By Rev. Meredith Jackson, Program Director
In June, Meredith joined others from the United Church of Christ (UCC) at General Synod in Indianapolis, Indiana. This biennial gathering of the church offers opportunity for worship, workshops, and business action items. As an agency of the UCC Council for Health and Human Services Ministries (CHHSM), Isaiah 58 Ministries is grateful for the opportunity to connect with other agencies and individuals doing important work around the US.
Jamar Doyle, President and CEO of CHHSM, preached opening worship. The focus of his sermon, on transformation, reminded us of the new opportunities that are before us when we embrace change. This is not an unfamiliar message for Isaiah 58 Ministries. We have seen great change in the past few years, and it has been exciting, stretching, and has spurred us to new action. We are living into Doyle’s challenge to “get comfortable with holy discomfort.”
Meredith was also able to attend a luncheon featuring Bryan Stevenson, Director of the Equal Justice Initiative, as well workshops on storytelling and discussions about community gun buyback programs. Overall, the General Synod experience was fulfilling and a great connection to the wider church.
As an ecumenical agency, we are blessed with many partners on this journey, and we are thankful for each of them.