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

On this day we recognize and pray for the work and service people do to sustain their families and benefit their communities and society. Pray that all receive fair wages, work in safe environments, are renewed through times of sabbath, and experience joy and fulfillment in their labor; pray that all those who seek employment will find work and for the wellbeing, care and support of people unable to work.
-Prayer from ELCA Prayer Ventures

Troubling the Waters: A Journey for White Christians from Privilege to Partnership Study beginning this December

The ELCA has been called to a time of repentance, study, and bold action in our Apology to People of African Descent this summer at the Churchwide Assembly. The call is to dismantle racism and work towards authentic diversity in the various expressions of our church. One way to answer this call, especially for predominately white congregations, is to begin or continue to the work of dismantling white privilege. Troubling the Waters is an ELCA resource designed to help white Lutherans on this journey. It is an intense and intentional study.
Your ministry is invited to participate with other Virginia Synod ministries to engage this study beginning this December. Leaders (lay or rostered) will be connected for ongoing conversation, mutual support, and conversation about the journey. This is hard work, and we are not supposed to do it alone. Let’s do it together.
You can read more about the study in this pamphlet. This can be shared with your pastor or council. You can download the full study here.
If you have questions or would like to commit to beginning this journey in December, please contact Pastor Colleen Montgomery at pastor@holytrinitywytheville.org.

Virginia Synod Visits Papua New Guinea

Currently, a delegation from the Virginia Synod is traveling to and visiting with our companion Synod in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The Rev. Kelly Bayer Derrick, The Rev. Michael Church, Diane Giessler, and Matthew Wertman have traveled to meet and learn from our siblings in Papua New Guinea. They are also traveling with members from other companion synods including North West Lower Michigan Synod, North Carolina Synod, and the Central States Synod.
All companion synod members spent time in Australia prior to their arrival in PNG getting to know one another and settle into the new time zone. They had an amazing time in God’s creation touring the country, seeing famous sights, as well as snorkeling at Green Island in the Great Barrier Reef!
As of this week, our delegates have arrived in PNG, and have spent time meeting with our partners from the New Guinea Island Districts of the ELCPNG. Upon their arrival they gathered together for worship, relationship building, and learning about the beautiful landscape of PNG. Currently, our delegates are traveling in the New Guinea Island Districts, they flew into Kimbe and have driven to Bialla.
We can’t wait to share more from this amazing trip, stay tuned to our Facebook page and Instagram account for more!

Strive for Justice and Peace

In 1994 the ELCA Church Council adopted the social message “Community Violence” which speaks to the complex and pervasive nature of violence and the church’s call to address its root causes. Now, 25 years later, this social message is still all too relevant. This church acknowledges that it’s made up of people who have been victims of violence, who have perpetrated violence and who work to protect against it. While this presents challenges that are as complex as the matter of violence itself, the church is guided by the healing power found in relationship together and in Christ to respond to its roles as peacemakers and justice-seekers. Read the article from the August issue of “Living Lutheran.”