Justice
Resist Injustice by Doing Justice
The vision of St. Paul’s Justice ministry is to support the congregation in efforts to resist injustice by doing justice.
We will work collectively to show God’s love in the public square by pursuing systemic change so that all God’s people are valued and supported in a just society.
With the foundational understanding of the United Methodist Church’s Social Principles, we have kept our eyes and ears open to state and local issues that threaten to deny equal rights to all, especially those marginalized.
We organize events and activities to educate and activate church members and welcome you to get involved.
The vision of St. Paul’s Justice ministry is to support the congregation in efforts to resist injustice by doing justice.
We will work collectively to show God’s love in the public square by pursuing systemic change so that all God’s people are valued and supported in a just society.
With the foundational understanding of the United Methodist Church’s Social Principles, we have kept our eyes and ears open to state and local issues that threaten to deny equal rights to all, especially those marginalized.
We organize events and activities to educate and activate church members and welcome you to get involved.
Doing Social Good
St. Paul’s has educated its members on ways to build power to effect positive social change. Individuals who share values and passions form the base, develop church leaders and partnerships with organizations that share similar values, and take direct action to accomplish this.
Taking Action
We regularly show up to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement detentions and to support immigrants in our community.
Understanding
Kelly Truax reviewed “banned books” and explained the impact of Moms for Liberty on book ban legislation.
Learning
Melanie Nollsch provided four sessions to inform members of the UMC Social Principles.
Supporting
We supported the MLK annual event’s move to the year-round Democracy and a Dream events and the 1316 3rd Avenue Project.
Educating
An Election Poll Worker Engagement talk was held to educate and encourage members to become poll workers.
Mobilizing
We mobilized about 25 people to attend a CRCSD School Board meeting to support and share views against arming school staff and the presence of School Resource Officers in schools.
One step at a time
We acquired enough signatures to request the addition of two northwest Cedar Rapids satellite voting sites.
Taking Action
We mobilized members to support our Wellington Heights and Mound View neighbors by rallying against the closure of the 1st Avenue Hy-Vee.
Mobilizing
Want to get involved at St. Paul’s UMC? Here we are making a difference in our communities and in the world.
From Our Socials
Catch a glimpse of the “love in action” that make St. Paul’s a special place.
He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8 NRSVUE
On Sundays from 3:00–4:30 p.m., St. Paul's offers free showers, basic haircuts, and food to those in our community who need them. We usually connect with about two dozen unhoused neighbors each Sunday. Do you have some old clothes that you don't wear or need? We’d love to help you make more room in your closets! Please donate clean men's or women's clothes (size XL or smaller, no dress clothes) to help our neighbors in need. Raingear, ponchos, light weight jackets, and caps are also needed. Our unhoused neighbors greatly appreciate your generosity! Contact the church office (319-363-2058) with questions or to schedule a pickup. Thank you!
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We’re having a great day at CR Pride Fest! We’re making magic wands to tap into the magical parts within all of us. We’re also reminding people that God’s love is fully inclusive. We joyfully celebrate the diversity of ALL God’s people!
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Thank you for demonstrating a welcoming place for all.
🌈💖 God's love is for everyone
Great pictures
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CR Pride Fest is tomorrow! Join St. Paul's at NewBo City Market as we walk in the parade at 11:00 and then host a booth until 6:00. Be sure to stop by our table for a spellbinding Pride craft—it'll be magical! (Can you guess what we'll be making?)
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Matthew 25 recently completed restoration of the Coe-Paul-Westrom House, a long-vacant home that St. Paul's gave to them to restore. That project was just awarded the 2026 Preservation at Its Best Award by Preservation Iowa. The project was honored with the Residential Rehabilitation Award, which acknowledges outstanding achievements in the restoration and preservation of historic homes while ensuring they remain viable as quality housing. Matthew 25 and its partners maintained the character and historic integrity of the Coe-Paul-Westrom House while transforming it into two affordable homes. St. Paul's is proud to have been part of this amazing restoration and preservation of Cedar Rapids history!
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i used to drive past this house and tell my kids it was my favorite house in the city. i love how this story came about for the house 🤩
This is wonderful news and important recognition of the power of partnerships. Building beloved community together! Matthew 25
Such a win-win project for our community. Thank you, Matthew 25!
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Pastor Jonathan Heifner and three other panelists will talk about Building Beloved Community at Iowa Annual Conference on Saturday, June 13, at 9:30 a.m. Even if you aren't heading to the conference in Des Moines, you can livestream the panel discussion at www.iaumc.org.
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