Traditional: 8:15AM & 11:00AM | The Current 9:40AM

Social Justice Ministry

at St. Mark’s UMC

“Educate, advocate and engage our congregation and community on issues of social justice, using the UMC Social Principles to guide us individually and collectively in serving Christ to transform the world

“Do all the good you can; By all the means you can; In all the ways you can; In all the places you can; To all the people you can; As long as ever you can.”  John Wesley

The United Methodist Book of Discipline shares principles that set out the church’s position on social issues. The social principles are categorized into six general sections:

The Natural World

We affirm that we’re responsible for the way we use the Lord’s creation.

The Nurturing Community

We affirm the family and work to strengthen its relationships.
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The Social Community

We affirm all persons as equally valuable in God’s sight. We reject racism and assert the rights of racial minorities, religious minorities, children, youth, young adults, the aging, women, and disabled persons.

The Economic Community

All economic systems are under the judgment of God.

The Political Community

We hold governments responsible for the protection of people’s basic freedoms. We believe that neither church nor state should attempt to dominate the other.

The World Community

God’s world is one world.
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In the Spotlight

Ending Gun Violence

St. Mark’s Social Justice Team is leading an effort to educate and engage our congregation and community on the issues of gun violence.

““As followers of Jesus, called to live into the reality of God’s dream of shalom as described by Micah (Micah 4:1-4), we must address the epidemic of gun violence so, “that he may teach us his ways that we may walk in God’s path.””

2016 United Methodist Book of Resolutions, 3428

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.”
– Matthew 5:9

The United Methodist Church recognizes gun violence as a social crisis and one that we can no longer stay silent about. Consider the following:

36,000 People Die Each Year

from gun violence in the United States, including children.

Nearly 2/3 of Gun Deaths Are Suicides

The U.S. gun suicide rate is 10 times that of other high-income countries.

1/3 of Gun Deaths are Homicides

The U.S. gun homicide rate is 25 times that of other high-income countries.

Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention

We need your help. We need everyone’s help!

We encourage you and your family to get involved with educational, enlightening and fun activities happening right now!

Join

A screening and discussion of the documentary “Under the Gun” co-produced and narrated by Katie Couric. Sunday, September 15, 3:00 p.m. in Wesley Hall.

Watch Trailer

Pastor Julia’s study of “Kingdom Dreams; Violent Realities: Reflections on Gun Violence from Micah 4:1-4” (Wednesdays, October 9-23, 6:00 p.m.)

A book discussion of “A Mother’s Reckoning: Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy” by Sue Klebold (Sunday, November 17, 9:40 a.m.)

Advocacy efforts endorsed by the UMC to:

  1. Ban assault rifles and high capacity ammunition magazine
  2. Require universal background check on all gun purchases
  3. Pass “Red Flag” laws on a national basis.

Support

Everytown for Gun Safety, a movement including mayors, moms, cops, teachers, survivors, gun owners, students and everyday Americans working together to end gun violence and build safer communities.

Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, the nation’s leading policy organization dedicated to researching, writing, enacting, and defending proven laws and programs to save lives from gun violence. 

Visit

The Gun Violence Archive a not for profit corporation formed in 2013 to provide free online public access to accurate information about gun-related violence in the United States.

The Social Justice Connection Table to learn more about the issues and how you can advocate for legislation to end gun violence in our state and nation.