"WORK TO RECOGNIZE AND RELIEVE SYSTEMATIC OPPRESSION, INDIVIDUAL SUFFERING, POVERTY, AND ISOLATION..."
2018 Union Congregational Church Statement Of Purpose
JUSTICE AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
This area of ministry encompasses a number of Ministry Teams. It encompasses not only our external engagement with the community on social justice issues, but also opportunities to examine ourselves within so that we in our own lives are aligned with justice ministries, such as racial justice, climate justice, economic justice, food and health security, LGBTQ+ welcoming and inclusion.
Here are some of the ways we are engaging currently:
NEW JERSEY TOGETHER
We were proud to be a founding member of Essex Together in Spring 2023. Through Essex Together we join with organizations across the county (and in NJ Together across the state) to advocate on issues around criminal justice reform, education reform, and green energy.
If you are interested in getting involved, please contact: Rev. Katrina Forman at kforman@unioncong.org.
REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT
Our congregation has been committed to refugee resettlement for decades (read the story about Alvin here). Most recently, we have been working with Church World Service to offer temporary shelter and accompany recent arrivals as they transition to life in our area.
If you are interested in getting involved please contact: Rev. Katrina Forman at kforman@unioncong.org.
RACIAL JUSTICE
We have a Racial Justice Ministry Team which guides our work towards internal transformation and external solidarity around issues of racial justice. We recognize that racial justice intersects with many other issues, and see our work with NJ Together, towards refugee resettlement, and towards food security as part of our racial justice work.
If you are interested in getting involved please contact: Rev. Katrina Forman at kforman@unioncong.org.
CREATION JUSTICE
We are always seeking to live out our commitment to care for God’s creation. This has included the installation of solar panels in 2020, the partnership with Northeast Earth Coalition to create a community garden (2022), and the ongoing efforts to “green” our campus and educate ourselves.
If you are interested in getting involved please contact: Rev. Katrina Forman at kforman@unioncong.org.
FOOD SECURITY
We work to support non-profit partners in our community that work towards food security with our time, talent and treasure. We seek out regular opportunities for hands on service by preparing food for Christine’s Kitchen (next date is Dec 1, 2023), supplies for Bridges, MESH and CUMAC. Check our church calendar for other upcoming service dates or contact: Rev. Katrina Forman at kforman@unioncong.org.
MORE!
What are you passionate about? If you have an idea of how we can live out our call to create a just world for all, contact Rev. Katrina. at kforman@unioncong.org.