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Vote for the Common Good

The Social Principles are the official social positions of The United Methodist Church sanctioned and adopted by The United Methodist General Conference, Charlotte 2024. As we consider and discern our voting decisions this election see how important issues align with our social principles:

Social Principles p.32: “Our involvement in political systems is rooted in the Gospel imperative to love our neighbors, to do justice, and to care for the vulnerable. As United Methodists, we acknowledge that love requires responsible political action and engagement aimed at the betterment of society and the promotion of the common good.”

Although we will not all agree on the best ways to better society, we can commit to vote as disciples of Jesus Christ, guided by love for God and neighbor. The UMC’s General Board of Church and Society has created this guide that connects our Social Principles to various issues. We hope it will help guide your prayer and meditation as you prepare to vote 

Be a Gun Sense Voter

What is a Gun Sense Voter?
A Gun Sense Voter is someone who is committed to voting with gun safety in mind.

Moms Demand Action & the Everytown Network organizations accept applications from candidates who would like a Gun Sense designation. Gun Sense candidates are ones who will govern with gun safety in mind. Those awarded this distinction have demonstrated that they will support stronger gun laws and advocate for safer communities if elected into office. Multiple candidates in a race can receive the distinction, and just like common sense gun safety, it is non-partisan.

Eligible candidates are vetted and then are listed on the Gun Sense Voter site. Indiana has 66 Gun Sense Candidates for the upcoming election. You can review that list HERE.

Cleanup Day at Broad Ripple Park

Broad Ripple Park | November 16 | 10AM - Noon

The Creation Care Ministry is sponsoring a team-building, hands-on, cleanup and pruning adventure at Broad Ripple Park, and we need your help to make it a success! Please bring your lawn care and shrubbery pruning implements, such as rakes, leaf blowers, pruning shears, chain saws, and plastic trash bags, and join us in helping this neglected park feel some love. Everyone is welcome and needed. 

This is an especially great opportunity for our Midtown campus!

You can email Larry Kane with questions, and CLICK HERE to register!

Advocating to Preserve Urban Forests

Over the past few months, members of the Creation Care Ministry have been supporting requests of the Indiana Forest Alliance (IFA) to the City of Indianapolis to include funding in its 2025 budget proposal to the City-County Council for the purchase and conserving of four tracts of privately-owned forests in Marion County. Several Creation Care Ministry members, including Amy Barnes, Jim Mellowitz, John Young, and Larry Kane (and others) have attended one or more of a series of City-County Council meetings over the August – October period to show support, including testifying at a City Council public hearing in support of the budget request for urban forest preservation. Ultimately, the City-County Council approved a City budget with limited funding in 2025 for urban forest purchases. There is a possibility that some of this funding may be used to purchase a small urban forest – the Haverstick Creek Forest – in Nora several blocks east of the church property.

Creation Care Ministry is a justice-oriented ministry of St. Luke’s UMC. Members of this ministry engage in a variety of activities at St. Luke’s and in the broader community to support protection of our environment and the mitigation of climate change. Illustrative activities include: managing waste recycling activities at the North Campus; promoting installation of solar energy capability at the North Campus; conducting annual tree seedling giveaway events; advocating for state and federal legislation in support of climate action; and more.

If you would like to get involved, please click HERE.