JPANet May 2024 Newsletter

Each month we unpack the complex justice issues that we’re working on. This month, Thaddaeus Elliott and UCC DC Office staff offer perspectives on the upcoming election and invite participation in this year’s Our Faith Our Vote Campaign.

Building the Beloved Democracy

Six months out from Election Day, it seems our political systems have become increasingly unresponsive to the will of the people. As lawmakers fail to address the biggest questions of our time, those same questions split our communities apart. This can make us feel as though our vote, and our voice, does not matter. But even in this political climate, our voices and votes impact our world. To make a just world for all, we as disciples must be grounded in the love that our faith calls us to demonstrate to the world. We must show God’s radical love in all our actions, including with our votes. When we exercise our sacred right to vote with love, we push back against efforts to constrain the voice of the people and push this nation towards justice. Read more here and keep an eye out for updates to the Our Faith Our Vote page.

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Justice In Action

Register for Ecumenical Advocacy Days

In person Ecumenical Advocacy Days has returned!  This May, EAD will host a “summit” May 17-19 in Washington, D.C. The guiding theme is: “Faith in Action: Advancing Human Rights and Peace for All.” The EAD 2024 Spring Summit will include advocacy training for new and growing participant categories (seminary students, young adults) and will offer a chance for those who work with domestic and international priorities to connect and share. Ultimately, we want the universal voice of God, one of compassion, justice, and peace, to be lifted during these challenging times. Register now!

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Healing Ourselves, Healing the World: Join the Movement toward Staying Human

As we make our way into this election year that unfolds amid multiple and overlapping global crises, how do we stay faithfully engaged politically, grounded in our justice commitments, and present to global struggles for peace, justice, and freedom without burning out, checking out, or opting out?

Join the Movement and Racial Justice Ministries are hosting a 2024 All Church Read. Participants will journey with Chanequa Walker-Barnes and Cole Arthur Riley and their books Sacred Self Care and Black Liturgies to discover ways of tending ourselves while we are tending the world. We hope you will join with others on this sacred journey of staying human for such a time as this.

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FaithINFO Partners with Justice Leadership Program

We’ve partnered with the Justice Leadership Program to offer 12 scholarships of up to 50% for their upcoming October Jubilee Cohort. The Jubilee program is for adults interested in integrating faith and justice work into their lives in meaningful and transformative ways. The small group cohort meets weekly for skill and knowledge building workshops accompanied by discussion and spiritual reflection. Click here to learn more or watch our 2-part Nurture the Soul Webinar Series with the founders of the program.

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Vote for Climate Hope Art Contest Award Ceremony

Vote for Climate Hope Art Contest Award Ceremony

The UCC recently conducted a Vote for Climate Hope Art Contest. UCC children and youth were invited to submit art about the world and the environment in which they want to live. In this award ceremony, we will view the art of the finalists and announce our winners. The art from the overall winner will be featured on “Climate Hope Voter Pledge Cards.” Register to join us!

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Join the UCC to Power the Polls

To help encourage election engagement, and to ensure voting happens smoothly in 2024 elections, the United Church of Christ Our Faith Our Vote Campaign is thrilled to continue our partnership with Power the Polls! Poll workers enable the nonpartisan process of our democracy, keep polling locations open and technology working, and help make every voter’s experience a positive and empowering one. Will you consider signing up to be a poll worker today? For more helpful resources on election engagement, please visit Our Faith Our Vote website.

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Justice Events

Black Churches Leading with Solar: Incentives, Financing, and Stewardship

Black Churches Leading with Solar: Incentives, Financing, and Stewardship

With the federal government paying for at least 30% of the cost of solar installation, if not 40 to 50%, many congregations that own their own building can no longer afford to not go solar. In this webinar, we will focus on Black churches going solar. We will hear experts discuss everything one needs to know about government incentives and solar financing. Register now!

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People’s Prayers for Peace

The UCC has issued an open invitation for people to offer a prayer to end violence in any manifestation, and to bring about peace. Share your prayers using the People’s Prayers for Peace form.

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Integrating Sex Education in Faith Communities

Integrating Sex Education in Faith Communities

Join Our Whole Lives national staff for “Integrating Sex Education in Faith Communities,” a webinar hosted by SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change.

When: May 7th at 7 PM EST
Where: Online (Link provided upon registration)

Why attend?
Learn how comprehensive sexuality education can align with and enhance faith-based values, helping to foster informed, healthy discussions on sexuality within your community.

Featuring:

• Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart – a renowned leader in faith and advocacy.
• Dr. Melanie Davis & Rev. Amy Johnson – experts from the Our Whole Lives program.

Register today to secure your spot in this important conversation.

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Building Up a New World Across Five Conferences

Nurture the Soul Webinar Series: Building Up a New World Across Five Conferences (April 18 through May 16)

The needs are great, and the stakes are high in the work of faith-based justice building, especially as the potential of our American Democracy looms. The good news is most of our local churches have that desire to continue the work of the church beyond our church doors. For the past two years, 5 Fellows worked to develop organizing strategies, programming, and educational opportunities regionally, according to specific needs and contexts in which they live. Register for the series here and learn more about their work within and beyond our church buildings’ doors.

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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 national staff.