As United Methodists, we follow in the footsteps of our founder, John Wesley, who sought to improve the lives of those who suffered from debilitating conditions such as poverty, starvation, illiteracy, imprisonment, slavery, addictions, and disease. We decry the widening gap between the rich and the poor and the concentration of wealth in the hands of ever-smaller percentages of the global population. We lament that too many of the world’s people lack the basic resources necessary for survival and pledge ourselves to work toward the eradication of the roots and effects of poverty. We further lament the multiple causes of poverty, such as war, famine, diseases, and desertification.
—The United Methodist Church, 2024 Social Principles
Hunger & Poverty in the U.S.
In support of this social principle, C&S team members will be delivering checks supporting the work of the following local agencies in December. We welcome others to join us and to learn more. For information, contact Bethany Lambrecht at blambrecht1225@gmail.com.
- Frank Elementary, Guadalupe
- George Gervin Elementary, Phoenix
- Iglesia Aliento, Phoenix
- Friends @ 1st, Homeless Outreach, Mesa UMC
- Justice for Our Neighbors
Feel free to email Bethany for further information, current needs, or ideas for issues.
Loving like Jesus, Acting for Justice and UNITED in Hope.
Despite a growing economy and the immense wealth of the United States, many communities, families and individuals continue to struggle with poverty and hunger.
Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family,
-Jesus
you did it to me.
The persistence of poverty and hunger in the shadow of glorified riches lies in stark contrast to a faithful vision of our common life together.
While churches respond to immediate needs by providing food, clothing and shelter, we are called also to challenge the systems and practices that have led to economic inequality, poverty and hunger. In relationship with people impacted by our broken economic system, we can together give life to a new vision – one that embraces God’s economy of abundance and ensures that all God’s children have the opportunity to thrive.
-General Board of Church & Society
Climate Justice
We are committed to ministries that address both the impacts and root causes of the climate crisis. The adverse impacts of global climate change disproportionately affect individuals and nations least responsible for the emissions. We therefore support efforts of all governments to require mandatory reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and call on individuals, congregations, businesses, industries, and communities to reduce their emissions.
—The United Methodist Church, 2024 Social Principles
This short video can remind us of our calling:
The Poor People’s Campaign
Regardless of our political affiliation, all of us can acknowledge the challenges that millions of poor and low-wealth people confront each day—challenges which severely limit their prospects to flourish and in many cases to even survive. While politicians of both parties express concerns for the problems faced by middle class families, we hear very little about the issues confronting more than 140 million poor and low-wealth Americans.
Better politics and politicians aren’t sufficient for addressing the hardships that so many American families confront. As Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote a half century ago, our nation must undergo a “radical revolution of values.”
A new “moral fusion” movement, the “Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival” has responded with a renewed call for a values revolution. The Campaign has issued this invitation:
If you believe it’s time to rise, join us!
We rise to demand that the 140 million poor and low-income people in our nation — from every race, creed, color, sexuality and place — are no longer ignored, dismissed or pushed to the margins of our political and social agenda.
We rise not as left or right, Democrat or Republican, but as a moral fusion movement to build power, build moral activism, build voter participation…
We rise to change the moral narrative and demand an end to the interlocking injustices of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, the war economy/militarism and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism.
We rise to challenge the lie of scarcity in the midst of abundance.
We rise to lift the voices and faces of poor and low-income Americans and their moral allies with a new vision of love, justice, and truth for America that says poverty can be abolished and change can come.
If you’re interested in a revolution of values, you can learn more at PoorPeoplesCampaign.org
Small Steps Toward Sustainability
A Prayer for Our Country
Spirit of the living God, guide us in the way of peace,
keep us on the path of justice and the way of love
for the whole of the human family.
We pray for those who weep today as our elections reveal winners and losers.
Our hope for a more inclusive and unified country remains our prayer,
and that the Gospel and the church bring healing
and help to those most in need.
—GBCS Board President, Rev. Allison Mark and Bishop Julius C. Trimble
GBCS General Secretary, UMC Church and Society