Church and Society

Judge Sheila Johnson , Chairperson
Loretta N. Brown, Co-Chairperson

>> Click here for the Church and Society newsletter

>> Click here for the "History of Juneteenth Celebration"

The mission of the Church and Society Ministry is to help our church respond to pressing social issues by keeping the congregation aware of study and action needs and opportunities related to community, state, national and international issues. The ministry apprises the Church Council on a variety of vital issues of concern to the greater community and the church, such as: peace, human welfare, environmental justice, economic justice and political/human rights. Moreover the ministry recommends actions to be taken on any such pertinent issues and it provides educational/information resources to the congregation.

The vision of this ministry is to implement a more expansive approach in fulfilling its ministry mission. The Ministry envisions a socially informed, spiritually nourished, active group of members apprised in United Methodist doctrine and engaged in increasing the knowledge and participation of the church and community in political, social, environmental, and economic issues. Through increased awareness, church members will be empowered to become proactive on issues as servants of Christ on mission in the local and worldwide community.

The following is a list of the services that the Church and Society Ministry provides to the Church, the Congregation and the Community:

1. Sponsors a Candidates’ Day to raise awareness concerning elections and the background and views of political candidates by presenting bi-partisan candidates to congregation members and the community.
2. Conducts forums and town hall meetings, often including local representatives, to keep the congregation aware and abreast of political and social issues and provides advocacy tools for social action and policy change.
3. Provides information for voter registration, absentee ballots and voting sites for congregation members including those who are away at college.
4. Provides a means to contribute to needy people around the world through participation in the yearly Crop Walk.
5. Provides a network and coalition with other Hope ministry areas and community groups, such as NAACP and the League of Women Voters, to address common issues.
6. Keeps the church regularly updated on the United Methodist views and stance on social and political issues.
7. Many thematic emphasis Sundays are sponsored by the National Board of Church and Society and are celebrated annually by the local church. Native American, Peace with Justice Sunday, Human Relations Day and other programs around drug awareness and homelessness have been sponsored by National Board of Church and Society. Hope Church and Society is responsible for highlighting the purpose of monetary contributions for these Special Sundays. The funds collected are sent to help subsidize the programs of the United Methodist Church. The Pastor's sermons underscore the importance of the various special observances.

The Church and Society Ministry regularly meets the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 pm in the Peace Center at Hope.

Those interested in participation are welcome to attend.

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