Do Justice: January 9, 2020

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!

On Sunday (January 12), the church commemorates the Baptism of Our Lord. Martin Luther calls us to remember our baptism daily, whenever we wash our face. I give thanks also for the insights of contributors to Luther’s Small Catechism with African Descent Reflections, who remind us that “for us, God revealed in Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit is our helper” in this daily renewal. (p. 59)

“So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Godself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5.17-18)

Engaging people of faith and goodwill to advocate for economic, racial, social and environmental justice in Virginia’s policies and practices through education, prayer and action. To watch the video, click here.

Join the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP) on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at the General Assembly. Join with people from around the Commonwealth for a day of advocacy at the General Assembly, meet with your legislators and learn about social justice issues. The Rev. Kelly Bayer Derrick, Assistant to the Bishop, plans to be present during this event. We will announce a meeting spot for those attending from the Virginia Synod in advance of the Day for All People.

Transportation has been arraigned from Northern Virginia, Harrisonburg, and Hampton Roads. Once you register for the event, you will be able to register for transportation.

Join our Social Media Team. Volunteers repost one message a day (Mon.-Fri. during the General Assembly) to help amplify our message. Email Roberta Oster at roberta@virginiainterfaithcenter.org.

Be a Witness at the Capitol. These volunteers serve either for one entire week or at least one day per week during the General Assembly.

For more information about the day, and to register for the event, click here.

This Lent, you’re invited to join with fellow supporters to study, reflect and give during ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving. Experience how the grace of Christ moves us to engage in transformative works of love around the world as God calls us into the ministry of hope, liberation and restoration. Resources include: a devotional calendar, weekly study, coin jar wrappers and more!

To order these resources, click here.

Warm up your winter by planning for summer! “On Earth As in Heaven” is a free vacation Bible school study that helps children learn about hunger, hope and the work to which God calls us in the world. The five-day program focuses on the Lord’s Prayer, with stories and activities related to hunger, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and more. Check out the guide’s sample schedules, music, skits, snacks and craft ideas — including a certificate to celebrate everyone’s participation in VBS!

To download these VBS resources, click here.