Welcome to Do Justice, a bi-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 atbayerderrick@vasynod.org so I can share them with others in the synod!
The Rev. Kelly Bayer Derrick
Assistant to the Bishop

Nothing But Nets Fundraiser

On Friday, March 16th, 15 participants from Bethel Lutheran Church in Winchester raised money for malaria nets by making 1000 free throws in one hour.
Together they raised $700 to purchase 140 total malaria nets.

Adult Study on Church in Society Social Statement

An adult study was recently completed at Peace Lutheran Church in Charlottesville on the ELCA Social Statement on The Church in Society.
Over the first five Sundays in Lent, the group gathered to review the statement and together discussed portions of the statement that was particularly meaningful to them. One particular way the group engaged with the statement was to share their personal involvement in environmental justice issues, as well as how Peace as a congregation supports organizations, and mission works. The presenters all were happy to have an opportunity to talk about their passions and how they personally connect to this statement.

March for Our Lives

On Saturday, March 24, the kids and families of March For Our Lives took to the streets to demand that their lives and safety become a priority and that we end gun violence and mass shootings in our schools today.
Christ Lutheran Church in Richmond was open from 8:00 AM until noon on March 24th in support of the March for our Lives. The sanctuary was available for personal prayer and contemplation – folks were welcome to come and go.
We did this in support of our neighbors at George H. Moody Middle School. Our church has had a long-term relationship with Moody Middle. We provide overflow parking for each other. We have held events in each other’s buildings. Christ Lutheran is the site that the students evacuate to in case of an emergency.
Christ Lutheran provided an alternative activity for that morning. We knew that sometimes marching is not an option. Our alternative event was promoted at a community Lenten dinner, on the Christ Lutheran Facebook page and other places on Facebook. Those places included other churches in Lakeside and the March for our lives RVA Facebook page.
Our event turned out small. Over the four-hour period, seven people stopped by and prayed. Hopefully, for those people, it was a meaningful experience. We plan to continue to support Moody Middle School with prayer.
-Patty Franz