Justice and Activism
First United Methodist Church of Ann Arbor Statement of Racial Justice
“We recognize racism as sin and affirm the ultimate and temporal worth of all persons.” – The United Methodist Church, Social Principles
We seek to open minds, offer opportunities to reconsider beliefs and change behavior, starting with ourselves and our own congregants, while simultaneously working to change our culture. We are heartbroken by the loss of life, angered by police brutality and other forms of blatant, violent racism. We recognize the systemic oppression and racism faced by many groups in the U.S., and we see our history of injustices: stealing indigenous lands, enslaving people from Africa, villainizing immigrants and “othering” Asians, Latinx and other people of color. This overt racism along with covert racism, is not of God. We emphatically declare that Black Lives Matter. We pledge to intentionally work to bring God’s Kin-dom of love for our neighbor to our city, our neighborhoods and our local church, in all its ministries. Our love is manifested by our actions, and they demonstrate our stance of solidarity with Black, Indigenous and all People of Color.
“What does the Lord require of me, but to do justice, love mercy and to walk humbly with my God?” – Micah 6:8
Learn more about the African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County.
The Justice League
The Justice League helps coordinate and nurture our mission, outreach and advocacy efforts. The Justice League is an umbrella organization for our many outreach projects and emerged from our strategic initiatives. FUMC has established a COVID-19 fund that is used to reduce financial hardships resulting from this crisis. Funds are used to meet the urgent needs of individuals and families, including groceries, medical bills, transportation, housing and mental health services. We also identify and support community agencies providing direct services, as funds are available. The Justice League supports the pastors in determining how best to distribute these funds. Learn how we are working to stop gun violence here. View the Justice League communications guide here.
Learn more here.
Contact: justice@fumc-a2.org.
United Women of Faith
The purpose is to put faith, hope and love into action to help empower and improve the lives of women, youth and children in the U.S. and around the world. Ann Arbor First United Women of Faith is one of the local groups that is part of this national organization. There are about 20 members on the leadership team. There is a separate booklet that lists the leadership team members as well as the members of the various subgroups within the church that usually meet once a month. Each group has a different focus, often related to building community; learning about local ways to help women, children and youth; continuing spiritual growth; presenting one or more social action workshops every year; and helping with fundraising to support local, national and international missions. There is also a group of women that provide the Memorial Service Receptions, if requested.
Contact: Linda LaBarre
Creation Care
An environment group focused on educating ourselves and our congregation. Meeting topics include climate change, plastics in environment, toxic algae (drinking water in Toledo) and environmental justice (Flint water crisis). Our goal is to make changes to our own lifestyles, propose environmental goals for ourselves and the congregation and collaborate with faith-based organizations. Let’s learn, share and take action — change happens when we all work together!
Creation Care typically meets the first Sunday of the month, at 11:30 a.m. downtown.
Contact: James Pauer
Immigration Law & Justice Michigan
Immigration Law & Justice Michigan (ILJ-MI) is a nonprofit that provides pro bono legal service to vulnerable immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers living in Michigan communities. The national program model was begun by UMCOR more than 20 years ago, and United Methodist churches continue to be valuable partners. ILJ-MI legal staff help low-income immigrants understand their choices and navigate the complexities and barriers of the legal system. Legal clinics and detention visitation programs take place regularly. Educational and advocacy events take place throughout the year. FUMC-AA supports by hosting events and activities, co-sponsoring educational programs and providing a financial gift. To find out more, volunteer or make a donation, visit the ILJ-MI website.
Contact: Tori Booker
Access Team
Our mission is to create and nurture a culture of hospitality in which people with disabilities are welcomed and participate in our church community.
We achieve this through addressing accessibility issues, bringing awareness to the community and advocating for those missing at the table.
Monthly disability awareness talks help educate and give insights into how our community can be supportive to each other. See a list of upcoming and past topics here.
Contact: Mary McClusky
Mind the Gap
Mind the Gap is a group of people who are passionate about helping solve food insecurity issues in our community and Michigan. We are interested in educating ourselves, finding ways to decrease food insecurity and advocating for people experiencing food insecurity. We are supportive of two local endeavors: a monthly meal at Hope Clinic and Meals for Circles of Washtenaw County’s weekly program. We have also established FUMC’s participation in Bread for the World annual Offering of Letters to advocate for key federal funding and policies that help support people of all ages experiencing hunger and/or food insecurity.
Mind the Gap welcomes new members, contact us to learn more about participating.
Contact: Lynn Palacios