Dear Saint Mark Family,

God’s peace be with each of you.

On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the North Georgia Conference, through our General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR, an agency of the United Methodist Church), joined with more than two dozen Christian and Jewish Denominations and Associations in a Lawsuit to protect religious freedom.

The Lawsuit was filed by the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection (ICAP) at Georgetown Law, in response to the current Administration’s rescission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) “sensitive locations” policy that had restricted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from conducting immigration raids, arrests, and other enforcement actions at houses of worship.

The agency states that Reversal of the Department of Homeland Security’s ‘Sensitive Locations’ Policy interferes with central religious beliefs, and violates both the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The new policy thus greenlights enforcement actions that could interrupt religious services in furtherance of the Administration’s mass deportation plans.

In light of these policy changes, the North Georgia Conference Board of Trustees voted to participate in the lawsuit, which makes the reasonable and constitutionally sound request that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) not conduct enforcement actions in our churches without a judicial warrant or exigent circumstances.

Saint Mark, I want to remind us that as disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to love our neighbors, to care for the strangers and aliens among us, and treat them as we would treat ourselves. Jesus tells us that “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:31-46)

As we continue with our Mental Health series, I want to encourage you to ask for the help you need as you care for others, and to be mindful to care for yourself. I know asking for help can be a challenge for many of us, and that it is easy to ignore or put off caring for ourselves. Nevertheless, for the wellbeing of those for whom we care and for ourselves, we should.

This past Sunday, Pastors Charlotte and Andy, and Dr. Jill Lee-Barber shared in worship on the importance and benefits of caring for ourselves. Here is a link https://youtu.be/qsSuyvyJvvk to an interview with Dr. Jill, speaking on the value of caring for ourselves.

This Sunday, your Staff Parish Relations Committee invites you to an opportunity of fellowship and treat, after the 9:00am service in Wade Hall. There will be muffins, fruits, coffee and tea. Come on by and spend a few minutes before going to your Sunday School class, or sit a bit longer and spend a much time as you choose.

I look forward to seeing each of you on Sunday.

Peace and all that is good,

Pastor Carolyn.