Continuing to care for one another with the Minister’s Emergency Fund

I just returned from a trip where we visited some long-time friends. They, as you have probably encountered as well, always found their way in our conversations to ask about Metro Surge. I am acutely aware that we here in this congregation felt the trauma of Metro Surge acutely. For some of you, that trauma continues as protesters are being rounded up and arrested and as more arrests and unlawful imprisonment of our neighbors continues. 

This is what I know—near the end of the surge I met with a minister of another Minneapolis UU congregation to talk about pastoral care and how they have weathered the rising needs and stress on congregants. They replied that they did not experience a rise in need in their congregation. It could be that the location of their building and that where their congregants lived protected them from helicopters, whistles, arrests, caravans of black SUVs, the swell of anger, disbelief, and community rising up in their neighborhoods. I was reminded that Renee and Alex were killed just miles from here. This South Minneapolis congregation was literally in the war zone and adults and children alike felt it on a daily basis. 

What I also know is that the hidden cost and impact of this trauma will continue for a long time. Some folks lost their jobs while others left their jobs because of a heightened level of stress due to the surge. Food insecurity rose, family stress rose, people’s sense of safety and security were crushed. And we, because of you all, were able to respond to requests for financial help with a resounding “yes!” for many beloveds who are part of this congregation. 

Beyond Metro Surge, we’re aware of the immense and powerful forces of capitalism and control that limit many people’s access to housing and food and safety and medical care and transportation. These forces keep real human beings, including many in these pews from being safe well and cared for in their day-to-day lives.

Those of you who have attended services have heard that we have spent down the Minister’s Emergency Fund and are returning to all of you for your support. Every time I or another staff member says “yes” to financial support, we remind people that the money is not from us, but from you, the congregation.

This is one way we live into the words we say on Sunday, “You are not alone. We are holding it together.”

If you can, give generously to the Minister’s Emergency Fund. Using the button below, select “Give to Minister’s Emergency Fund” in the dropdown menu.