Unifying Hearts GVL

read that again...🙏

Goal July 2024 Newsletter
Happy July to our entire justice ministry network!

As we continue our investment drive, we encourage everyone to consider investing a meaningful amount to them. Our upcoming listening process is foundational to the work we do, and house meetings play a key role. We ask everyone to start planning ahead for these important gatherings. Team leaders, please mark your calendars for our listening process kickoff on September 5th, where you'll receive all necessary materials and preparations to host a house meeting. Additionally, our next board meeting is scheduled for August 8th. Thank you for your ongoing dedication and support!
Mark Your Calendars
Board Meeting:
August 8th at Enoree River Association at 6:30pm

Team Leader Training: August 15th at Enoree River Association at 6:00pm

Listening Process Kickoff: September 5th at Enoree River Association at 6:30pm

Clergy Caucus:
September 26th

Board Meeting:
October 19th location TBD at 6:30pm

Orientation Clergy Caucus: October 24th at 12 pm

Community Problems Assembly: November 7th at 6:30 pm

Research Kickoff: November 19th at Enoree River Association at 6:30 pm

Board Meeting: December 5th at Enoree River Association at 6:30pm
Times and Locations Subject to Change

The Results of Your Investments In GOAL This Past Year
988 Fully Funded for FY25, $4.1M.
Greenville City Council Dedicated $4.5M with the Projections of a Total of $10M this Year.
Greenville County Council Dedicated Another $2.5M to Affordable Housing this Year.
Investment Drive Updates
Thank you to everyone who attended our Celebration and those who have made pledges and investments so far!

Our budget for the individual investments portion is $75,000 and as of today we have had $55,000 pledged, and $43,000 collected. We still have a ways to go to reach our budget so if you have not invested please consider doing so.

We are also still looking for local businesses and corporations to partner with. If you have a connection to a potential corporate investor and partner please reach out to GOAL’s staff.

If you have an unfulfilled pledge or want to support GOAL's work financially you can do so by mailing a check to PO Box 757 Greenville, SC 29602 or through our Paypal link below! GOAL is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Please denote your CONGREGATION on the memo line of checks, or Note of PayPal.
Paypal Investment Here!
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Thank You For Your Commitment To Justice In Our Community!
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Copyright (C) 2024 GOAL Justice. All rights reserved.
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Our mailing address is:
GOAL Justice PO Box 757 Greenville, SC 29602-0757 USA

Home.....Felicia Murrell, from Richard Rohr, Center of Action & Contemplation, daily inspiration.

“Home,” says Glinda the Good, “is a place we all must find, child. It’s not just a place where you eat or sleep. Home is knowing. Knowing your mind, knowing your heart, knowing your courage. If we know ourselves, we’re always home, anywhere.” [3]

This morning I attended the breakfast celebrating 105th Birthday for Phillis Wheatley Community Center with funders and partners, in Greenville. It was a time of reflection, brainstorming on how to support the Center and the relevance of the programs for youth, seniors and everyone in between, historically and now. Everyone can be a philanthropist when you donate whatever fits your pocketbook. It all adds up and we each know we are continuing in supporting a meaningful Center to uplift African America Children and Adults, which in turn elevates economic mobility. Over the span of the 105 years, thousands of lives have been changed in a positive way with memories to be shared. If you would like to support, 864-240-4242 or https://lnkd.in/eiT439hs
Phillis Wheatley Community Center Sign
Donate
philliswheatleysc.org • 1 min read

This morning I attended the breakfast celebrating 105th Birthday for Phillis Wheatley Community Center with funders and partners, in Greenville. It was a time of reflection, brainstorming on how to support the Center and the relevance of the programs for youth, seniors and everyone in between, historically and now. Everyone can be a philanthropist when you donate whatever fits your pocketbook. It all adds up and we each know we are continuing in supporting a meaningful Center to uplift African America Children and Adults, which in turn elevates economic mobility. Over the span of the 105 years, thousands of lives have been changed in a positive way with memories to be shared. If you would like to support, 864-240-4242 or https://lnkd.in/eiT439hs
Phillis Wheatley Community Center Sign
Donate
philliswheatleysc.org • 1 min read

Predatory Lending in SC and how unjust and unfair. We CAN do something this week by writing two emails, THIS WEEK!.It can make a big difference and provide fair lending for so many in our state. Justice...one person at a time.. Forward on to you friends in SC.

See this below on details:

Senator Tom Davis of Beaufort introduced bill S.910 in the Senate to:

Stop the constant loan renewing/churning that many installment lenders use to boost profits;
Stop mailing live checks to people who have not asked for, or applied for a loan; and
Require lenders to do a better job evaluating a borrower's ability to repay
The goal of this bill is not to put lenders out of business, but to prevent them from using certain tactics that keep SC borrowers in an unending cycle of high-cost debt.

We need you to help us reach out to Senators Ross Turner and Karl Allen. We need an onslaught of letters and emails to go to these senators who both serve on the Labor Commerce and Industry (LCI) Committee to encourage them to protect their vulnerable constituents and support S.910.

Here is a link to suggested talking points for Senators Turner and Allen

Letters can be mailed or emailed to them at these addresses:

Karl Allen
108 Lavinia Ave.
Greenville, SC 29601
[email protected]

Ross Turner
P. O. Box 16703
Greenville, SC 29606
[email protected]

We are hopeful that bill S.910 will go to the full LCI committee next week, so please send your messages THIS WEEK!

Feel free to share this information widely - we need these senators to hear from us!

Let me know if you have any questions.

WE CAN DO THIS!!!!!

Susan Stall, Lead Organizer
South Carolina Fair Lending Alliance
SCFairLending.org
(864)430-0637

Thinking of Martin Luther King and celebrations across the country. My hope is we celebrate his life and work every day by loving our neighbors. Let Freedom Ring and Justice for ALL!

Thinking about our Ekklesia GOAL justice network ministry, as we will have soup and cornbread, tonight at our house. We will share how each of us has different life experiences that has formed our faith. I will ask the question, "How does that faith move you to Justice for ALL? Also, will brainstorm how we can invite friends, colleagues and even strangers to join us at our April 15, Nehemiah Action at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Simpsonville. If you are interested, let me know and I will share more information. People Power can change systemic racism...one person at time and collectively. Happy New Year!

GOAL January 2024 Newsletter
We are incredibly thankful for your involvement in your congregation’s Justice Ministry! Because of your commitment to do justice, together we are able to build power and win solutions to create a more just Greenville!
Youth Art Contest
We are pleased to announce our first Emerging Artist Contest for three levels: Grades 3-6, Grades 7-9, and Grades 10-12. We’re seeking the perspectives and insights of young artists who study in Greenville County as to what justice looks like to them. All entries are due by 5:00pm ET Monday, January 22, 2024.

More Info
Join the Housing Fund Committee
Join the 988 Committee
Issue Updates & Meetings
Our Research to Action Process is in full swing. We have already had several issue meetings for both housing and 988, if you would like to hear more about these meetings or join an issue committee please contact us using the green buttons.

Upcoming Issue Meetings:

Affordable and Housing Trust Fund Committee
Guest: Mayor Knox White and Bryan Brown, President/CEO - Greenville Housing Fund
Date: Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Time: 9:30am - 11:30am
Location: Triune Mercy Center
222 Rutherford St

988 Committee
Guest: Senator Bruce Bannister
Date: Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Time: 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Location: State House (more info tbd)

988 Committee
Guest: Deborah Blalock, SC Dept Mental Health
Date: Thursday, February 1st, 2024, 10:30am-12:00pm, 3018 Augusta St

Full Issue Committee Meeting:
January 22nd at Enoree River Association, to discuss previous research visits and/or new information that supports our campaigns.

Network Meeting Report Back: February 26th at Enoree River Association, to finalize our asks and prepare for the Rally/Nehemiah Action.

Rally: March 11th at First Baptist Greenville, to hear the proposed actions in preparation for the Nehemiah Action and build momentum.

Nehemiah Action: April 15th at Bethlehem Baptist, to hold our officials accountable and win solutions.

Celebration: June 17th at Trinity Lutheran Church, to celebrate our victories and kick off our investment drive.

*all events at 6:30pm
Consider Investing, Support GOAL's work, mail a check: PO Box 757 Greenville, SC 29602. GOAL is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit.
Invest Here!

Contact us
Our mailing address is:
GOAL Justice
PO Box 757
Greenville, SC 29602-0757

Carla Jay Harris | The Beginning
Shared with me from Marcie Alvis Walker

“In the tradition of Marcus Aurelius, who wrote these words nearly 2,000 years ago: ‘In the end, what would you gain from everlasting remembrance? Absolutely nothing. So what is left worth living for? Justice in thought, goodness in action, speech that cannot deceive, and a disposition glad of whatever comes.’” (Jess Search; Co-founder, Doc Society)

https://youtu.be/U8-O4BWnRbU, shared with my from Marcie Alvis-Walker. Slow down, take time and be prepared to be filled with the spirt of Christmas after watching this video!

'Twas The Night- A Holiday Celebration An HBO Christmas Special.

Richard Rohr and the Center for Action and Contemplation:

Liberation theology shows that spirituality and action are connected from the very beginning and can never be separated. Some people set out to act first, and their inner experience is given to them on the journey itself. Others have an inner experience that then leads them into action. It does not matter on which side you begin, but eventually action and spirituality must meet and feed one another. When prayer is authentic, it will always lead to actions of mercy; when actions of mercy are attempted at any depth, they will always drive you to prayer.

GOAL and Ekkesia are gearing up for our 2023-2024 listening sessions, in September to learn about what community injustices we want to bring before our city and county leaders.

Faith-Centered Juneteenth Celebration Planned for June 19

GREENVILLE, S.C. On Monday, June 19, a Juneteenth Celebration for the entire community will take place at the historic Mattoon Presbyterian Church located at 415 Hampton Avenue. The theme of this year’s Juneteenth Celebration is: “When I Liberate Myself, I Help Liberate Others…” These words are taken from the Civil Rights champion, Freedom fighter and Womanist warrior Fannie Lou Hamer.

This family friendly event welcomes all to attend. Performances will include the rhythms of the African Drum Circle of Poe Mill Achievement Center (PMAC), gospel messaging and music from the Sounds of Destiny Choir of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, freedom songs provided by TJ Edwards and Jazzy Trinity Band, verse from Upstate Spoken Word artist Disember Rose, and the sounds of Negro Spirituals, Minister Michael Frayer.

A bouncy house, face painting, a storyteller along with arts and crafts for children will also be available throughout the event. Food trucks will be available.

The day's celebration will culminate with Courageous Conversationz©, a two-hour facilitated dialogue and discussion about race and racism coordinated by the Speaking Down Barriers Team, whose mission is, “Equity for All.” Last year’s powerful dialogue and discussion began with a question: When did you become race conscious? This year’s discussion will go deeper and explore: What is Liberation? How do I Liberate myself? What does Community Liberation look like and How can I help?

“We’re excited to acknowledge and embrace the history of the ancestors together with the beloved community through our Juneteenth Celebration,” said Rev. Dr. Lerone Wilder of Mattoon Presbyterian Church. “The vision and values of the ancestors align with those of Mattoon of educating, empowering, engaging and equipping the beloved community in meaningful conversationz to end systemic racism in Greenville.”

Mattoon Presbyterian Church Juneteenth Celebration 2023
The event is free of charge to attend. Donations to historic Mattoon Presbyterian Church will be accepted. For more information, visit

Juneteenth Celebration The theme of this year’s Juneteenth Celebration is: “When I Liberate Myself, I Help Liberate Others…”

Faith-Centered Juneteenth Celebration Planned for June 19

GREENVILLE, S.C. On Monday, June 19, a Juneteenth Celebration for the entire community will take place at the historic Mattoon Presbyterian Church located at 415 Hampton Avenue. The theme of this year’s Juneteenth Celebration is: “When I Liberate Myself, I Help Liberate Others…” These words are taken from the Civil Rights champion, Freedom fighter and Womanist warrior Fannie Lou Hamer.

This family friendly event welcomes all to attend. Performances will include the rhythms of the African Drum Circle of Poe Mill Achievement Center (PMAC), gospel messaging and music from the Sounds of Destiny Choir of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, freedom songs provided by TJ Edwards and Jazzy Trinity Band, verse from Upstate Spoken Word artist Disember Rose, and the sounds of Negro Spirituals, Minister Michael Frayer.

A bouncy house, face painting, a storyteller along with arts and crafts for children will also be available throughout the event. Food trucks will be available.

The day's celebration will culminate with Courageous Conversationz©, a two-hour facilitated dialogue and discussion about race and racism coordinated by the Speaking Down Barriers Team, whose mission is, “Equity for All.” Last year’s powerful dialogue and discussion began with a question: When did you become race conscious? This year’s discussion will go deeper and explore: What is Liberation? How do I Liberate myself? What does Community Liberation look like and How can I help?

“We’re excited to acknowledge and embrace the history of the ancestors together with the beloved community through our Juneteenth Celebration,” said Rev. Dr. Lerone Wilder of Mattoon Presbyterian Church. “The vision and values of the ancestors align with those of Mattoon of educating, empowering, engaging and equipping the beloved community in meaningful conversationz to end systemic racism in Greenville.”

Mattoon Presbyterian Church Juneteenth Celebration 2023
The event is free of charge to attend. Donations to historic Mattoon Presbyterian Church will be accepted. For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/juneteenth-celebration-tickets-640738695687.

Juneteenth Celebration The theme of this year’s Juneteenth Celebration is: “When I Liberate Myself, I Help Liberate Others…”

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/juneteenth-celebration-tickets-640738695687.

Unifying Hearts, an Ekklesia outreach, is a network justice ministry part of GOAL, Greenville Organized for Accountable Leadership. This is a network of faith-based congregations who are culturally, economically, geographically and religiously diverse coming together to make the Greenville area a more just place to live, work, and do business.

We are in our first steps towards doing justice in Greenville with our network consisting of 5 from Ekklesia and 3 from our community. Nov 7, we had 19 congregations, 450 people in attendance overall, with 438 network members, who casted a vote as to what 2 problems we want to address. The 2 problems chosen: Housing and Mental Health. Ekklesia casted 7 votes to the mental health problem. If you feel the Holy Spirit moving you to join with us on justice issues, please contact me. We can only do this meaningful and important work with people power and that is one person at a time.
Know we need your commitment to attend the Nehemiah Action!

January 19, 2023- Ekklesia network meeting, soup and cornbread & fellowship at Tracey and Jim’s

Rally-Thursday, March 9, 2023-All network members from all congregations come together to hear reports from action committees.

Tuesday, March 28, 2023-Nehemiah Action-First Baptist Church, GVL, All network members bring 3 freinds, colleagues, neighbors, to build our numbers so we can powerfully push for commitments to specific solutions to our community problems.
Tuesday, May 16-Justice Ministry Celebration-Trinity Lutheran Church, Clergy, team leaders, network members, come together to celebrate victories and strides made at the Nehemiah Action!

Happy Thanksgiving,

Blessings,
Tracey Mulvaney, Cultivator of Joy
Unifying Hearts GVL
Pay attention.
Be Astonished.
Tell somebody.
864.991.5152
[email protected]

https://ekklesialove.com

My friend, Rev. Ronald Smith is on the planning committee for Mattoon’s Juneteenth Celebration on June 20th @ 5:45 pm. Mulvaney and I are going. I hope you will join us in celebrating our African-American culture and the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. We will be reminded of the powerful music, poetry, and food this culture has brought to all, over the years.

Please register: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../juneteenth-celebration...

Unifying Hearts will have a vendor table at Rotary's Peace, Conflict Resolution Conference, May 12. Look forward to meeting like minded people who support racial and social justice in Greenville, SC.

Life is so much better when we discover gifts we all have.

Ms Dot’s Biscuits, Order Form Name___________________________________________ Address_________________________________________
E-Mail__________________________________________ Phone Number_________________________

Buttermilk Biscuits-$15/Dozen
Cheese Biscuits-$20/Dozen
Speciality Biscuits: $25/Dozen
Blueberry Supreme Biscuits
Cinnamon & Brown Sugar Biscuits
White Chocolate Strawberry Heart Biscuits-$30/dozen

Delivered Frozen, Bake At Your Leisure!
I will deliver
Call or text for orders 864-918-1571 Cash App address: $chasingmedown Or Cash or
Check to: Dot Russell

PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Momma said, “Never Forget to say, Thank You!”

It was a Biscuit Wedding and a Biblical Biscuit Bash!

Dot’s celebration of her gift of making biscuits was mouthwatering with tasting buttermilk, cheese and white chocolate strawberry biscuits. Dot felt loved, valued and motivated as she presented her ideas, listened and learned from our panel of experts.

Dot’s celebration of her gift of making biscuits was mouthwatering with tasting buttermilk, cheese, and white chocolate strawberry biscuits. Dot felt loved, valued, and motivated as she presented her ideas, listened, and learned from our panel of experts.

Consider ordering biscuits for meetings, parties, friends, and family. Please feel free to forward on to your contacts.
Here is the zoom recording:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/2Upga1ZYc4kqn8LtHiftS43-EOajS-hb8jrDQ7w91ioQvTvgDy6NAmRoN4YidJUV.dfKWbuM0OqMN1Jy

Video Conferencing, Cloud Phone, Webinars, Chat, Virtual Events | Zoom Zoom's secure, reliable video platform powers all of your communication needs, including meetings, chat, phone, webinars, and online events.

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