Welcome to Do Justice, a semi-monthly newsletter of the Virginia Synod, lifting up God’s call and command that we, God’s people, do justice. You will find helpful info about justice ministries in congregations, around Virginia, and through the ELCA. If you have stories of justice to share from your congregation, please share those with me at bayerderrick@vasynod.org so I can share them with others in the synod!

The Rev. Kelly Bayer Derrick
Assistant to the Bishop

Merciful God, your healing power is everywhere about us. Strengthen those who work among the sick, especially during the COVID19 pandemic; give them courage and confidence in all they do. Encourage them when their efforts seem futile or when death prevails. Increase their trust in your power even to overcome death and pain and crying. May they be thankful for every sign of health you give, and humble before the mystery of your healing grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen. (ELW)

Emergency Food Assistance Program Information for COVID-19

In connection with Governor Northam’s Executive Order 55, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is loosening income eligibility requirements for the Emergency Food Assistance Program to increase access during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Federation of Virginia Food Banks, representing seven regional food banks, is standardizing low- and no-touch distribution, pre-boxed items, and drive-through distribution mechanisms.You can learn more at  vafoodbanks.org .

Anyone in need of social services can call 211 for Virginia’s hotline for information on all social services available. You can find more information at  www.211virginia.org/consumer/index.php

Daily Bread Matching Grants

As part of the ELCA’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ELCA World Hunger is announcing the immediate launch of Daily Bread Matching Grants to support congregational feeding ministries through access to matching grants and an online fundraising platform. Up to 100 Daily Bread Matching Grants are available for ELCA congregations on a first-come, first-served basis. (More grants may be made available.) Apply today to participate.
How it works:

Devotional for Life During COVID-19

Built around “Faith 5”, Pandemic Hope is a Devotional for families that focuses on the new realities we are all living in each day. It provides daily readings and activities for 8 weeks to work along side those who you are isolating alongside. To read and download this devotional, click here.

Census 2020: A Truer and More Accurate Picture of Who We Are

April 1st was National Census Day. Commit to complete your form – but also encourage the community as well! Undercounting is a significant issue among groups which benefoit most form anti-poverty programs and from greater representation in decision-making. “Hard to count” individuals in census experience include persons residing in rural areas, young children, LGBTQIA persons,m people experiencing homelessness, people who do not speak English, indigenous peoples and racial and ethnic minorities.

“An accurate count ensures that resources more justly go where they are needed most. It is also critical for representation I the political process as census information determines electoral maps,” says the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, Director of ELCA Advocacy. Before in-person census takers are scheduled to facilitate this once-every-10-years count, let’s encourage everyone we can to complete the census online, by mail or by phone – accessed at 2020census.gov.