The Social Justice Team explores the intersection of faith and justice in our world today. Topics for study and action include: creation care, immigration, homelessness, affordable housing, mental health, food insecurity, criminal justice reform, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, legislative advocacy, and more. If you have questions, please contact Gail Merrill at pgtmerrill@aol.com or Sharon Baker at pastorsharonb@gmail.com.
Visit the United Methodist Church Board of Church & Society Advocacy page to learn more about our legislative priorities and reach out to your member of Congress. Follow the “Take Action” link at the bottom of the page to act on topics such as: prioritizing grace over greed, civil and human rights, and more.
You can use 5 Calls (webpage or app) to track issues and easily contact your representatives. It even includes scripts and makes contact your representatives as easy as can be.
Find Your IN State Representatives: https://iga.in.gov/information/find-legislators
The Indiana General Assembly is in recess. In the meantime, contact your elected representatives and encourage them to support legislation on issues important to Bloomington:
Immigration and Family Reunification
LGBTQIA+ rights and protections
Homelessness and Affordable housing
Funding for public television and radio
Climate care
Food insecurity
Criminal justice reform
The Board of Church and Society has launched a new podcast with host General Secretary Bishop Julius C. Trimble. Through the lens of the United Methodist Social Principles, the Justice Takes Courage podcast explores national and international social witness issues and actions in response to today’s most pressing social concerns. Each month a variety of United Methodists and interfaith partners join host Bishop Julius C. Trimble, General Secretary of The General Board of Church and Society to share ideas and perspectives that advance action for U.S. legislative faith-based advocacy and international social justice priorities. You can listen to the first episode here.
The Trevor Project is the largest suicide prevention and crisis support organization providing 24-7 life saving programs designed to meet the unique needs of all LGBTQIA+ youth. The project provides advocacy, peer support, research, and public education and awareness services.
Their website is a great resource for LGBTQIA+ education, both for allies and for those who identify as members of the community. Learn about sexual orientation, gender identity, mental health, and so much more. If you feel called to support the life-saving work that The Trevor Project is doing for LGBTQIA+ youth, click the link below.
Transgender, at its most basic level, is a word that applies to someone who doesn’t fit within society’s standards of how a woman or a man is supposed to look or act.
This person may transition into expressing their gender differently, e.g. living as a man instead of a woman, or may feel like they don’t fit within society’s standards of how women and men are supposed to look and act (gender non-conforming).
Transgender is a relatively new word, but it’s not a new concept. Gender non-conforming people have existed in many time periods and cultures.
Some transgender people have surgeries, or take hormones, to bring their body into alignment with their gender identity. But, many do not and that doesn’t mean they’re not transgender. A transgender identity is not dependent upon medical procedures.
Wait to see how someone self-identifies (or ask, respectfully) before assuming!
Gender identity is our internal, individual experience of gender. It is directly linked to our sense of self and the sense of being male, female, both or neither.
Pronouns are pivotal to an individual’s gender identity and how they relate to the world and others. If you assume someone’s pronouns, they could feel invalidated. That’s why we encourage you to ask, don’t assume!
Asking people about their pronouns sets a tone of respect and helps to create an affirming environment! Here are a few ways you can be more inclusive and affirming when it comes to pronouns:
Share your pronouns when introducing yourself. For example: “My name is Patrick and I use they/them pronouns.”
Include your pronouns in your email signature, on name tags at events, in your zoom name, and on your social media bio.
When addressing groups of people or people whose pronouns have not been shared with you, use gender neutral language such as “elle” instead of “el” or “ella,” “siblings,” “students,” “all” or “folks” rather than “brothers and sisters,” “guys,” “sir,” etc…
LESBIAN - A woman whose enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction is to other women. Some lesbians may prefer to identify as gay or as gay women.
GAY - The adjective used to describe people whose enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attractions are to people of the same sex. Sometimes lesbian is the preferred term for women.
BISEXUAL - A person who has the capacity to form enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attractions to those of the same gender or to those of another gender. People may experience this attraction in differing ways and degrees over their lifetime. Bisexual people need not have had specific sexual experiences to be bisexual; in fact, they need not have had any sexual experience at all to identify as bisexual.
TRANSGENDER - An umbrella term for people whose gender identity and/or gender expression differs from what is typically associated with the sex they were assigned at birth. People under the transgender umbrella may describe themselves using one or more of a wide variety of terms— including transgender. Many transgender people are prescribed hormones by their doctors to bring their bodies into alignment with their gender identity. Some undergo surgery as well. But not all transgender people can or will take those steps, and a transgender identity is not dependent upon physical appearance or medical procedures.
QUEER - An adjective used by some people whose sexual orientation is not exclusively heterosexual. Typically, for those who identify as queer, the terms lesbian, gay, and bisexual are perceived to be too limiting and/or fraught with cultural connotations they feel don’t apply to them. Some people may use queer, or genderqueer, to describe their gender identity and/or gender expression. Once considered a pejorative term, queer has been reclaimed by some LGBTQ people to describe themselves; however, it is not a universally accepted term even within the LGBTQ community.
QUESTIONING - Sometimes, when the Q is seen at the end of LGBT, it can also mean questioning. This term describes someone who is questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Remember that our creation justice work of restoration, regeneration, and renewal grows from God’s gift of the Resurrection, the Easter-faith that sustains us in our lives and our calling to love both Creator and Creation.
“Our Power, Our Planet,” the theme of Earth Day 2025, invites everyone around the globe to unite behind renewable energy. The gifts of God—sun, wind, oceans, and land—are there for us and with us. Using them rather than continuing with fossil fuels will save our planet. Join with others and use your power—your voice, your actions, your advocacy—to love Earth.
Take 10 minutes to watch Chasing Arrows: The Truth About Recycling. The “arrows” are the recycle sign—often a source of great confusion. Discover the truth about recycling. What is really recyclable. What happens after it’s collected. What solutions we need to pursue. With this knowledge, you’ll be better able to love Earth every time you recycle.
When trees live, they absorb carbon dioxide (as a “carbon sink”) and produce life-giving oxygen. But when trees burn, they release CO2 into the atmosphere, adding greenhouse gases that negatively affect our climate. Wildfires devastate land, habitats, and homes. As an expression of your love for Earth, wholeheartedly support organizations that replant trees after wildfires.
Go local. Connect with neighbors and community organizations to understand the environmental challenges and opportunities specific to your area. Then use your united people power to have a heart to heart with local officials to get the change that’s needed. Show your love for Earth.
Buy community renewables. Not every home, business, or development can go all solar or put up a wind farm, but more utilities and private companies are offering power from shared renewables for a buy-in. Lower your monthly electricity costs, support the expansion of clean energy sources, and show some love from your heart to Earth.
Follow your heart and invest in the future. Choose what you can: solar and wind, energy-efficient appliances, hybrid or electric vehicles, voting for electric public transit, quality and long-lasting fashion made of natural textiles, insurance and banks that do not support fossil fuels. Let God use your financial resources, your love, and your power to aid the healing of Earth and the righting of injustices.
One youth celebrated his birthday with a litter pick-up party for his “adopted” street. The friends snagged the trash, bagged it, weighed it, photographed it, and spread the story to encourage and challenge others to do better about caring for our home. Cake, music, and fun followed—a joyous celebration of one person with a heart of gold, showing how to love Earth.
Take heart this Earth Day—our Creator God has gifted us with an amazing planet, complete with renewable sources of the power that will help all people have access to better health and enough of what is needed. Uniting and raising our voices, we can bring about that vision and show hearts filled with love for Earth.
Green up your closet. Purchase items from brands that make sustainable clothing. Visit local thrift or consignment shops, which often offer unique, gently worn, or even new garments at a lower price than retail. Donate clothes that no longer fit or send your worn-out textiles to ReTold. You’ll love the new you and you’ll be loving Earth too.
The United Methodist Church General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) exists to “challenge, lead, and equip the people of The UMC to become interculturally competent, ensure institutional equity and facilitate vital conversations about religion, race, and culture.” You can visit their webpage to learn more and find anti-racism resources.
Additionally, if you are interested in participating in or leading a book study, you can click here to access GCORR’s series of book studies.
“Lord, you suffered at human hands the pain of false arrest, torture, and unjust punishment, and you commanded us to comfort those in prison. Build a fire in your people, Lord, that we may never learn patience with prejudice or make peace with oppression, but that we may burn with zeal for justice, proportion, and equal protections under law for all people. In the Name of him who died condemned.” Amen.
“JUNE--For justice in the criminal system,” A Year of Prayers to End Racism, the Diocesan Commission to End Racism, page 2
2333 W Industrial Park Dr // (812) 334-8374
Agency food pick-up hours are Monday 9:30am-4:30pm, Tuesday & Wednesday 9:30-12:30, and Thursday 9:30-3. Friday food pickups by appointment.
219 E 4th Street // (812) 332-6396
Food packages available for pick-up Wednesdays 3:30-5:30pm.
Bloomington Township Food Pantry
2111 Vernal Pike // (812) 336-4976
Food pantry orders can be scheduled for pick up on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
1100 W. Allen Street // 812-355-6843
MHC's current hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 12-2pm and 4-6pm. Pre-packaged grocery boxes are available outside in the truck bay.
1007 N. Summitt Street // 812-339-3491
Provides veterans affairs supportive housing, housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) rental assistance for homeless veterans. Combines rental assistance with case management and clinical services provided by the VA. The VA provides these services for participating Veterans at VA medical centers (VAMCs) and community-based outreach clinics.
A Friend's Place Overnight Shelter
919 S. Rogers Street // 812-332-1444
812-333-7404
Services: 24 hour Crisis hotline, Emergency Shelter for those fleeing violence at home and victims of human trafficking; Legal Advocacy-For victims of sexual assault, stalking, domestic violence, child abuse, harassment, financial coercion, or of other related crimes. Transition Housing to help low-income adults recovering from the impacts of domestic violence, to secure permanent, safe and affordable housing; achieve economic security; and develop their capacities for self-determination.
2440 S Henderson Street // 812-822-3748
Permanent housing and supportive services for individuals, couples, and families experiencing long-term homelessness due to a disability. The Crawford Homes program is part of a national campaign to eliminate homelessness for those who suffer with the greatest needs and struggles.
812-339-9771
Transitional housing and supportive services to youth 16-20 years old who are experiencing homelessness that includes: Transitional Housing, Independent Living , Essential skills to achieve a successful transition into adulthood and become self-sufficient. Educational Assistance, Job Coaching, Financial Counseling, Health & Wellness, Health Care, and Recreational activities Alternatives & Awareness (AA)-Educates youth on the negative effects of drug use and gives them healthy alternatives.
301 W. 2nd Street // 812-334-9840
Emergency shelter for families of all genders, legal guardians with current physical custody/guardianship of all gender/aged children. Shelter services: case management, life skills training, advocacy, Strategies for Family Coping Resources, tutoring for homeless students, job coaching and mentoring programming for adults and children. Emergency services include drop in day shelter for parents with children and unaccompanied youth: food pantry, daily use items (such as toiletries), laundry, computer/phone access, job search assistance, guidance area resources, street outreach program, early childhood day care provided to at risk and homeless children at The Nest at New Hope (infant - kindergarten). LGBTQ homeless services.
215 S. Westplex Avenue // 812-333-1905
Services/Programs: Emergency Services: Shelter to homeless and/or disadvantaged men, meals, hygiene, chapel services, case management, medical, dental, podiatric and vision services are also available; Residential Programs Long-term programs designed to address the specific issues that contribute to life instability and homelessness; Addiction Recovery.
The Importance of Social Justice
From The United Methodist Church Book of Discipline:
“The United Methodist Church has a long history of concern for social justice. Its members have often taken forthright positions on controversial issues involving Christian principles. Early Methodists expressed their opposition to the slave trade, to smuggling, and to the cruel treatment of prisoners.”
In this spirit, First United Methodist Church in Bloomington is committed to furthering the work of bringing about justice here and now. Below you’ll find some ways we are engaged in that work.
Action Alert: Pull the World Back from the Brink—Pursue a World Free of Nuclear Weapons
Tell Congress to Support H. Res. 317 / S. Res. 323.
This International Day of Peace, our faith compels us to act for the abolition of dangerous world-ending weapons.
A few months ago, Representatives Jim McGovern (MA-02) and Jill Tokuda (HI-02) reintroduced a House resolution urging the United States to return to the negotiating table on nuclear disarmament and to lead a global effort to reduce and eliminate nuclear weapons. Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) followed by introducing a Senate version for the first time.
The resolution reaffirms the United States’ moral and strategic obligation to prevent nuclear war and calls on the United States to pursue a world free of nuclear weapons as a national security imperative.
As Bishop Julius Trimble, the General Secretary of the General Board of Church and Society, states in the press release, “The United Methodist Church has long called for the abolition of nuclear weapons. The existence of nuclear weapons is antithetical to our faith, which calls on us to practice responsible stewardship. This resolution is a moral imperative, urging us to prioritize peace and the well-being of our communities over weapons of war.”
The 2024 United Methodist General Conference reaffirmed the Church’s support for the abolition of nuclear weapons: “The danger of a nuclear holocaust remains as long as nations maintain nuclear weapons.” (2020/2024 Book of Resolutions, #4111, The United Methodist Church and Peace).
Nuclear weapons do not make us safer—in fact, they put the entire planet at risk. We need bold action to stop a new arms race before it’s too late. This resolution calls for courage, diplomacy, and common sense. Take action below to support this important resolution.
Take Action
October Tips: Regenerate, Renew
Regenerate! On a personal level, compost your food and lawn scraps; plant for pollinators; consider rewilding at least a portion of your property. On a larger scale, examine your agricultural practices (cover crops, low till, no chemicals…) for changes that will regenerate the fertility of the soil.
The opening book of the Bible reminds us, “God saw everything God had made and indeed, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). The first commandment given to humanity is to tend and care for the garden God gave us (Genesis 2:15). Regenerative agriculture practices are proven ways to do so.
Tree planting season is coming. Investigate potential tree sales and planting services, including local government, nonprofit foundations, and nursery businesses. Trees pull down carbon from the atmosphere and nourish the soil, provide habitat and food for birds and other pollinators, and give shade in the summer and sun in the winter, reducing the need for fossil fuel energy.
Most actions taken on behalf of God’s creation are helpful, but some have more impact than others. One of the biggest categories is food. Become aware of food waste and reduce it, take up composting, choose less or no meat, buy locally and in season. Everyone needs to eat; everyone can contribute to caring for Earth.
Purchase organic food. The few extra cents you pay at the grocery support farmers who avoid using the synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers that have been proven to deplete the soil. Organic farmers also refuse to subject their livestock to antibiotics and growth hormones. Organic farming practices are healthier for soil, livestock, and for those who eat the food.
Reap the harvest. Shop for food locally at farmers markets. See and give thanks for those whose work feeds you and others. Care for the planet by reducing the carbon emissions that come from shipping food long distances. Eat more fruits and veggies and reduce the high cost to your body and the planet from many other foods.
Rake leaves this fall as a family, a group of friends, or a church youth group helping someone. Look for ways to turn the leaves into mulch so they continue to feed the soil, rather than bagging them and sending them to the landfill. Talk about the process God supplies for continuing to regenerate the land, which in turns sustains life.
Some food-waste issues are systemic, but many come down to things individuals and families can do: Plan meals, buy local, buy less, buy in-season, buy organic, store appropriately, use the freezer, reduce meat consumption, grow veggies, eat leftovers, make soup and smoothies, compost peelings and ends, share with others. Eat happily, knowing you are helping us all.
Compost food waste and more (leaves, shredded paper, pet fur, coffee filters). Twenty to 45% of landfill is organic and creates methane gas, which contributes to global warming. Instead, compost, which is nature’s way to regenerate and nourish the soil. Browse for easy and effective options: backyard bin, indoor machine, commercial pick up, sharing a service with a neighbor.
As a church, make composting available after meals and receptions. Station a knowledgeable person at the bin to help people learn what’s compostable and what must be trashed. As more people understand what’s needed and possible, some may desire to have a place to bring their personal scraps. Set up a community compost bin in the parking lot in response.