Voting Our Values

The Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) believes that voting is one of the most powerful ways we can live out our faith and values. This "Voting Our Values" resource calls upon people like you to reflect deeply on how your vote can support justice, equity, and the common good. Grounded in the principles of inclusion and solidarity, this focus highlights seven core areas where our values intersect with today’s most pressing issues:

1. Equity and Justice
2. Climate and Creation Justice
3. Inclusion and Accessibility
4. Diversity and Representation
5. Democracy and Human Rights
6. Reconciliation and Accountability
7. Peace and Conflict Resolution

Read more at this link.

Lunch Bunch on the go!

The Ladies Lunch Bunch met today at Parma in Louisville with ten present for a lively time of food and fellowship. 

The next gathering will be on November 7 at Olde Sante Fe Mexican Grille in Louisville.

A Call for Increased Access to Maternal Health Services

The United States continues to hold the highest maternal mortality rate of any industrialized nation. In an effort to address this, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) launched the Implementing a Maternal Health and Pregnancy Outcomes Vision for Everyone (IMPROVE) Initiative. The IMPROVE Initiative supports research to reduce preventable causes of maternal deaths and improve health care for women before, during, and after pregnancy. U.S. Senators Laphonza Butler (D-CA) and Katie Britt (R-AL) introduced the NIH IMPROVE Act, the Senate companion to Representatives Lauren Underwood (D-IL) and Brian Fitzpatrick’s (R-PA) House bill, which would ensure continued funding for research on the maternal care and mortality crisis happening in the U.S. 

As United Methodists, we affirm that healthcare is a basic human right and specifically call for increased access to maternal health and family-planning services (3202: Maternal Health: The Church’s Role). Our vision supports access to quality, affordable, equitable healthcare for all. The current reality, however, falls tragically short of that vision. Worldwide, 830 mothers die each day from pregnancy-related complications. Studies show that 84% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable and that pregnancy-related deaths and complications disproportionately impact racial and ethnic minorities. In the United States, Black women die in childbirth at a rate three to four times higher than white women. If passed, the NIH IMPROVE Act would:  

• Authorize $53.4 million for seven years to carry out the IMPROVE Initiative and support research on potential causes of maternal mortality and severe morbidity.
• Approve research that would target disparities associated with maternal mortality and severe morbidity and aim to reduce preventable causes of maternal deaths. 
• Additionally, the bill would also build an evidence base for improved care and outcomes in underserved maternal care deserts.  

Congress must pass the NIH IMPROVE Act to support the lives of moms. We, as a faith community, must join in this important work of pursing equitable care and resources for maternal health.  Use this form to contact your representatives.

Wednesday with the Wesleys

 

Another delivery to EFAA

Ready to make a delivery

A load being taken to be weight

Appreciating the donation

Pastor Charles took 460 lbs. of donated items from St. Paul's UMC to EFAA this morning. Sue McCullough, Director of Volunteer Services, was SO thankful for the efforts of the church to care for our neighbors in need.

Sand Creek Healing Run: Ways to Particpate

This year marks the 160th year since the horrific Sand Creek Massacre. There are opportunities to engage. Prayer, Presence, and/or Financial Support.

Prayer: 
For travel, runners, deepening relationships, and healing. 

Presence:
October 17th - Sunrise in Eads at the Site
October 18th - Travel from Eads to Limon 
October 19th - Travel from Limon to Denver (community dinner)
October 20th - Morning at State Capitol followed by community lunch at History Colorado

Travel and time is fluid. Please contact Rev. Bich Thy (Betty) Nguyen at bnguyen@mtnskyumc.org with any questions. 

Financial Support:
We need to raise about $8000. All of your financial support will go towards lodging and meals for the Tribal Representatives, Elders, and Runners. 
You can make a donation HERE. 

Resources to learn more about the massacre:

• National Park Service
• History Colorado
• United Methodist Responses to the Sand Creek Massacre
  2016 Book of Resolutions, #3328