JPANet May 2021 Newsletter

Getting to the Root of It

In this month’s Getting to the Root, UCC Economic Justice Minister, Rev. Sekinah Hamlin, offers a different approach to showing our gratitude and appreciation for our mothers and caretakers, one that centers on policy and justice. 

Loving Mothers Well Means Fighting for Them

Every child of God came from a mother. Mothers literally create bodies out of their own bodies, giving us flesh, blood and breath. On Mother’s Day every year we speak gratitude for these mothers, but if we look at our policies – the way our society and our world cares for mothers and caretakers – we can see that our love-speak isn’t backed up by “truth and action,” as the apostle commands. Read more. 

Justice Events

UCC Webinar—The Work of Justice: Job Creation and Climate Action

To emerge from the pandemic, an economic recovery that prioritizes jobs and justice is desperately needed. This webinar will focus on what a just recovery would look like and what faith communities can do to advance it. Even if you can’t make the webinar’s scheduled time on Wednesday, May 12th, at 1 pm ET, still sign-up to receive a recording of it. Sign-up now!

National John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Action Day – May 8

Join activists across the nation and your UCC Washington D.C. Office in honoring the National John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Action Day on Saturday, May 8! Right now, state legislators in many states are attempting to put up barriers to our participation in elections. Join us on May 8 to demand passage of the For The People Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and D.C. Statehood and help to protect democracy and voter protections for all!  

Justice in Action

Mental Health Month

The United Church of Christ Mental Health Network is offering resources for use in highlighting mental health on the third Sunday in May or any Sunday that suits your schedule. Sample liturgies, sermons, bulletin inserts, and a worship resource, Radical Belonging: A Mental Health Sunday Resource for All are available. UCC Mental Health Network Congregational Toolkits are also available.

Advocate to End Gun Violence

The gun violence that plagues our country seems to have no end. Too many people elevate guns and protect those second amendment rights without protecting those who are affected by gun violence. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Our continued advocacy can help end the idolatry of guns. Check out the Washington D.C. Office Advocacy Toolkit to End Gun Violence for concrete action steps you can take on our own, in your congregation, and in your community. 

Justice Resources

DC Action Center

Each week, the D.C. Office creates an action alert based on what is happening at that time in Congress, and offers you the opportunity to contact your legislators with just one click! You can find all the alerts here.

The Pollinator

The Pollinator is a digital platform of the UCC for the sharing of ideas and inspiration. Its focus is the building of a faith-filled and faith-rooted movement for the care of creation

Witness for Justice

Looking for up-to-date social justice commentary? Check out Witness for Justice, a weekly editorial opinion column written by the staff of Justice and Witness Ministries.

Featured Topics:

Accountability First, Then Justice | History is Made | Waiting to Exhale | Possibilities