Faith & Blue: Uniting Church, Police and Community

The Symbol of Cooperative UnderstandingPhoto byFaith & Blue Initiative

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA. Faith & Blue was inaugurated in 2020 by Movement Forward, Inc., working in cooperation with the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) at the U.S. Department of Justice. The idea was a simple but powerful one — the ties that bind police officers and residents must be reinforced if we are to build and maintain neighborhoods where everyone feels safe, secure and included.

Faith-based organizations are key to building these bonds because they are not only the largest community resource in the nation, with 65 million participants in weekly events, but because they are as diverse as our nation. Moreover, they speak to Americans shared conviction that we are our brothers and sisters keepers.

Stone Mountain Village Police Chief James R. Westerfield, Jr.Photo byStone Mountain Village

The Faith & Blue initiative resonates deeply within communities like Stone Mountain Village. This inclusive program is highly compatible with local community values and needs and stands as a powerful force within the Village. With its comprehensive approach, this nationwide program recognizes the unique values and demands of local residents, fostering a sense of inclusivity and understanding that can bridge gaps and promote unity.

The churches of historic Stone Mountain Village are joining with the Stone Mountain Police Department to sponsor three joint Faith & Blue activities. Beginning Saturday, October 7 from 9:00 AM until noon, volunteers will be working at the Community Garden which supplies fresh vegetables to the Stone Mountain Community Co-Op. Volunteers will weed, mulch, and gather. Everyone is welcome including children. (Bring garden gloves and small garden hand tools.)

From 11:00 AM-3:00 PM at the VFW field adjacent to the Community Garden, the Stone Mountain Police Department, the City of Stone Mountain, and the churches of Stone Mountain Village host a FUN FEST for children and adults. There will be a bouncy house, lots of popcorn, hot dogs and cotton candy, plus arts and crafts for children.

The Village Community Garden at VFW Park.Photo byDown South Today

In adition, The Red Cross will provide health information, a voters registration booth will be registering news voters, and The AME church will have a prayer booth.

Rev. Dr. Cynthia Jackson, Pastor of Stone Mountain Methodist, has an impressive background in law enforcement.Photo byStone Mountain First United Methodist Church

Continuing on Monday October 9, food will be distributed at Stone Mountain Methodist Church. Meat and fresh vegetables will be given to anyone who is food insecure. Cars can begin lining up at 2:00 PM in the parking lot of Stone Mountain Methodist Church.

NOTE: VFW Park is located on Gordon Street in Stone Mountain Village behind the Stone Mountain Post Office. Stone Mountain Methodist Church is located on West Mountain Street, one block from Main Street in the Village.

Stone Mountain First United Methodist, "The Village Church."Photo byDown South Today