Search
3 items
-
Profile: John Hill
John Hill is a member of the General Board of Church and Society (GBSC) for The United Methodist Church. His work there includes overseeing their advocacy and organizing department. He also directs the economic and environmental justice program work. Having previously worked as a lobbyist in the private sector, John soon realized the difficulty of integrating faith into his occupation. Since joining The United Methodist Church in 2002, John enjoys the opportunities he has to work with individuals in ways that allow them to integrate faith more fully into their daily lives.
One example of John's passion projects, building a green roof for the United Methodist agency, can be found here https://www.umc.org/en/content/green-roof-reflects-united-methodist-care-for-earth. John discusses how this type of project is a way to show the organization's faith in action, serving as environmental stewards that can be seen by many throughout the D.C. area. In addition, their administration has switched to 100 percent renewable energy and installed water bottle fillers to reduce waste. -
Engaged Organization: United Methodist Women
Over the years, the United Methodist Women organization has grown to become the largest denominational faith organization for women. Maintaining a membership of approximately 800,000, these women have a mission of fostering spiritual growth and developing leaders, while also advocating for justice. They have excelled at fundraising, raising approximately $20 million each year to go to programs and projects related to women, children and youth in the United States and also in more than 100 countries around the world.
Some examples of resources from their website includes tools to aid in sustainable living and advocacy in a theological way, a carbon footprint calculator, articles on climate justice, and a simulation experience to better understand environmentally downgraded communities. The following section from their website provides an overview of their principles and values in action:
"United Methodist Women and The United Methodist Church's principles and values include:
Promoting the empowerment of women, children and youth.
Promoting anti-racism and multiculturalism.
Promoting inclusion and equity.
Promoting fair labor practices.
Promoting economic and environmental stewardship and sustainability." -
United Methodist Agency Green Roof
John Hill, from the Board of Church and Society at the United Methodist Agency, narrates the video below about their recent green roof addition. The series of squares used covers the entire area of the flat roof, reducing energy consumption, making the building cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. In addition, and equally important, it reduces storm water runoff. When it rains, the water remains in the roof rather than adding pollutants into the nearby watershed, which feeds into the Chesapeake Bay.