Best Metropolitan Congregations United Podcasts (2024)

1
We Are MCu - Fran Collier 26:26

1+ y ago26:26

26:26

The results of MCU organizing have directly benefitted Fran Collier's family. She has a passion for service and justice that gives her the strength to speak up boldly even when it's hard to. Your passion also has a place at MCU. Call 314-367-3484 or email office@mcustl.com to join the work. Or go to mcustlouis.org/give/ to support MCU.…

1
We Are MCU - Terry Knies 26:35

1+ y ago26:35

26:35

For Terry Knies, MCU is where he lives out his family's tradition of faith, activism, and service. As a son and grandson of union organizers, Terry has found his voice through the MCU Legislative Task Force by being an advocate in Jefferson City at the State Capitol. Your passion also has a place at MCU. Call 314-367-3484 or email office@mcustl.com…

1
Look Up And Live 1:36:52

1+ y ago1:36:52

1:36:52

On October 9th, MCU hosted a public meeting at Centennial Christian Church in the Fountain Park neighborhood in the city of St. Louis. The theme of the meeting was Look Up And Live Thirteen elected officials, candidates, or their representatives were in attendance at our public meeting to first listen to the stories of people from communities impac…

1
Fall 2022 Voter Engagement 34:12

1+ y ago34:12

34:12

It's election season and we talk with DeMarco Davidson and Latrell Stanton about how MCU is engaging voters before Nov. 8th. Join Metropolitan Congregregations United at these two important events with candidates and elected officials. Justice is on the ballot. October 9th - Look Up and Live Public Meeting. Register at bit.ly/MCULookUpLive October …

1
2022 Missouri Legislative Special Session 43:29

1+ y ago43:29

43:29

Gov. Parson has called for a special session of the Missouri legislature in order to pass tax credits and cuts. But what is the impact on Missouri's already underfunded education, health care, and social service sectors? We talk with State Rep. Ashley Bland Manlove, Traci Gleason of the Missouri Budget Project, and J-Mo from Metropolitan Congregati…

1
Powerfully Engaging with Boards and Commissions 32:27

1+ y ago32:27

32:27

MCU needs you. Join us in insisting that local school boards go above and beyond to get the lead out of school drinking water. But how do we do that? J-MO, Organizer and Lead Campaign Strategist for MCU, tells us about the upcoming training on how to "Powerfully Engage with Boards and Commissions." The event will be on Thursday, September 8, over Z…

1
Air Permitting Reform 26:10

1+ y ago26:10

26:10

MCU along with the Sierra Club are demanding that the Missouri Department of Natural Resources reform the state's air permit process, allowing more transparency, more opportunity for community input, and taking into account the cumulative impact on the community. We talk with Catherine Le, an intern with the MCU Environmental Justice Task Force, an…

1
Changes to Missouri Voting Laws 45:07

2y ago45:07

45:07

What ID will you need the next time you vote? How do you obtain the necessary ID? What has changed with absentee voting? What are the changes to registering voters? We talk over all of these things with Denise Lieberman, Denise Lieberman, the Director & General Counsel at Missouri Voter Protection Coalition. Important links for voting: MO Secretary…

1
2022 Air Quality Rally Highlights 49:32

2y ago49:32

49:32

Listen back to highlights from the 2022 Air Quality Rally. The program was hosted by Miles Brenton and you will hear from Rev. Kevin Anthony, DeAndress Green, Mamie Cosey, Rajiv Ravulapati, Dale Wojtkowski, Zach Chike, and Fr. Michler. Sponsors included Metropolitan Congregations United, United Congregations of Metro East, the Sierra Club, the Natu…

1
2022 Air Quality Rally and Evironmental Justice Update 27:30

2y ago27:30

27:30

BECAUSE OF THE EXTREME HEAT CAUSED BY CLIMATE CHANGE, THE AIR QUALITY RALLY ON JULY 23rd HAS BEEN CHANGED TO A VIRTUAL EVENT. YOU MAY STILL REGISTER AT THE LINK BELOW. Sister Dolores Sanchez and Adrian Stillman, of the MCU Environmental Task Force, talk about the March for Air Quality on July 23rd, air quality monitoring stations at area churches, …

1
Legislative Update June 2022 - Part 2 29:42

2y ago29:42

29:42

This is Part 1 of our legislative update, reviewing the just completed Missouri Legislature general session. J-MO, Organizer and Lead Campaign Strategist for MCU, and Allyn Harris Dault, of the MCU Legislative Task Force, the ups and downs of this spring, including voting rights, nurseries for new mothers who are incarcerated, public school funding…

1
Legislative Update June 2022 - Part 1 33:38

2y ago33:38

33:38

This is Part 1 of our legislative update, reviewing the just completed Missouri Legislature general session. J-MO, Organizer and Lead Campaign Strategist for MCU, and Allyn Harris Dault, of the MCU Legislative Task Force, the ups and downs of this spring, including removing lead from school drinking water, protecting the initiative petition process…

1
"Dancing In The Streets" Highlights 37:48

2y ago37:48

37:48

Did you miss the MCU gala 'Dancing In The Streets"? Listen to powerful testimonies from Bethany Johnson-Javois, President & CEO of Deaconess Foundation, Barbara Johnson, MCU board member and organizer, Rev. Dr. Wendy Bruner, MCU Board President, DeMarco Davidson, MCU Sacred Votes Lead Organizer, Sarah Rose, MCU Treasurer, and Fran Collier, MCU orga…

1
Housing & Environmental Justice Update - May 2022 29:12

2y ago29:12

29:12

Tenants are joining together to protest poor living conditions in their apartments. Congregations are tracking the air quality in their neighborhoods. MCU organizers Myisha Johnson and Beth Gutzler bring us up to date on all of the action from the Housing and Environmental Justice Task forces. Join MCU for the Housing Task Force Kick Off Event, May…

1
Why We Dance 35:04

2y ago35:04

35:04

You and your congregation are invited to "Dancing in the Streets" on May 19th, the 2022 MCU fundraising gala, featuring dinner, dancing, organizing, fundraising, and community building. In this episode, hear what MCU means to our organizers as we work to create a better life for all residents of the St. Louis region. You can support these powerful …

1
Recap Part 2 of the Marilyn Stavenger Symposium 26:44

2y ago26:44

26:44

Listen to another presentation from the 2022 Marilyn Stavenger Social Justice Symposium. Denise Lieberman, Director & General Counsel at Missouri Voter Protection Coalition describes the struggle for voting rights in the United States and in Missouri and the current threats to voting rights in bills before the state legislature. Learn more about th…

1
Recap Part 1 of the Marilyn Stavenger Symposium 29:13

2y ago29:13

29:13

Listen to presentations from the 2022 Marilyn Stavenger Social Justice Symposium. Through the Psalms, Dr. Clint McCann, Evangelical Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Eden Seminary, shows how the work for justice is the desire of God. And Bethany Johnson-Javois, the President and CEO of the Deaconess Foundation, challenges participants to unde…

1
Memphis Get Out the Vote 25:46

2y ago25:46

25:46

MCU and other members of the national Gamaliel Network will be meeting in Memphis, TN, April 21-24, for a Get Out The Vote canvassing event ahead of the Tenessee primaries. MCU Executive Director, David Gerth, and MCU Sacred Votes Organizer, DeMarco Davidson tell us how the issues in Memphis are similar to issues in St. Louis. The weekend promises …

1
Preview of the 2022 Marilyn Stavenger Social Justice Symposium 36:31

2y ago36:31

36:31

Join MCU, Peace United Church of Christ, and Eden seminary for the 2022 Marilyn Stavenger Social Justice Symposium. Register at www.eden.edu/events/marilyn-stavenger-justice-symposium We talk with MCU Board President, Rev. Wendy Bruner about the program and Julie Burchett of Churches Together for Justice of Webster Groves about activities related t…

1
Legislative Update Feb. 2022 - Part 2 35:03

2y ago35:03

35:03

The Missouri legislative session is in full swing and today we talk about the attempts by the legislature to stifle the teaching of historical truth in classrooms and the attempt to change the initiative petition process. Our guests are J-MO, Organizer & Lead Campaign Strategist for MCU, and Allyn Harris Dault, a leader with the MCU Legislative Tas…

1
Legislative Update Feb. 2022 - Part 1 31:54

2+ y ago31:54

31:54

The Missouri legislative session is in full swing and today we talk about MCU-backed bills to remove lead from school drinking water and expand expungement access for the formerly incarcerated. We also take a look at redistricting fights and the attempt to roll back Medicaid expansion. Our guests are J-MO, Organizer & Lead Campaign Strategist for M…

1
Relational Voter Program 32:10

2+ y ago32:10

32:10

People we know and trust are our biggest influences when making decisions, including voting decisions. DeMarco Davidson, the Lead Organizer for the MCU Sacred Votes campaign, describes how this natural trust can be harnessed to create a more active and informed voting public.By Metropolitan Congregations United

1
Housing Justice 35:37

2+ y ago35:37

35:37

Affordable, stable, and safe housing creates stability with work, school, health, and wellbeing. But if housing is expensive, inconsistent, or dangerous, families are uprooted, children suffer, and quality of life declines. Myisha Johnson is MCU's new Housing Justice Organizer. We talk about the importance of a Tenant's Bill of Rights, the lack of …

1
2021 Recap - Part 3 26:57

2+ y ago26:57

26:57

Take a listen to highlights of This is What Democracy Sounds Like from May through August of 2021. Guests include Rev. Susan Sneed, Jim Sahaida, Sean Hadley, LaTrisha Gandy, Rev. Bethany Johnson Javois, Richard Van Glahn, Sidney D. Watson, Dr. Charlotte Ijei, and Barabara Johnson. If you are ready to join us in the work for justice in the St. Louis…

1
2021 Recap - Part 2 26:59

2+ y ago26:59

26:59

Take a listen to highlights of This is What Democracy Sounds Like from March and April of 2021. Guests include Karmahn Leach, LaTrisha Gandy, DeMarco Davidson, Rev. Dr. Cassandra Gould, Sister Dolores Sanchez, Beth Gutzler, and Emiline Giles. If you are ready to join us in the work for justice in the St. Louis area, contact us at 314-367-3484 or of…

1
2021 Recap - Part 1 26:55

2+ y ago26:55

26:55

Take a listen to highlights of This is What Democracy Sounds Like from January and February of 2021. Guests include Israel Collier, Joshua Saleem, Latrell Stanton, Rev. Darryl Gray, Rev. Jon Stratton, and Richard von Glahn. If you are ready to join us in the work for justice in the St. Louis area, contact us at 314-367-3484 or office@mcustl.com You…

1
2021 Metropolitan Congregations United Issues Summit 52:24

2+ y ago52:24

52:24

Over 20 MCU Congregations met with their elected representatives in the past six months, including city, county, and state officials. Hear the concerns congregations brought forward and hear what these elected leaders are focused on. Also, learn how MCU will turn these meetings into action through relational voter outreach in the 2022 election seas…

1
We are MCU - Thomas Payton 28:41

2+ y ago28:41

28:41

Meet Thomas Payton, a life-long St. Louisan. He is driven by the desire that his children and grandchildren do not face the racism that he has faced. And for Thomas, love for others and love for justice are the core of following the way of Jesus. Your passion also has a place at MCU. Call 314-367-3484 or email office@mcustl.com to join the work. Or…

1
We Are MCU - Allyn Harris Dault 30:19

2+ y ago30:19

30:19

For Allyn Harris Dault, participation with MCU has been an opportunity for spiritual and relational growth through vulnerability. Allyn is a member of the Metropolitan Congregations United legislative task force and believes politics is an opportunity for people of faith to step forward to express their values. Your passion also has a place at MCU.…

1
We are MCU - Marge & John Asbury 26:51

2+ y ago26:51

26:51

Meet Marge and John Asbury who have a lifetime of commitment to children and families. In MCU and its predecessors, they have engaged in police accountability, pay-day loan reform, and Medicaid expansion, just to name a few. All of which are efforts to create a healthier and more just environment for children and families. Your passion also has a p…

1
We Are MCU - Jeanette Mott Oxford 28:15

2+ y ago28:15

28:15

Meet Jeanette Mott Oxford, Organizer & Lead Campaign Strategist for MCU. Organizing for justice has been in her blood for a long time. Raised in a small town in southeast Illinois and lead by her Christian faith, Jeanette has taken her passion for working for the people to the statehouse in Jefferson City. Now we are blessed to have her knowledge a…

1
We Are MCU - Barbara Johnson 31:44

2+ y ago31:44

31:44

Meet Barbara Johnson, an organizer with the Metropolitan Congregations United Education Task Force. She has a lifelong passion for the well-being of children, mothers, and families. That passion inspires her to fight against racism and poverty threaten the safety and opportunities for kids and families. Your passion also has a place at MCU. Call 31…

1
Organizing Through Meetings and Cavasing 41:56

2+ y ago41:56

41:56

Public meetings, in-district meetings, and canvassing are all tools that MCU is using to organize and increase voter and citizen participation. We talk with LaTrisha Gandy, an organizer with MCU’s Juvenile Justice Task Force, and Jeanette Mott Oxford, Organizer & Lead Campaign Strategist for MCU to talk about these tools Plus, learn how your congre…

1
New Hope for Bobby Bostic 26:56

2+ y ago26:56

26:56

In the late 1990s, Bobby Bostic was sentenced on multiple counts to be served consecutively, adding up to 241 years - effectively a life sentence without parole. BUT NOW - because of a new Missouri law, Bobby has a chance at freedom through a parole hearing set for November. Listen again to our conversation with Israel Collier about Bobby's story. …

1
Community Building In Jennings, Missouri 29:30

2+ y ago29:30

29:30

On October 2, MCU will host a public meeting at New Northside Church in Jennings, Missouri, where the community and the neighborhood clergy will present their concerns to the City Council. This meeting is part of a broader effort through MCU and the Jennings Clergy Coalition to break the school-to-prison pipeline in the community. In this program, …

1
Environmental Justice Update September 2021 31:44

2+ y ago31:44

31:44

The MCU Environmental Justice Taskforce will deploy air quality monitors in impacted communities in partnership with local congregations. These will give local organizers the data to push for air quality improvements in neighborhoods where kids are most vulnerable. We talk with Beth Gutzler and Mayisha Johnson of the MCU Environmental Taskforce abo…

1
Teaching Truth, Equity, and Justice in Our Schools 58:25

3y ago58:25

58:25

There is a push to make it illegal for public schools to teach the truth about American history and prevent schools from creating equitable and just spaces for children. We talk with educators about the necessity for teaching justice and equity in schools and how they work to create environments where it happens. We also talk about the politicizati…

1
Medicaid Expansion Court Decision 28:56

3y ago28:56

28:56

On July 22, The Missouri Supreme Court ruled that the voter-approved expansion of Medicaid is legal and Constitutional. But where do things stand now? When can Missourians begin to enroll? Is there enough money? What role do the Governor and the Legislature have to play? Could expansion be delayed again? We talk with Sidney D. Watson of the Center …

1
2021 Legislative Task Force Public Meeting 54:17

3y ago54:17

54:17

On July 7th the MCU Legislative Task Force held a public meeting over Zoom to run down issues addressed this past spring in Jefferson City, learn how those issues directly impact real people, and to talk about how we as citizens can join together to take action.By Metropolitan Congregations United

1
Air Quality Rally 33:33

3y ago33:33

33:33

On July 24th join MCU and United Congregations of Metro East for an Air Quality Rally at the McKinley Bridge. The day starts at 9 AM at the McKinley Bridge Roadside Park in Venice, IL. To let us know the details and why the event is being held, we talk with Sister Dolores Sanchez, Environmental Justice Organizer for MCU and Kentaro Kumanomido, Digi…

1
Senate Bils 53 & 60 38:15

3y ago38:15

38:15

Funding for Raise the Age, improvements for the expungement process, outlawing choke holds, tracking of use of force by police, new requirements for hiring officers, and reporting bad officers. Did you know all of these things passed this past legislative session in Missouri? We talk with State Senator Brian Williams about the measures he sponsored…

1
Juneteenth Celebration 36:37

3y ago36:37

36:37

On June 19th Join us in Jennings for a day of Juneteenth celebration and action. Click the link below to register. In this program, MCU organizer LaTrisha Gandy and Associate Pastor Bethany Johnson-Javois give a preview of the day's events and the long-term commitment to building power and relationships in Jennings. The day starts at 9 AM at Monume…

1
Environmental Justice Public Meeting - Part 2 27:04

3y ago27:04

27:04

A continuation from MCU’s recent Environmental Justice Public Meeting. This program took place on April 29th over Zoom. This program is lead by Sister Dolores Sanchez, and Beth Gutzler, lead environmental justice organizers for MCU, Kentaro Kumanomido the Digital & Environmental Justice Community Organizer of United Congregations of Metro East, and…

1
Environmental Justice Public Meeting 27:26

3y ago27:26

27:26

This program features excerpts from the MCU Environmental Justice Public Meeting from April 29th. You will hear from Emmiline Giles, the lead environmental justice organizer with MCU, Rev. Kevin D. Anthony a leader on the MCU environment justice task force, Leah Clyburn the Beyond Coal Senior Organizer with the Sierra Club Missouri Chapter, Kentaro…

1
Community Benefit Agreement with MSD 37:08

3y ago37:08

37:08

In 2013, MCU joined with several other community organizations dedicated to racial equity in the workplace and signed a historic community benefits agreement or CBA with the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District or MSD. Learn how this agreement, centered around a decades-long infrastructure project, guaranteed work to minority and women-owned busin…

1
Defending Medicaid Expansion 27:05

3y ago27:05

27:05

In August of 2020, Missouri voters approved an amendment to the state constitution to expand Medicaid coverage to an additional 230,000 Missourians who lack health insurance. The Missouri legislature is ignoring the will of the voters and refusing to fund Medicaid expansion. We talk about the excuses given by our elected officials and how hard-work…

1
Environmental Justice Organizing 37:40

3y ago37:40

37:40

Environmental Justice is a large systemic issue that requires long-term, purposeful community work. MCU Environmental Justice organizers Emmaline Giles, Beth Gutzler, and Sister Dolores Sanchez talk about the power available when affected people organize to fight for a healthy environment where they live, work, and play. Read more about environment…

1
Mothering the Earth Symposium 45:09

3y ago45:09

45:09

What is environmental racism and how does it impact our communities? This is one of the questions that will be addressed at the Mothering the Earth Symposium on May 1. In this episode, we preview that topic with symposium speaker, Rev. Dr. Cassandra Gould of Missouri Fath Voices and Rev. Wendy Bruner, Pastor of Peace UCC and Board President of MCU.…

1
2021 Missouri Legislative Roundup 26:18

3y ago26:18

26:18

Raise the Age funding, Medicaid expansion, the right to protest, and expungement expansion - all of these issues are currently being decided in the Missouri legislature, and all of them will directly impact vulnerable Missourians and our ability to fight for them. We replay recent interviews we've had with those close to these issues. Now is the ti…

1
Senate Bill 61 - Expungement Expansion 47:45

3y ago47:45

47:45

Men and women who have been convicted of a crime and have severed their sentences, including probation and parole, are still burdened with perpetual punishment. No matter how long ago, a past conviction can prevent a person from being hired, finding employment, or obtaining loans. Expungement removes this obstacle, but it applies to a limited numbe…

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