How to Love the Communities Where We Live

Religion offers us immutable precepts like “love thy neighbor” and “thou shalt not kill.” On the other hand, ancient scriptures do not speak directly about some major aspects of our current world: democracy, capitalism, modern sciences and modern medicine, and modern finance, agriculture, communications, and transportation. So, we and our religions must constantly reconsider how our age-old truths apply within our very modern experiences.

In part to reconnect their universal truth with our contemporary world, in 2024 the General Conference of United Methodists approved a revised version of their “United Methodist Social Principles”. This latest revision is a significant re-write, focused on succinctness, theological foundations, and global relevance for the 21st Century. While not Methodist law, Methodists and others are urged to consider carefully these new statements of principle - and then respond as their personal precepts and faith dictate.

On four consecutive Sundays, March 16, 23, and 30, and April 6, the United Methodist Church of Red Bank will lead a review of the UMC’s recently updated “Social Principles”. The revised principles are now grouped as “Community of Creation” (3/16), “The Economic Community” (3/23), “The Social Community” (3/30), and “The Political Community” (4/6). Each Sunday session will focus on one of these Communities, in that order. All are invited to join any or all four Sundays. The sessions are expected to last about one hour, plus time for open discussion. For more information, mail connect@umcredbank.org

Noon, March 16, 23, and 30, and April 6

247 Broad Street, Red Bank

Parking accessible from both Broad St. and Hudson Avenue, enter at white door

Soup and bread will be provided