by Susan Krehbiel,

Director of Congregational Advocacy

During this week that commemorates the birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. it is fitting to think about how our faith impels us to work for changes in our laws and institutions for a more just society. Our state advocacy event on Feb. 23 is being called "Abundant Life," inspired by John 10:10, when Jesus tells the gathered people, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."  Dr. King knew that we need to overcome racial, social and economic inequality in order to live God's promise of abundant life. 

As our government strives to pass a balanced budget, we are mindful that "across the board" cuts may be expeditious, but we deny abundant life when we strip those in need of emergency and rehabilitative services.  For these individuals, state funded services may be the difference between a life with dignity and a life of despair.

We deny abundant life to young people when our juvenile justice system places them in adult jails even before they are tried, where they are more likely to become victims of sexual violence, to commit suicide or to re-offend than those held in juvenile detention centers.

We deny abundant life for families and all of creation, now and into the future, when we rely on energy sources that pollute, despite the ecological and economic benefits of clean energy.

In Maryland, the number of unaccompanied youth who are homeless is growing.  Former foster care youth have 40% chance of experiencing homelessness by the age of 24! We deny these youth abundant life when they leave foster care without the skills, education and social connections to become independent adults.

On Feb. 23, 2015 we will begin our advocacy day event at First Presbyterian Church of Annapolis, within walking distance of the State House. Doors will open at 3:30pm. We will gather in prayer followed by briefings on bills before the Maryland General Assembly and share in an excellent meal made by graduates of the BEST (Better Employment through Skills and Training) program at the Light House, a homelessness prevention support center. After organizing into teams, we will visit our delegates and senators in their offices.  Child care will also be provided. Register today! 

We are delighted to share in this advocacy day with our sisters and brothers from the United Church of Christ for the first time. We sincerely hope that you will pray for us as we gather for this event, whether or not you can attend.  You can find a series of flyers in color and black and white at this linkfor you to place in emails, newsletters, social media and post around your church to help encourage support and attendance!  You can also contact me to sign up for regular advocacy updates throughout the legislative session.

We look forward to welcoming you to Annapolis as we join our voices with others of the faithful to help our state be a place of abundant life! Please share this news with others.  For further information, email Susan Krehbiel, Director of Congregational Advocacy.