Dear Middle family,
This afternoon, Rev. Jacqui and I attended the League of Women Voters Awards Luncheon alongside several members of the Voter Reform Group, at the invitation of Claudia, the group’s fearless leader. The luncheon honored Suffs the Musical Tony Award winner Shaina Taub.
As I sit with the overwhelm—and, at times, the immobility—that comes with the state of our country, I was reminded, in a room full of everyday movement participants across generations, to keep marching.
Even though it’s not perfect, keep marching.
Even though it’s messy as hell, keep marching.
Even though we’re not enough of this, or too much of that—keep marching.
We won’t get anywhere without trying.
As a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus, my faith undergirds my resistance. Jesus showed us how to flip tables on empire, how to cry out for justice in the public square, and how to call out the halls of inequity. We learn more about Jesus—and ourselves—when we follow suit.
Here are 5 ways Middle is doing the work of revolutionary justice right now. As the saying goes: get in where you fit in.
See you on the streets,
Rev. Amanda (she/her)
Consulting Minister for Justice and Community Organizing
Upcoming Events for Justice, Community, and Collective Action:
March 26, March 31, or April 2 — Mapping Strengths for Collective Action
Online workshop – choose one date
Feeling stuck? Want to join the movement but protesting or calling representatives isn’t your lane? This hands-on workshop will help you identify your God-given gifts and how to use them for collective action.
Offered three times—attend once.
More info and registration here.
March 27, 7:00 PM — Seneca Village to Central Park: A Conversation
Location: Society for the Advancement of Judaism, 15 W 86th Street, NYC
Historian and preservationist John Reddick shares the story of Seneca Village—a thriving Black community of freed slaves who were evicted and displaced in 1857 to create Central Park.
Come learn this vital history and engage in a live Q&A.
March 31, 7:00 PM — Meeting the Moment Task Force
Want to meet this moment with purpose and people? Join a committed group of Middle folks asking big questions, co-creating strategies, and building a roadmap for justice in response to this administration’s harm.
Information and RSVP here.
April 5, 1:00–3:00 PM — HANDS OFF! National Day of Action
Location: Bryant Park (Corner of 6th Ave & 42nd St), march to Madison Square Park
Trump. Musk. A far-right Congress. They’re gutting services, firing workers, suppressing the truth, and attacking Medicaid, Social Security, civil liberties, education, DEI, voting rights, and LGBTQ rights.
It will take more than marches to change this country’s direction. But every resistance needs a movement—and people of faith willing to pray with their feet.
Middle is joining this national day of action.
Email us to be added to our Signal chat for real-time updates and to connect with Middle folx on the ground.
Not in NYC? Find your local HANDS OFF action here. And let us know where you're marching.
Join Middle's “On the Ground” Signal Chat
Looking to self-organize for protests, rallies, or just stay connected with others showing up in person?
Click here to join the Signal Chat. (You’ll need to download the Signal App first.)
Come Home to Love
Date: Sunday, April 20th
Time: 11:45 AM & 3:00 PM
Location: 50 E. 7th street, New York, NY
After years in the wilderness, we rise from the ashes and return home to East 7th Street. Our journey of grief and resilience, of faith and fire is finally leading us back to our building.
The wait is almost over.
We’re coming home to love on Easter Sunday.
IMPORTANT:
Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early increases your chances of securing a seat inside the Sanctuary. Additional viewing rooms are available throughout the building for worship.
Every guest must register for their own seat.
Your ticket grants you access only to the worship time you select.
Freedom Rising: The Fierce Urgency of Now
Date: October 31–November 2, 2025
Location: 50 E. 7th street, New York, NY & Online
*NOTE NEW DATE*
This election season has revealed the plain truth: Our nation is deeply divided on what it means to be human on the planet in relationship to our neighbors. Is this a democracy? And what must people of faith do to build a more just society, no matter who is holding elected office? At this critical crossroads, people of moral courage and fierce love are called to rise to the challenge that just love demands. Together, we must protect the vulnerable, fight for justice, and commit to healing our nation.
The time to act is NOW!
Join Middle Church and Freedom Rising this fall for The Fierce Urgency of Now, a transformative conference that brings together preachers and poets; activists, and artists; and leaders with spiritual yearnings across disciplines to confront systemic oppression and envision a path forward.
New Dates. New Home. Same Urgency.
We’ve moved the conference to October 31–November 2, 2025, to ensure we gather in our newly rebuilt, post-fire sanctuary and program space. This space will allow us to fully realize the depth and transformative potential of Freedom Rising.
Taking place one year of the 2024 election season, we’ll reflect on the new political landscape, assess the social and cultural challenges ahead, and prepare to respond with faith, fierce love and action. Together, we will rise and show the world what justice-in-action looks like.