August Recess

Dear Advocates,

Recess was often the favorite part of my school day growing up. It was a break in the day – a time to relax, play kickball, connect with friends, and prepare for what was to come. Here on Capitol Hill, “recess” has a different connotation. “August Recess” is the time in which members of Congress head back to their states and districts to engage constituents in town hall meetings, state fairs, and other community events. It is a key time to engage with your members of Congress locally. For us in the UCC Washington D.C. office, August recess also provides space to reflect on the past few months and plan for the work ahead.

As I think about the past few months, the General Synod theme, “Making All Things New”, is a fitting descriptor for this season of life and work. As a denomination, and as a D.C. Office, we have experienced several big transitions. In July, General Synod elected our new General Minister and President Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, the first woman and first Black woman to lead our denomination. Last spring, our office also said goodbye to our longtime director Sandy Sorensen who stepped down after serving for over 32 years. As the newly appointed Director, I am excited to continue the work and witness of our office and strengthen our voice in D.C. along with my gifted colleagues, SuAnne, Jessi, and Thaddaeus. We are all here as a resource to support you in your advocacy!

As we “recess” as an office to do some planning and preparations for this fall, we will take a break from our weekly JPANet action alerts in August. I encourage you to use these links to take action on alerts we created for General Synod, calling on Congress to protect trans rights, ensure bodily autonomy and abortion access, end solitary confinement, address gun violence, prevent nuclear war, and more!

Additionally, take advantage of Congress being in your state & districts and plan to reach out to request a meeting or call the office. Use this August recess toolkit to message your members on the need to protect and strengthen investments in human needs programs in Congress’ negotiations to prevent a government shutdown in September. Also, advocate for your members to support a strong Farm Bill (also set to expire in September) that will protect our planet, prioritize conservation, strengthen farm safety net programs (especially for BIPOC farmers), and strengthen nutrition programs like SNAP, including ending the drug felony ban on SNAP benefits.

During this August, I encourage you to take time to rest and reflect on where we’ve been and what lies ahead. Trust that God is indeed “making all things new” and will make a way even through the wilderness of this season of transition (Isaiah 43:18-19). As Rev. J.J. Flag reminded us in his sermon during closing worship at Synod, “the work of revolution is a team sport!” We are in it together.

Go enjoy recess!

With Gratitude,

Michael

The Rev. Michael Neuroth is the Director of the UCC Washington D.C. Office