By Janet Eagles

You may be wondering… what is the Glen Mar’s Social Justice Group, and what do we do?

We strive to be a safe space for Glen Martians to:

• learn about social justice issues through group book studies, events, watch parties, and more
• share ideas and resources on social justice topics
• exchange information about upcoming social justice actions, both locally and in the wider UMC
• connect with local social justice ministries to actively support.

What are we working on lately?

• Book Study (completed): The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee. This challenged us to remember: “…We are so much more when the ‘We’ in ‘We the People’ is not some of us, but all of us.”
• A monthly Social Justice Newsletter with information about upcoming opportunities to stand up against injustice. Email the Social Justice Group to get on the list.
• Black History Month Event: Dr. King’s “Paul’s Letter to American Christians,” February 10, 7:00 pm
• Christ Church’s Interfaith Refugee Ministry will be featured at the Pancake Supper February 17: We recently invited the head of Christ Church’s Interfaith Refugee Ministry to present to the Mission Board. This interfaith coalition helps primarily Afghan refugee families in Howard County. More information and a sign-up interest sheet will be available at the Pancake Supper. All proceeds from the Pancake Supper will benefit this ministry.
• Watch Party (past event): Oprah’s interview of The Time is Now: A Call to Uncommon Courage by Sister Joan Chittister. Joan Chittister, O.S.B., is a Benedictine nun, author, and social activist known for her work on social justice and spirituality.
  
• Maintain the Social Justice Library, located in the Lower Gathering Place by the Missions display. Anyone can borrow books that provide insight into a variety of social issues. Each book has been read and recommended, and new books are added regularly.

Meetings take place monthly, second Tuesday at 7:00 pm, both in person and via Zoom. Join us!

From the United Methodist Social Principles:

“With God’s help, we accept the challenge to follow the high calling ‘to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.’” (Mic. 6:8, NRSV)