At Judson, our mission has always been to reimagine what church can be, to transform it into a place where everyone truly belongs, and to radiate the promise of Radical Hope in a world too often drowning in despair. We believe that a church is much more than just a building — it can be a safe haven where the word “sanctuary” is actively embodied, a landing place that refuels the spirit and challenges the status quo, and a launchpad that sends souls into the world refreshed and renewed for the important work we are all called to do.
Rooted in a deep commitment to expansive spirituality, social justice, and unfettered creative expression, Judson offers abundant alternatives to resurgent authoritarianism, Christian Nationalism, and all of the threats to democracy and diversity we all currently face. Through our unwavering support for marginalized voices, our unending hospitality, and our fearless advocacy for human rights, we are co-creating a vision of something far more transformational than can be found in our numbing news feeds. And you are an integral part of this vision. You are Judson.
As we look ahead, one year into Senior Minister Micah Bucey’s tenure, one year into the next phase of our future, we remain increasingly committed to expanding our vision. And we need you. Every pledge you make is an act of faith in this work of Radical Hope. It is a belief that we are building a church that not only welcomes everyone but also empowers each person to contribute to the greater good. Your support allows us to continue pushing our own boundaries and redefining what church can be for generations to come.
Here are just a few ways you, as Judson have inspired Radical Hope this past year:
Radical Hope through Creativity
For more than 15 years, Judson Arts Wednesdays has been a weekly beacon of creativity and community, where strangers become friends over a shared meal and a thought-provoking performance. This year, we deepened our commitment to Radical Hope, most notably by partnering with artists Malcomx Betts and Arien Wilkerson to present Black Aesthetics, a groundbreaking series featuring dozens of Black queer luminaries and nurturing connection in an industry that too often corners artists into false siloes of scarcity and competition. The program will continue into 2025 and we can’t wait to show you what’s next.
Radical Hope through Collective Care & Accountability
Whether it's through our weekly respite center for newly arrived migrants, our weekly hosting of Black Trans Liberation Kitchen, our ongoing antiracist and decolonizing work through our growing Sacred Reckonings cohort, our joyous conversations at our Queer Spirit gatherings, our heart-enriching tri-weekly Prayer and Meditation Circle, or many of the other small groups that both comfort and challenge us, Judson has a place for anyone seeking ways to plug in and activate.
Radical Hope through Community Organizing
Through our congregational task forces and our ongoing partnerships with organizations like GreenFaith, Interfaith Center of New York, Mi Tlalli, Washington Square Park Mutual Aid, Middle Collegiate Church, Restoration Temple Ministries, Lab/Shul, The Church of the Least of These, Cetiliztli Nauhcampa, and many, many other radically engaged communities, we are listening, learning, and leaping into the interdependent work that will lead to a liberated future for all.
Radical Hope across Distance We continue to embrace more ways to ensure that belonging at Judson knows no bounds. From integrating our online community into our hybrid Sunday services to live-streaming Judson Arts Wednesdays events, we are exponentially expanding accessibility, so that all can connect, no matter where you are.
This year, we invite you to support this vision of Radical Hope by pledging your recurring gift. You can set up a monthly, quarterly, or annual contribution at judson.org/pledge. Your pledge not only sustains our current ministries but also fuels our ability to dream more imaginatively, create more boldly, and hope more radically.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are changing what church can be.
In Gratitude and, of course, Radical Hope,
The Judson Pledge Campaign Team – Matthew Nelson, Andrew Moore, and Elæ Moss
