Programs

Social Action

Attempting to follow the example of Jesus as an activist, the Social Awareness and Action Team (SAAT) facilitates the congregation's awareness of important societal issues and speaks out on those issues when appropriate. For example, SAAT prepared a resolution opposing the war in Iraq and the possible invasion of Iran. After obtaining approximately 50 signatures of members and friends of the church, the resolution was as a half-page advertisement in Metroland. The ad also contained basic information about Christ Church, including our location, worship time, classes, and web address. Thus, in addition to making a public statement about war and peace, the ad was an excellent advertisement for the Christ Church, depicting it as a socially conscious, progressive church.

A second ad addressed what voters should consider before casting their votes in the 2008 national, state, and local elections. The ad was nonpartisan, but definitely leaned toward progressive positions such as concern for the underprivileged, social and economic justice, health, and war and peace. Again, the ad included basic church information.

SAAT has also sponsored Quarterly Conferences on the social principles of the United Methodist Church; on energy conservation and the environment; and a lecture and book signing by a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. The subject of the book was neo-slavery in the American South in the first half of the 20th century.

Currently, the focus of SAAT is studying and facilitating the process of Christ Church becoming a Reconciling Congregation.

The Social Awareness and Action Team is the newest of Christ Church's teams and committees and consists of a chair and seven members of the congregation.