The Virginia Synod Tapestry team advocates for social justice for all of God’s people. The 2022 fourth quarter Tapestry Thread is Justice for Women, lifting up the many ways that women have been denied their equal right to be seen, heard, and affirmed as valuable human beings, created in God’s holy image.
Pastor Monica Weber and Sylvia Eley have curated many resources for our focus on Justice for Women, including a Resource Links page where you can read ELCA Social Statements and Social Messages that affirm women as beloved children of God. Other links provide information about global justice efforts involving issues that affect women, and we also include links to many Commonwealth of Virginia resources for women in crisis.
The team will specifically lift up the evil of human trafficking as a sin that increasingly violates the rights, dignity, and humanity of God’s people, especially women and girls. In October, a weekly devotion series is designed to inform and challenge you to reflect on how you may advocate for human trafficking victims, some of whom may be your loved ones and neighbors.
During the month of November, Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Kelly Bayer Derrick will lead a Zoom evening Bible study highlighting Justice for Women. More details on how to register soon.
In December, Tapestry invites you to view a recorded presentation on Human Trafficking prepared by Sylvia Eley, a board member of the Virginia Synod Women’s Organization. Your congregation may also wish to use the Litany for Women’s Justice and accompanying prayers in worship to shine a light on the sin of human trafficking during Advent, a time of prayerful reflection as we seek reconciliation with each other in preparation for the birth of Jesus.
It is our prayer that the Holy Spirit will stir you to advocate for victims who suffer the evil of human trafficking; this horrific threat destroys thousands of human lives, fracturing families, communities, and our global society. God walks beside us in our advocacy as we reach out to victims to embrace them with the healing love of Jesus Christ.
Justice for Women Tapestry Thread
Devotion for Week 1: October 2
Devotion for Week 2: October 9
Devotion for Week 3: October 16
