Social Justice gracestlukes.org/social-justice

Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action & Hope

“Hope is a radical act of resistance.” –James Baldwin

The new year opened tragically with continuing violence in Memphis, and the tragic and brutal death of Tyre Nichols. MICAH, again, called for justice; Justice for Tyre, and justice for many like him demanding:

Transparency from law enforcement, and city leadership.

– Transformation in the cultures of the Memphis Police Department.

– Public accountability and formal consequences for any officer who deploys their considerable power to harm black and brown bodies.

Since 2016 MICAH has worked for justice through three task forces; Education, Race and Class Equity in the Justice System, and Economic Equity. There have been some major victories and some dismaying setbacks. Social justice never travels a straight path. It is helpful to revisit some of the work of MICAH in the winter, in order to peek into what Spring will bring.

Some key MICAH actions:

Provided healing spaces for the grieving and traumatized over the ongoing violence in Memphis.

Participation in the MSCS Superintendent Job Search.

MICAH on the Hill Day in Nashville, joined by NOAH and CALEB, sister organizations, met on 2/15/23 to discuss Senate Bill 0393 and House Bill 1149 regarding expungement of class D & E felonies and misdemeanors after time served and completion of sentencing obligations. The focus of our discussions with the legislators was the economic benefit and reduction of recidivism.

– Planning for Community Centered Budgeting efforts forthcoming.

Internally:

– MICAH helped host the Gamaliel (the umbrella organization of MICAH and sister organizations around the nation) National Organizers’ Training held in downtown Memphis.

For several years, Civil Rights for Immigrants Committee in California has been working with the

MICAH Immigration and Inclusion Task Force members, as well as other Gamaliel members, on the issues confronting the immigrant populations across the nation. The setbacks over the past few years have been daunting, but we continue to be hopeful that genuine immigration policy reform can be reached, and that the Dreamers will be protected through a stable DACA program.

As we shed winter and look forward to spring, MICAH will be rolling out new programs that seek to have greater collaboration with the public and extend our involvement in city and county budgeting and meetings.

Office of New Americans is an information clearing house and advocacy center to be housed in the County Mayor’s Office to better serve our many immigrant communities. More Deep Canvassing will meet Memphians where they are and learn what Memphis believes to be the most urgent, necessary issues to be addressed for the betterment of the city and all of its people.

And don’t forget that the mayoral race has already begun with 10 candidates at this time.

Please follow MICAH through REALM (onrealm.com/ gracestlukes) for weekly updates, and please join us at our monthly meetings. Together we can do what we pledge in our Baptismal Covenant: “Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?” “I will with God’s help.”

–Paula Barnes

Upcoming Social Justice Events

gracestlukes.org/social-justice-upcoming-events-and-meetings gracestlukes.org/micah

• March 19: Book Discussion on Stephanie Spellers’ The Church Cracked Open

• April 20-23: Pilgrimage to Montgomery and Selma, Alabama: Exploring Our History of Racial Justice and Equity. Final Payment Deadline: March 17.

• May 21: Year End Luncheon of Reflection and Gratitudes

Social Justice Ministry monthly meetings take place the third Sunday of each month in Trezevant Hall following the 10:30 a.m. service unless otherwise announced.

MICAH Core Group monthly meetings take place the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. unless otherwise announced.

Mental Health Awareness

May is just around the corner, and May is also Mental Health Awareness Month. Given the overall levels of mental health concerns along with the impact of COVID-19, we thought it would be appropriate to talk about it now.

Most of us know someone with a mental health concern or have firsthand experience with our own. These issues know no boundaries and cut across race, ethnicity, gender, class, sexual orientation, ability, and even political and spiritual affiliations. Some of these issues may be genetically disposed, passed down by or simply modeled by a family. Some are more physiological or chemically-based in nature. Some are based on traumas or experiences from our childhoods or events in our adult lives.

Regardless of the cause, addressing them is the key to becoming aware of the issues, and then learning how to cope, grow, adapt, and hopefully overcoming them.

Unfortunately, many individuals who may seek treatment deal with the stigma of acknowledging they’re struggling. Some struggle with shame or embarrassment and don’t dare tell anyone about what’s going on with them. And yet it is important that individuals be able to address and talk about their concerns with someone. Whether that’s a pastor or a therapist, it’s always important to do so—sooner rather than later. Being proactive about addressing an issue may make the difference in the severity and the outcome of an issue.

More recently, COVID-19 has added an additional layer of anxiety, stress, and complexity to our lives. This may put individuals or families at greater risk for struggles than they might have previously experienced.

Whatever the situation, be proactive. Pay attention to your thoughts, your feelings, your rhythms. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s probably not. Take control over any issue which is impacting you. Don’t be afraid or ashamed of facing it. Talk about it with others. If not with others, seek out help and treatment.

While May is Mental Health Awareness Month, Mental Health is a yearlong, 24/7 effort that is important to our wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.

Take care of yourselves, listen to each other and be well.

Thank You, Earle Donelson, Ph.D.

Samaritan Counseling Centers of the Mid-South

Read more at gracestlukes.org/news/posts/mental-health-awareness-2023.

Frozen Meal Food Ministry

Greetings from the GSL Cooking Teams! We are excited to share that we are growing! The number of cooking teams has increased from eight to eleven. In January, we welcomed one additional GSL team and two teams from Church of the Good Shepherd. Now, 73 amazing cooking team volunteers prepare healthy, frozen meals for Church Health patrons.

In January, the number of teams cooking per week increased. Now, two teams take a turn once every six weeks to prepare meals for Church Health patrons. In addition to sending frozen meals to Church Health every Tuesday, we continue to work toward inviting Church Health patrons with transportation to come to GSL to pick up additional frozen meals.

We are grateful for our two sponsors, Palazola Produce and Cash Saver, who provide fresh produce and dry goods every week. These incredible sponsors help us to reduce food cost and meet the needs of those with food insecurities. To date, we have prepared enough meals to feed 700 individuals!

If you are interested in fun and fellowship while serving others, this ministry offers that!! If you would like to join a cooking team, lead a cooking team, and/or distribute meals to Church Health patrons, please reach out to Congregational Life Associate/Assistant to the Rector Abby Huber (ahuber@gracestlukes.org) or Jerry Hudson through Realm (tinyurl.com/RealmJerryHudson). We look forward to hearing from you!!

–Amy Hudson