to action in solidarity with farmworkers!
The Advent season lines up with one of the busiest months of harvest in the tomato fields of Immokalee, where 90% of winter time tomatoes consumed in the US are grown. Farmworkers employed by growers participating in the Coalition of Immokalee Workers’ Fair Food Program can count on this: guaranteed bathroom and water breaks, time clocks, no theft of wages, and a grievance process to report sexual abuse and any violations of the worker-designed standards without retribution. For those who work in fields that do not participate in the Fair Food Program, none of these protections are guaranteed.
But the light is growing! Every day the number of people demanding fair food grows, led by the voices of farmworkers. Your light - energy, joy, and commitment - is needed. Sign up for Growing the Light: Advent Reflections on Farmworker Justice, share it with others in your congregation or community of faith, and prayerfully take action to prepare the way for the new reign of justice born this Christmas season.
Read our latest Advent Reflections:
‘Growing the Light’ Advent Reflections on Farmworker Justice: Week 4 — Refuse the Evil, Choose the Good By Cláudio Carvalhaes
Cláudio Carvalhaes, theologian, liturgist and artist, a native Brazilian, completed his Ph.D. in Liturgy and Theology at Union Theological Seminary in New York City in 2007. He earned his first Master of Philosophy degree in Theology, Philosophy, and History at the Methodist University of Sao Paulo in 1997 and a Master of Divinity degree from the Independent Presbyterian Theological Seminary (Sao Paulo, Brazil) in 1992. In the summer of 2016, Dr. Carvalhaes joined Union Theological Seminary in New York City as the Associate Professor of Worship.
‘Growing the Light’ Advent Reflections on Farmworker Justice: Week 3 — Tasting God’s Justice and Joy by D.L. Mayfield
D.L. Mayfield is a writer, neighbor, and ESOL teacher who lives in Portland, Oregon with her family. Her writing has appeared in a variety of places including the Washington Post, Vox, Image Journal, Christianity Today, and Sojourners. She has written two books, Assimilate or Go Home: Notes from a Failed Missionary on Rediscovering Faith and the forthcoming The Myth of the American Dream: Reflections on Affluence, Autonomy, Safety and Power.
‘Growing the Light’ Advent Reflections on Farmworker Justice: Week 2 — Worthy of the Fruits of Justice by Kaji Douša
The Rev. Kaji Douša is Senior Pastor of The Park Avenue Christian Church, “The Park” in New York City. In the congregation’s 207 years, she is the first woman called to this role. Her ministry focuses on deepening connections, empowering voices and finding refreshment in Spirit-filled ways. An award-winning preacher and liturgist, she has held several fellowships including the Beatitudes Society, the UCC Pension Boards' Next Generation Leadership Initiative, the UCC Presidential Fellowship and Chair of The New Sanctuary Coalition.
‘Growing the Light’ Advent Reflections on Farmworker Justice: Week 1 — Wake up! A new day of justice is dawning! by Brian McLaren
Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for "a new kind of Christianity" - just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is an Auburn Senior Fellow, a contributor to We Stand With Love, and a leader in the Convergence Network, through which he is developing an innovative training/mentoring program for pastors and church planters.
Missed last year’s Advent Reflections? Read them below!
‘Growing the Light’ Advent Reflections on Farmworker Justice: Week 4 — Singing Out God’s Justice by Liz Theoharis
The Reverend Dr. Liz Theoharis is an ordained minister with the Presbyterian Church, the director of the Kairos Center for Rights, Religions, and Social Justice at Union Theological Seminary and the co-chair of the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. She has spent the past two decades organizing amongst the poor and dispossessed in the United States and is a longtime supporter of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW).
‘Growing the Light’ Advent Reflections on Farmworker Justice: Week 3 — You’re My Joy by Jacqui Lewis
Dr. Lewis is Senior Minister at Middle Collegiate Church, a 1,100-member multiracial, welcoming, and inclusive congregation in New York City. She is an activist, preacher, fierce advocate for racial equality, economic justice, LGBTQIA+ equality and longtime supporter of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW).
‘Growing the Light’ Advent Reflections on Farmworker Justice: Week 2 — Preparing the Way for Justice by Traci Blackmon
Rev. Traci Blackmon is the Associate General Minister of Justice & Local Church Ministries for The United Church of Christ, Senior Pastor of Christ The King United Church of Christ in Florissant, MO and supporter of The Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW)
‘Growing the Light’ Advent Reflections on Farmworker Justice: Week 1 — The New Generation of Humanity by Brian McLaren
Rev. Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, public theologian and longtime supporter of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW)