June 6, 2020
This past week we have grieved the tragic, violent death of George Floyd … we have watched protests … seen destruction take place … and named the racism that is among and within us.
This is how we as FUMC are responding:
• We name the sin of systemic racism and proclaim that discrimination in any form is evil and against the Gospel.
• We declare that ALL people are fully and equally created in the image of God
• As the sign at First UMC boldly proclaims: WE STAND FOR RACIAL JUSTICE & EQUALITY
Next Steps:
• We will make bold proclamations on our website, Facebook and other places that we stand for racial justice and equality
• We will continue to make masks to give to the NAACP to distribute and explore joining the NAACP as a congregation
• We will learn together. There is a book study for the community on the book, “White Fragility.” 50 people are already participating and all of us will have opportunity later in the summer
• Zoom Meeting TODAY following worship for anyone interested in talking about recent current events (processing events & emotions, sharing ideas). All are welcome to join following the service.https://umn.zoom.us/my/jojocl
• We are starting a Social JUSTICE Action Committee:
A committee that is formulated specifically for this time, how we as individuals and as a congregation respond to racism in our society. All are welcome! Specifically invite youth/young adult voices! Jojo Coffin-Langdon will be the staff person to take the lead on this committee. Please email her if you would like to join. Families@FUMCduluth.com
• Be praying for love to guide us … for deep community to form us … for justice and equality to take root
Tags: Action, Book, George Floyd, Justice, NAACP, Study, Systematic Racism
Posted in: Coming up, How can I help?, Social Justice, Uncategorized, upcoming
April 4, 2020
First Family is temporarily being published as an online only newsletter until we are able to safely allow our staff to return to the office. While there are most certainly disadvantages to not being able to distribute a physical First Family, the advantages of having it available on our website are numerous. July’s edition joins years of archived newsletters. They are always there and they are searchable. This edition has had all the links activated—something we were never able to do with the print version.
Take look, share the link, bookmark the page, download to have on your computer (and you can still print it if you wish). If you, or someone you know, would like to have First Family delivered, please email info@fumcduluth.com
We grow stronger with adversity!
Posted in: Children & Families, Children & youth, Coming up, First Family, hospitality, How can I help?, Music, Social Justice, Sunday, United Methodist 101, upcoming, Worship, Youth
May 23, 2020
PUBLIC SCHOOL HELP
Public school districts have been told to reserve money, intended to help low-income children, for private schools.
Public schools have faced three distinct challenges since the coronavirus pandemic began—scrambling to make sure that low-income children don’t go hungry, teaching students remotely who lack internet access and bracing for dramatically smaller budgets.
Congress tried to help in the $2 trillion economic relief package known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES Act, by designating $13.5 billion for public schools. The money was supposed to be distributed to school districts based on the number of low-income students they enroll.
A new directive from the U.S. Department of Education, however, tells districts to share far more of the money than expected with private and religious school students, even though fewer than 5% of those children are poor.
Read more: https://www.thedailybeast.com/betsy-devos-is-robbing-poor-kids-of-coronavirus-relief-funds
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Stand Up, Speak Out and Take Action! | MFSA | Justice-Seeking People of Faith | Methodist Federation for Social Action | https://tinyurl.com/yxb25wr4
Call your elected officials, now! 202-224-3121 or https://5calls.org/
December 28, 2019
Starting January 5, every communion Sunday (typically the first Sunday of the month) we are asking you to bring a donation of food (or monetary donation) for the CHUM Food Shelf. That way when we come to the communion table to be fed spiritually, we are also feeding others who are physically hungry. The food shelf cart will be available for donations. If you make a financial donation, please note “food shelf” in the check memo or envelope, and make checks out to FUMC. Thank you for loving our neighbors in need.
This is how we as FUMC are responding: