One of MCCGSL’s core values is social justice. More and more, social justice is critical to achieving our mission, vision, and promotion of human flourishing in our congregation and within our extended communities.
We have done some amazing things with your support, urging, and generative impact and now we are excited to announce that we are formalizing and strengthening that support and impact by adding a Social Justice Team to help us have a stronger voice and bigger impact in our world and our communities. As more people, sister organizations, and community members look toward us to help bend the arc of justice, comes the need to add more "helping hands" to continue the work and grow our impact.
With excitement and joy, we announce/introduce Julie Hurst who has agreed to serve as the leader of our newly established Social Justice Team! What a blessing to have her lead us in this new endeavor.
Below is a letter from Julie:
“As a lifelong Christian, I have always embraced a personal mission to live like Jesus and I take that deeply to heart. To me, that means it is crucial to create a world where everyone has what they need to survive and knows they are loved exactly as they are. It is my joy to be part of a congregation which shares this passion.
I am thrilled to join in announcing the official launch of our Social Justice Team. This team will deepen and build on the work we have done and are doing.
Our goal is to move forward with greater intentionality, building a liberating movement both within and beyond our church walls.
The Social Justice Team will begin its work with strategic planning, collaborating closely with church leadership to ensure our efforts align with our broader mission and vision.
Our suggested plan is that each quarter, we will offer educational programming and advocacy opportunities. This may include book studies, movie viewing and discussion, guest speakers, testifying before elected officials, or letter writing campaigns.
We will work with the pastoral staff to continue to deepen relationships with other community organizations. Prior to election time, the team will host a voter education forum and help folx develop a plan to vote. And through it all we will keep the congregation informed of upcoming social justice opportunities and plans.
While our long-term vision is to create lasting societal change, we recognize that many in our community need help simply to make it through today. Therefore, we will also coordinate mission and charity programs to provide immediate support. These service projects will allow us to show up for our congregation and neighborhood in tangible and necessary ways.
These are lofty goals, and they require a dedicated team with a shared desire to transform community.
So, if you are ready to help make MCCGSL and St. Louis a place where all people can thrive -- please sign-up to join the Social Justice Team today (or at least to learn more about our next steps)!”
Creating a Community Where ALL can Flourish,
Rev. Lauren Bennett and Julie Hurst