In community discernment as defined by the Social Discernment Cycle, action flows from a foundation of prayer and reflection. This principle, often called “contemplative action,” ensures that steps taken are both intentional and spiritually grounded. In her book The Soul … Continue Reading →
What happens when stability crumbles? Almost immediately after Jesus points his disciples to the widow’s humble offering, they turn their attention to the temple’s grandeur. “Look at the size of those stones!” they marvel. But Jesus shifts their gaze again: … Continue Reading →
When undertaking community discernment and social analysis, the next step after observation is to select and examine the social structure we wish to understand. This process can occur during several prayerful gatherings with your outreach committee or discernment group. Choose … Continue Reading →
Rural vs. Urban Experiences Homelessness, both rural and urban, affects communities across the state of Georgia. A recent Point-in-Time count found that more than 12,000 Georgians experienced homelessness. While this reflects a 37% decrease since 2007, much work remains to … Continue Reading →
Understanding Poverty Understanding poverty means acknowledging that it transcends borders, cultures, and communities. It does not discriminate. It touches every race and ethnicity and weaves a narrative whose nuances are often lost on the general public. The Rev. William Barber … Continue Reading →
Jürgen Moltmann The great German theologian of hope, Jürgen Moltmann, died on June 3, 2024. As one of the greatest theologians of our time, Moltmann is known for many things. His biography is like something of the hagiography of the … Continue Reading →
Far-Reaching Impact of Human Trafficking According to the DEA, “human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.” This sinister form of exploitation continues to cast its shadow over … Continue Reading →
Understanding Christian Paradox The Christian life contains a multitude of paradoxes, inviting us to embrace truths that may contradict conventional wisdom. One such paradox lies in Jesus’ profound statement in John 12:24-26: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the … Continue Reading →
The Grant Process Our grants catalyze change, address pressing social issues, and strengthen marginalized communities. They provide a profound opportunity for parishes and their nonprofit. However, the grant evaluation process can feel daunting, especially to those who have never completed … Continue Reading →
Being Alive I once read that the brain uses roughly 20% of the body’s energy. It’s staggering that this three-pound organ consumes such caloric intake, revealing the cost of those billions of neurons and synapses processing the world around us. … Continue Reading →