By Rev. Lee Carney Hartman
Is there a justice-generating or peace-making ministry you are dreaming of, but need finances to begin or expand? It’s time in the Pacific Northwest Conference to apply for a Peace with Justice Grant!
If you or your church are involved in building neighborhood partnerships, providing basic needs, and/or inviting systemic change, we’d like to know about and support that good work. Grants up to $1,000 may be awarded to selected United Methodist and other non-profit organizations for local projects that engage the values expressed in our Social Principles. Apply for a Peace with Justice Grant online here. The deadline has been extended to May 30th. For additional information, contact Rev. David Wright at dpwright253@gmail.com.
In 2019, one of these grants helped The Well in Queen Anne pursue their commitment to turn guns into garden tools and to use those tools in cultivating gardens for peace. Garden planting this spring involved tools forged from former weapons and community relationships forged along the way.
Another 2019 Peace with Justice grant was awarded to Island Time Activities through Seabold UMC. “Our vision is that people with intellectual disabilities are embraced and valued by their communities and we see that happen every day,” explained Kellie Creamer of Island Time Activities. “This grant helped us to better engage our members who can’t verbally communicate… Everyone’s fully integrated presence in our public and workspaces benefits us all.”
We can each share the thrill of supporting Peace with Justice projects in the Pacific Northwest and around the world. These grants are fueled by gifts offered on Peace with Justice Sunday across the whole UMC connection. Please encourage your community to take part in this special giving Sunday, June 7th, 2020, or to set aside an alternative date if need be.
For more about Peace with Justice Grants and Peace with Justice Sunday, visit our page on the PNW Conference website. Additional leader resources are available on the ResourceUMC website.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled… Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
– Matthew 5:6,8
Rev. Lee Carney Hartman serves as pastor of Snoqualmie United Methodist Church in Snoqualmie, Washington. She is also a member of the PNW Conference Board of Church and Society.
