On Sunday, January 15, we observe Human Relations Day, one of six denomination-wide Special Sundays where we are invited to partner with fellow United Methodist congregations in a special offering to fund specific needs in the greater community. On Human Relations Day, our offerings support neighborhood ministries and community advocacy through Better Community Development Programs, United Methodist Voluntary Services, and Youth Offender Rehabilitation Programs. Our gifts work together for the common good, building community and sharing God’s love.
While it is important to address systems that breed injustice, it is equally important to build on our strengths and create networks of transformational love, complete with tangible results. Paul writes in his letter to the church in Corinth: “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7, NRSV).