Northfield UMC is a member congregation of ISAIAH, a multi-racial, state-wide nonpartisan coalition of faith communities, Black barbershops, childcare centers, and other community-based constituencies fighting for racial and economic justice in Minnesota. Its focus is on building a just and abundant Minnesota through faith in action.
The Northfield-NUMC Team is a group of individuals in our congregation that are willing to speak out to create a state where all can thrive. We focus on state and local actions that improve lives for everyone through writing letters to the editor, advocacy with local and state legislators, social media posts, and educational events in the church and community. Occasionally a few members will travel to St Paul to be present at a press conference or committee hearing. The NUMC Team rarely meets in person; most of our communication is through email, phone and Zoom. The lead for this ministry is Evelyn Burry (evelynburry@hotmail.com or 507-645-7481).
Whenever the state legislature is in session, ISAIAH is laser-focused on advocating for ISAIAH priorities under discussion in that specific legislative season. In the 2023 session we are focused on an equitable budget, paid family and medical leave, driver licenses for all, improved access to voting and support of child care. In the 2024 session, bonding issues are front and center.
In other seasons of the biennial calendar, we listen to congregation and community members to learn what is on the hearts and minds of our friends and neighbors, learn about the significant systemic blockages to a state that works for all, and interview candidates to learn about the positions they take on righting systemics wrongs. These guide out planning for the next opportunity to advocate for a just and caring Minnesota.
In addition, through our ecumenical work in Northfield and Rice County, we address those justice concerns locally. Most recently these include improving child care and housing such as the issues at Viking Terrace when the ownership of that manufactured home park changed hands.
Social principles is a part of ISAIAH-MN.
Purpose statement:
The Social Principals Ministry is an Avenue for the congregation, both corporately and as individual members to educate, advocate and act to bring the systems changes needed to bring racial, social and economic justice to our community, our state, and our country. We do this through efforts within our congregation and across faith traditions through the six Social Principals and through our partnership with ISAIAH-MN.