CAJE Celebrates
Congregations Acting for Justice and Empowerment hosted its annual Justice Ministry Celebration on June 8 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Evansville. CAJE is a group of 18 local Christian congregations (including several Catholic parishes) that focuses on social justice issues in the community. The group formed in 2003.
At the celebration, CAJE members remembered and honored the group’s accomplishments throughout the past year. Linda Henzman, CAJE co-chair and member of Central United Methodist Church, said of the evening, “We want to remind folks that all the work we do is worth it.”
However, Rev. Larry Rascoe, pastor at Nazarene Baptist Church, added, “This celebration is two-fold.” It also served as the kickoff for this year’s membership drive and fund drive.
Father Ed Schnur, CAJE co-chair and pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Poseyville and St. Wendel Parish in St. Wendel, began the evening by stating, “Tonight we’re gathered to celebrate our victories, and we have many to celebrate.” He then led the crowd in prayer before dinner was served.
After a song from the Nazarene Baptist Church choir, Rev. Rascoe reviewed CAJE’s recent projects, including working with local law enforcement to make Narcan, an antidote for opiate overdoses, available to officers. The group has also been working for several other causes, including making dental care affordable through a referral system.
Rev. Rascoe also reminded those gathered that “ministry doesn’t end”—that CAJE members must continually work to expand and maintain these changes. “There’s more to it than a yes,” he said.
After Rev. Rascoe’s speech, Henzman called the crowd to action, challenging those in attendance to introduce more members of the community to the group’s causes.
After a short reflection led by Tashedah Adams of Mount Olive of Galilee, various CAJE members shared anecdotes that illustrated why they are invested in the organization, from encountering a young man who sleeps in a car to talking with a woman who remains in an abusive relationship because of financial hardships. Some members also presented the organization with checks.
After hearing various community members’ stories, those in attendance separated according to their congregations and collected donations, presenting them later in the evening. Altogether, members collected $19,742 that evening and pledged a total of more than $31,000.
Father Jay Davidson, pastor at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, then presented the “Nehemiah Cup” award to the congregation that correctly answered the most questions about the April’s Nehemiah Action. He presented the trophy to St. Lucas United Church of Christ.
St. Anthony Parish received an award for having the most congregation members in attendance at the Nehemiah Action.
Rev. Marvin Barner of Mount Olive of Galilee closed the evening by reminding the crowd to celebrate their victories, but also to remain focused on what lies ahead for the organization.
