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Welcome

Welcome to the third edition of "The Advocacy Connection," a quarterly newsletter created to communicate Advocacy information for awareness, knowledge, and call to action. We are hopeful that it will serve as a connection within and beyond our communities as a tool to make a difference through prayer, our voices, financial giving, and call to action as you are led.

Purpose and Mission

The Newsletter includes the South Georgia Conference Advocacy Discipleship Team, and the UMC General Agencies focuses, to include the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR), General Commission on the Role of Status of Women (GCRSW), and the General Board of Church and Society (GBCS). The newsletter will consist of the Conference's and Agencies' missions and websites that include communications such as featured stories, articles, blogs, events, and other relevant information.

Who Are We?

The Advocacy team is a Discipleship Team of the South Georgia Conference, Office of Connectional Ministries. The Advocacy Team, Multiculturalism and Undocumented Neighbors Taskforce members have a broad knowledge and experience through individual and Conference and global connections strengthened by our interactions, training, hands-on, and other opportunities that have provided awareness, education, and resources in response to those in need and according to our Social principles.
 
Meet the South Georgia Conference Advocacy Discipleship Team with their Quadrennial focuses:

  • Denise Rooks, Chair, Focus: Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships.
  • Rev. David Diaz, Focus: Immigration.
  • Christy Odom, Focus: Persons with disabilities.
  • Rev. Ashley Randall, Focus: Extreme poverty worldwide.
  • Rev. Earnestine Campbell, Staff person related to the Advocacy Team, Focus: Supports the Advocacy team ministries, passionate about engaging in advocacy issues, awareness, and call to action. 

See below and www.sgaumc.com/advocacy for complete Ministry focuses.

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South Georgia Conference Advocacy
www.sgaumc/advocacy

Advocacy Ministry

The Advocacy Team gives coordinated effort to help the annual conference, districts and local churches reflect the best of Christian community as we value awareness, respect, trust, equality, and acceptance of our diversity. This team oversees ministries related to:

  • Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns
  • Church and Society
  • Ethnic Local Church Concerns
  • Immigration
  • Multiculturalism 
  • Native American Ministries
  • Persons with Disabilities
  • Poverty
  • Prison Ministry
  • Religion and Race
  • Sexual Ethics
  • Sexual and Gender Issues
  • Special Sunday Givings
  • Status of Role of Women, www.gcsrw.org

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Featured Articles and Events

COVID-19: How our SGA Conference Advocacy Team is creatively doing ministry and serving during Social Distancing
Thoughts from Denise Rooks, Advocacy Team Chair

As an educator working in elementary public education, like many teachers, students, and parents, I have come to the realization that education as we have known it has changed due to the invasion of COVID-19. Classrooms are empty; schools and training have been canceled and/or closed. Students from public and private schools, colleges, and technical schools have found it difficult to maintain a normal schedule because their schedule isn’t normal anymore. Learning hasn’t stopped though because teachers can serve education via the Internet; it is called remote learning. Remote learning can’t compare to sitting in a classroom, collaborating with fellow classmates, or having a teacher in a classroom for guided instruction, but it is an option! It’s the new normal for now. Thankfully, some schools were able to provide computers for their students who don’t have one at home; but not all schools are able to provide computers just like some students don’t have access to the Internet. For some students, there is no opportunity to learn because technology is not accessible. For many of us in education, the lack of technology leaves us with a feeling of helplessness.

In addition to no access to learning for some students, many students aren’t getting the constant meal that school would have provided. And for some unfortunate children, that means they aren’t eating daily. Schools were trying to provide meals at different locations, but sad to say, not all children were able to get to those areas. Moving forward, most school systems are asking for volunteers so lunch can now be distributed via drive-through lines with the children receiving their meals, breakfast and lunch weekly. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in helping to contact their local school board to help.

Another opportunity to help could be to offer an old laptop or tablet to children that are less likely to own one; teachers can help you there. It is especially important for teenagers to have technology because their school work is vital.

Education as we know it has changed. But, thankfully, children adapt and thrive when change is necessary.

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COVID-19 Communication, Resources, Advocating
from the Advocacy Team

Being the Church during the Coronavirus: advocating for those impacted 
By Denise Rooks, Advocacy Chair, and Rev. Earnestine Campbell, Conference Staff

With news of COVID-19 invading many aspects of our lives, the stock market spiraling down, and the constant bombardment of negativity that occurs in our world, it would be easy to go into our homes and stay for months. In times of great stress and concerns, it can be difficult to discern how we fit into the many complex pieces. Many of us can and do feel defeated and helpless due to the uncontrollable circumstances that surround us.

As Christians, where should we turn when we feel out of control and helpless? In times of great stress as with times of peace, we must always remember it is our faith in God that will sustain us and keep us. There is no denying that the present season we are living is difficult and complicated. Governor Kemp has recommended school suspension for the state of Georgia. These educational systems closing down are a hardship for parents and a concern for meals for children. Please check with your local school system for assistance with meals and other services.

Yes, these are difficult times, especially when we are all advised to be cautious. Some are not going out; some are quarantined; and businesses are doing partial and full shutdowns, like Starbucks that is offering “expanded ‘catastrophe pay’ to workers amid coronavirus outbreak.” Job losses have included those of ports, bakeries, and travel agencies. Indeed, last week, President Trump spoke to the nation and declared the coronavirus outbreak a national emergency. 

In the midst of this chaos we must remember to whom we belong and what was spoken in Isaiah 41: 10, (NKJV); “Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand,” is still true for us today.

Have you ever wondered how this season might be affecting others whose livelihood might be directly affected from the many shutdowns that are occurring? What might this mean for those that are wage workers, like waitresses, custodians, entertainments, etc.?  It can seem too big an issue and too daunting a task when we look at the scale of all the people that this season of hardship has impacted and will affect negatively. 

In this difficult time, the House of Representatives passed an economic relief aimed to help many people that might be affected negatively. The bill, if passed by the Senate as well, will provide money for paid sick leave, unemployment insurance, free testing, and other measures to help Americans impacted by the crisis. The bill will be sent to the Senate for them to vote and pass. 

Should we ignore the cries of the world and keep to ourselves, or should we take up our cross and go help our fellow citizens? As Christians, we are called to love as well as help in difficult situations. We, who are followers of Jesus, must always be ready to deny ourselves, pick up our cross and go. Christians cannot afford the luxury of picking and choosing who we help; we, the body of The United Methodist Church, are called to be “alive together in witness” to each other in all seasons even when the season brings hardship.

Yes, Congress is taking steps to help our fellow citizens, but should we leave it all to them? It may take days or weeks for the money to get to those who need it. Now is the time to come to the aid of our neighbors. The question can no longer be how can we help, but will we help? What is our response when God calls us to help? It should be, “Here I am, Lord! Send me.”  

This crisis is an opportunity to represent Jesus in our neighborhoods and be alive together in our witness with our response. For those who hear the call to action and want to help, but aren’t sure what to do, the Conference Advocacy team has put together some resources that will guide you. For those who may be in need because  the present circumstances have impacted you and you need assistance, there are resources below for you. Whether your response is individually or collectively as a church family, there is a need for you. 

What can churches do to help?

  • Be aware of those that may be unemployed now or have less wages because of partial and full shutdowns. Consider helping to make sure they have what they need. 
  • Use Benevolence funding or other funding to help individuals with bills, medicine, etc., because they are not working. This includes those that are employees of the church that may not be working because worship services are suspended. 
  • List resources available at your church and in the community in the bulletin, online, social media, and other publications and outlets.
  • Allow staff in the church to work from home where applicable and, if hours are limited, still consider full pay for those staff members. 
  • Because schools are closed, if your church already participates in the Backpack Buddy program, consider expanding this ministry. If your church has never participated, please consider doing so to help those students who would benefit from having snacks at home. More info: https://backpackbuddiesga.org
  • If you have a food pantry, consider expanding distribution hours and regularity. Be creative in ways to distribute that are safe for the workers/providers.

Financial Resource Articles

United Way

Food Resources 

Utility Services 
Some local and national utility providers are suspending cut-off of services for non-payment for the next several weeks. Check with your local provider. Churches can encourage local providers to consider doing the same. 

For information on resources or to offer services, contact Rev. Earnestine Campbell, Connectional Ministries, Advocacy/Multiculturalism Ministries, earnestine@sgaumc.com.

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Staying Holistically Well While Social Distancing 
By Denise Rooks, Advocacy Chair, Rev. Earnestine Campbell, Staff

Our society has seen a remarkable social change that had not existed before in our lifetime. The COVID-19 virus is causing many changes in our behavior. We are social creatures. It has been said in the past that attending social events and having friends and families are good for our health and mental well-being. We gather for many reasons - for fun and entertainment, for family celebrations, and for church events. We also gather during times of crisis and family sorrow. Truth be told, we gather for any other opportunity that arises. Now we have been asked to change our behaviors to something that is against our upbringing and habits.

Many are at a loss as to how to handle the “social isolation” the medical authorities, along with our government, feel we must do. Hopefully, many of us are finding ways to spend our time. We now have more time to spend with our immediate family, and we can call other family and friends to keep up with our well-being. Some are finding ways to be useful within their given situation. Some are looking inward, meditating, and reading God’s word. Then we have others with no idea what to do with themselves during our nation’s crisis.

Members of the Advocacy team are working diligently to find ways to help our Christian family find ways to enhance their well being during this perilous time. Below are some ways to manage our mental, social, and health wellness during this time of social distancing, including resources from our South Georgia Conference Multiculturalism and Undocumented Neighbors Taskforce Guides that include books, films, and movies with diversity and awareness focus. 

For information on resources or to offer services, contact Rev. Earnestine Campbell, Connectional Ministries, Advocacy/Multiculturalism Ministries, earnestine@sgaumc.com.

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Pierce Chapel makes face masks for healthcare workers on the frontline

Barbara Morris, member of Pierce Chapel UMC (Columbus) and part of its Jerusalem Team Mission ministry, said they began discussing making face masks for frontline healthcare workers on March 23. In her own words, Barbara shares her experience about the process of making and distributing the face masks to help protect those who are serving:

At that time, JoAnn's Fabric store met us at the door and gave one person enough material to make five face masks. They also provided directions. We now buy our own material and use a slightly different pattern. We are having to sew ribbons onto the masks instead of elastic.

Elastic has become a scarcity because it is in high demand. We have a new member, Cindy Haines, who is a quilter. She found us some elastic on a website she uses, and they are on the way. Face masks are easier and faster to sew with the elastic instead of ribbon.

The Jerusalem Team, under the leadership of Michelle Crawford, organized this project, with 25 people working to make the masks. Team members include buyers, cutters, sewers, and deliverers. Some of our newest members are not members of Pierce Chapel. When they saw what we were doing, they wanted to help.

Our members take the masks to local healthcare facilities such as nursing homes, healthcare facilities, and doctor's offices. The criteria continues to change. Once we use the material which we have purchased, we will switch to the criteria that Piedmont Hospital has given us. We will then take some of the masks to the hospital.

As one volunteer said today, "It makes me feel good to do this." We are doing it out of love for our fellow man. We are following Jesus' command by helping others. This is the only way that we can help, and we are so very grateful to be able to do it.

We will continue to sew as many face masks as possible as long as there is a need. We have offers from people who would like to purchase them; however, all masks are free. We will take donations to help to pay for the material.

Donations for masks can be sent to Pierce Chapel UMC, 5122 Pierce Chapel Rd., Midland, GA 31820. Notate that the contribution is for face masks. We also need more volunteers. For more information, contact Barbara Morris at 706-565-7767 or 706-662-5801.

In Christ's Love,

Barbara Morris

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2020 Multicultural Luncheon: Diversity celebrated at fourth annual Multicultural Luncheon 

The fourth annual Multicultural Luncheon, held Saturday, February 8 at St. Peter UMC, was a timely communal celebration of multiculturalism in the South Georgia Conference. Rev. Dr. Ken Walden, president and dean of Gammon Seminary, was the luncheon presenter. He shared key points from his book, "Practical Theology for Church Diversity: A Guide for Clergy and Congregations." Thanks to all who participated, and special thanks to the Multicultural Luncheon Design Team and St. Peter UMC for hosting. 

For more information about Multicultural Ministries, contact Rev. Earnestine Campbell, Associate Director of Connectional Ministries, at earnestine@sgaumc.com or go to https://www.sgaumc.org/2020-multicultural-luncheon. 

The Multicultural Luncheon is an annual event presented by Connectional Ministries/Advocacy/Multicultural Ministries. 

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South Georgia clergy attend Young Adult Clergy Leadership Forum in D.C

Two South Georgia Conference clergy recently attended the General Board of Church and Society’s (GBCS) Young Adult Clergy Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C.

Rev. Grace Guyton and Rev. Antonie Walker joined a group of 50 young clergy from around the world in a forum that helped connect pastors with the mission of GBCS, provided a gathering to share knowledge and experiences, and provided opportunities to build relationships with other young clergy from across the United Methodist connection.

“The Young Clergy Forum was a wonderful way to connect with other young clergy across our denomination and to learn more about the ways the UMC is engaging in justice ministries around the world,” said Rev. Guyton, who serves as an associate pastor at Vineville United Methodist Church in Macon.

The forum, which took place Jan. 27-30 on Capitol Hill, hosted speakers from inside and outside The United Methodist Church, including author and activist Shane Claiborne, Director of Communications for the Council of Bishops Maidstone Mulenga, and U.S. Senate Chaplain Dr. Barry Black.

Through lectures, group discussions, and guest speakers, the group learned about the ministry of advocacy, organizing congregations for social change, deaf ministry, how GBCS functions, and more, Rev. Guyton said.

“It was refreshing to spend time with colleagues in similar stages of ministry and to make some new connections,” she said. “I am grateful for the work of GBCS and understand even more how vital this ministry is.”

Rev. Walker appreciated the opportunity to meet and have meaningful dialogue with other young clergy from across the connection. He was also moved by Dr. Black’s presentation.

“His presentation was absolutely amazing! Chaplain Black challenged us to be ‘Ten Times Better,’” Rev. Walker said. “As I listened to him, I clearly felt the presence of the Holy Spirit, who made our time together rich.”

Attending the forum with Rev. Guyton was especially meaningful, Rev. Walker said, and their ministry together will be strengthened because of their shared experience.

“Being able to experience this with my clergy sister, Grace Guyton, was special. She’s an amazing asset to our conference and its work, and I’m better because I got to know her more. I believe that our ministry in Macon will be enhanced because of our friendship.”

The General Board of Church and Society is the advocacy arm of The United Methodist Church. Its headquarters is located in Washington, D.C., in the historic United Methodist Building on Capitol Hill. It is dedicated to the work of living faith, seeking justice, and pursuing peace.

Revs. Guyton and Walker attended the forum with grants from the Office of Connectional Ministries. For information on partnering with Connectional Ministries, contact Rev. Earnestine Campbell, Advocacy/Multicultural Ministries, at earnestine@sgaumc.com.

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2020 Confirmation Retreat

Connectional Ministries/Advocacy offered the Ethnic Local Church Grant (ELCG) scholarship for local ethnic churches to attend the 2020 "Join the Journey" Confirmation Retreat (Feb. 28 - Mar. 1). Designed for youth fifth grade and beyond, the Confirmation Retreat was a great opportunity for these young people to learn more about the Spiritual Journey of Christianity as United Methodists. Here’s what those recipients of the scholarship shared from their experience:

Asbury UMC, Savannah, GA

The following are thoughts from the children about the retreat. They all expressed that they had a great time and fun. Here’s some of the things they learned:

  1. About the Book of Discipline
  2. That John Wesley was the founder of the Methodist Church. 
  3. About the 3 kinds of Grace and the 3 Rules: Do not harm, Do good, Stay in love with God. 
  4. Great singing songs that were not from the hymn book and with that upbeat music. 
  5. All the food.
  6. Communion was a new experience--the way it was served and the different bread.

ML Harris UMC, Columbus, GA
by Harmony Taylor

I recently attended the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church Children and Youth Confirmation Retreat. During my confirmation journey, I realized no one can control my relationship with God but me. During my stay there, we had three awesome workshops. The first one taught us a lot of new and different words which are used in The United Methodist Church community such as the three ruling branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. We also learned the three simple rules: do no harm, do good, and stay in a relationship with God. In the next class we learned about what we would need to be ready for our journey with God. We had worship service with an awesome band, great songs, and a new speaker every day. I learned a lot about what would help me better my relationship with God. This was a great opportunity for me and now I am fully ready to take things into my own hands with my relationship with God. I am happy that I joined the journey.

Speedwell UMC, Savannah, GA

Speedwell UMC shares their thoughts from the children.

All of the kids (laughing): "Well we know who John Wesley is!"

What did you learn or like best? 

  • Tyler - loved the worship music especially the song "Waymaker."  Wants to go again or attend other events. 
  • Chris - Love God, help others, and be kind. I'm ready to go back for something else.
  • Jeremy Jr - I had never been to Epworth; it was really nice. The worship services, food, and my groups were all good. I want to go again. 
  • Noelle - I was reminded that God is with us all the time. Best part was being the one to get the surprise gift - cosmic brownies - in one of my sessions. I want to go to Camp Connect.

Westtown UMC, Albany, GA

Some of the concepts and information that stood out for the youth that they shared:

  1. Justifying and Sanctifying Grace: that we can be forgiven for anything and everything.
  2. That God wants us to forgive everyone of everything right away.
  3. That John Wesley’s trip here to the Americas was the beginning of what we now know as United Methodism.
  4. That Methodism was not at first successful when John Wesley first came here.
  5. The General Rules of Methodism, which are to do no harm, to do good, and to stay in love with Jesus.
  6. We also sang songs during worship time that we will take home with us and incorporate into our times of worship! 

Other Scholarship opportunities are upcoming throughout the year for local church ministry (special outreach/community ministry), camps and retreats, clergy training, social justice, and other events and programs. For more information, email earnestine@sgaumc.com.

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Rev. Joseph Lowery, UMC Pastor, Civil Rights Activists, dies at 98
By the SGA Conference Advocacy Team

Rev. Joseph Echols Lowery, the beloved Dean of the Civil Rights Movement, died on March 27. He was 98. Lowery, a world-renown Civil Rights Activist and United Methodist pastor, marched and worked with the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for Civil Rights and Justice. 

Lowery leaves behind a rich legacy of service not only to the cause of Civil Rights, but he also leaves behind an impressive history of service to The United Methodist Church.

To understand his lifetime of service and commitment to the Civil Rights Movement and the church, it’s important to know the life-changing incident that put him on the path to standing up for and advocating for others.

Rev. Lowery was born on October 6, 1921, to LeRoy Lowery and Dora Fackler Lowery in Huntsville, Alabama. As told in a 2001 Atlanta Journal Constitution article, Lowery’s call and conviction to Civil Rights and Justice activists began when he was walking out of his father’s candy store and had an encounter with a white police officer. In the article, Lowery recounted the interaction this way, “He hit me in the belly and said, ‘Get back, (N-word). Don’t you see a white man coming in?’” He said, “I went home and looked for my father’s pearl-handled .32. I got it and was gonna look for that cop.”

But as he got to the porch, his father, LeRoy Lowery, appeared and asked why he was crying. His father took the gun and gave him a lecture. That lecture changed the course of Lowery’s life. Although some were pushing him to become a preacher, he wanted to be an attorney. As Christians, we are thankful for the wisdom of an earthly father that can speak love instead of hate. Violence is never the answer. Lowery said he knew his “call to preach involved social justice as much as it did heaven.” 

Lowery’s journey continued into young adulthood, as his post-secondary education begins. After high school, he attended both Knoxville College and Alabama A&M University before getting his undergraduate degree from Paine College in Augusta. 

Later he began his first appointment, which came in 1949. He was appointed to his first church, East Thomas United Methodist in Birmingham, AL. In 1953 he transferred to Mobile, AL to take over the Warren Street Methodist Church. He later organized a bus boycott in Mobile, AL and that brought him to the attention of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He also fought against Jim Crow laws around transportation for Black people and was a part of monthly meetings with other preachers that were activists in Montgomery for this same cause.   

In 1957, Lowery, King and the late Ralph Abernathy were among a group of ministers and civil rights workers who formed the SCLC. King was elected president and Lowery was his vice president. Later he became chairman of the board, and from 1977 to 1997, its president. He refocused the organization around issues such as AIDS education, protecting African American workers’ rights, and getting guns from off the streets. 

In 1965 he was asked by King to lead the delegation of protestors and marchers fighting for the voting rights, which was from Selma, AL to Montgomery. These marches included the “Bloody Sunday” march and two other subsequent marches, and on the third march, the President of the United States, but not the Governor of the state of Alabama, heeded to the demands for rights. 

In 1968 after the assassination of Dr. King, he moved to Atlanta and continued to pastor United Methodist churches until he retired.  

In 2001, in celebration of his 80th birthday, the Joseph E. Lowery Institute for Justice and Human Rights, a think tank to research and analyze issues related to civil and human rights, was established at Clark Atlanta University.

In 2008, Lowery capped his civil rights career by working on the Obama campaign as a national co-chair for voter registration. After the election, President Obama picked Lowery to deliver the benediction at his inauguration.

On January 20, 2009 - a cold, blustery day - Lowery delivered that benediction on Tuesday by reciting “God of our weary years. God of our silent tears,” lines from James Weldon Johnson’s “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” also known as “The Negro National Anthem.” 

President Obama would later bestow the highest level of civilian awards of honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009, on Lowery. He was also given the Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award by the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute that year.

Rev. Lowery was not afraid to speak truth to power that included political leaders, to Black people that had forgotten what it is to be marginalized because of their “American success,” and to others in power.

Lowery is survived by three daughters, Yvonne, Karen and Cheryl Lowery and two sons, LeRoy Lowery III and Joseph Lowery II and 12 grandchildren. 

What a loving and Christianly example Rev. Lowery has shown as a steadfast servant of God, serving the Body of Christ and advocating for all that are marginalized and suffer from injustices and equality. His legacy lives on as a model for us to emulate “God’s hands and feet” here on earth. 

The Advocacy Team will be providing more information on ways to explore and engage in history and places of Civil Rights and Justice movements, people, and legacies. 

For more information and dialogue about Religion and Race, contact Rev. Earnestine Campbell, Connectional Ministries, Advocacy/Multicultural Ministries, earnestine@sgaumc.com

References

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Native American Ministry

Partner with Connectional Ministries, Advocacy Team to serve Native American ministry

Updated information about the 2020 Mission Trip: The 2020 Mission Trip has been postponed to 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Updated information for this trip will be forthcoming. 

See previous Native American Article, Advocacy Newsletter February 2020.

If you know of Native American persons or congregants we could partner with in mission in the South Georgia Conference, email earnestine@sgaumc.com. For more information about the Navajo Reservation Arizona ministry, contact Buddy Whatley (cbwhatley@hotmail.com or 229-516-2406) or earnestine@sgaumc.com.

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Previous Advocacy Newsletters

www.sgaumc.org/advocacy-newsletters

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Upcoming Featured Story

Food Oasis in South Georgia: Ways to help and Serve

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General Board of Church and Society
www.umcjustice.org

The General Board of Church and Society is dedicated to the work of living faith, seeking justice, and pursuing peace. The board is called to seek the implementation of the Social Principles and other policy statements of the General Conference on Christian social concerns.

COVID-19

2020 Census

Peace with Justice

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General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR)
www.gcorr.org

As a result of GCORR’s work, the Church at all levels, all around the world, reflects and values the diversity of God’s creation.

COVID-19
www.gcorr.org/codiv-19-response/

Disability
www.gcorr.org/disability-leaders-meet-with-gcorr/

Combating Racism
www.gcorr.org

5 things to you can do when you witness racial abuse:

1. Say something. Tell the harasser, “Please stop. You have no right to do this!” Ask others around you to join in. Ask, “Is this how we want to be known as a community?”

2. Move between the abuser and the victim. If you’re in a public place, move next to the victim and ask if they mind if you sit/stand next to them. Tell them you’re there to support them. Ignore the abuser; focus on the victim. If possible, stay with the victim until the bully loses interest.

3. Report the harassment immediately. Seek the nearest law-enforcement officer, security guard, or manager, and report what you’ve seen. Tell them you think people are in danger and urge them to follow through.

4. Do not allow stealth racism in your presence. If someone says something racist in your presence, let them know that you do not agree and that you are offended. Say, “As a Christian who follows the God who created all people, I will not co-sign your racism. Please stop right now.”  

5. Tell the story at church or at work. Many, many people STILL deny that racism exists or that it affects people in their community, your story can help raise awareness among co-workers, church members, or even you family about the harm that racism still brings.

*NOTE: Please do not put yourself in physical danger. We recommend this list if you are in a situation where it is safe and appropriate to intervene.

Featured Videos, www.gcorr.org

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General Commission on the
Status and Role of Women
www.gcsrw.org

Raising awareness, preventing sexual abuse, promoting healthy boundaries, bringing about justice and healing

COVID-19

Featured stories and videos, www.gcsrw.org

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Why Am I Receiving This Newsletter?

You are receiving the newsletter because you signed up to receive it or you are a part of the Advocacy Team or a Taskforce of the Advocacy ministry. If you no longer want to receive the newsletter, you can unsubscribe by clicking the link at the bottom of the newsletter. However, we hope that it will be informative, and you will want to remain connectional through this newsletter.

We hope The Advocacy Connection newsletter continues to provide informative news about the South Georgia Conference Advocacy Ministry and the UMC General/Global Interactive Agencies. Stay tuned for the next quarterly newsletter in April and thanks for being an Advocacy Connection Newsletter subscriber. We appreciate your feedback

 
 
Connectional Ministries | 888-266-7642 | earnestine@sgaumc.com