With all the turmoil surrounding the election results, increased racial and religious intolerance, numerous shootings, etc., now is the time for those of us who call ourselves United Methodist to take action. Prayer, study, and justice work are more important than ever. One way connect to this work is to support the Special Sunday offerings outlined in the Book of Discipline.
As your Peace with Justice Coordinator, I especially appeal to you all to consider the Peace with Justice Sunday offering, but I know that each person in the pews will have a different area of passion.
All the special Sunday's offerings create occasions for folks in your congregations to find and connect with ministries beyond the local church. These are not offerings that should only be taken after your Ministry Shares are met. They are church-wide offerings meant to be taken in every United Methodist Church each year. The six Special Sunday offerings are giving opportunities that every UM church-goer should have the chance to support.
As the Peace with Justice Coordinator for the Upper NY Conference. I've had the task and pleasure to facilitate the Peace with Justice Grant program. This year alone, we have supported:
- Adult life skills in Syracuse
- Statewide Protestant Chaplain Care Program
- Congregations for Social Justice Pilot Program
- Faith for Fair New York Conference on Economic and Racial Justice
- Networking and Conference on NYS Prison Chaplaincy
In 2015, we were able to help fund some ministries that have trickled into this year like:
- Leadership Training: Ministry with the Marginalized
- English as a Second Language Outreach in Rochester
- Trip to Palestine/Israel for two General Conference Delegates
- Development of a Congregational Program to Address Transgender Justice
Although Peace with Justice Sunday is recommended for the Sunday after Pentecost, it is never too late to present it to your congregation.
May Peace and Justice be our goal this year!
Heather Smith, Peace with Justice Coordinator, Upper New Your Conference
One of six churchwide Special Sundays with offerings of The United Methodist Church, Peace with Justice Sunday enables The United Methodist Church to have a voice in advocating for peace and justice through a broad spectrum of global programs. The special offering benefits peace with justice ministries in the annual conference and through the General Board of Church and Society.
