“Take justice and mercy to heart” is one of this congregation’s key priorities.
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What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8b (NRSV)
Our strategic plan includes this direction: Grounded in the gospel command to “do justice,” create a more inclusive, equitable community. Take action inside our church and out in the world by prioritizing our abundant people and financial resources to make an impact. What could that look like?
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Racial Justice Statement
We … renew our baptismal covenant to strive for justice for all of God’s children. We confess that our cultural bias blocks us from recognizing racial injustice, and that our fear slows our work towards racial equity. We believe that we must identify the inequalities that are embedded in our judicial, educational, economic, and political systems. We also must be resolved to change them, even if it means losing unearned privileges.
We accept God’s call to affirm and celebrate the diversity found in God’s children. We pray that the Holy Spirit will lead us in our continuing work as we listen and engage in conversation challenging the deep roots of racism. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we will be respectful and keep people engaged so that each of our stories may be heard and lead us to a true change of heart. Read the full racial justice statement. |
Justice & Mercy partners for 2024
Minnehaha Food Shelf Fighting food insecurity in our Minneapolis neighborhood
Opportunities for volunteering, item collections, leadership |
Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light Working in partnership with faith and spiritual communities to build transformative power and bring the lights of people’s unique gifts to addressing the climate crisis.
Opportunities for advocacy, training |
South Minneapolis Meals on Wheels Serving South Minneapolis residents who cannot shop for groceries and have difficulty putting together a healthy meal for themselves. Opportunities for volunteering, leadership
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Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative A collaborative of congregations united in action to create homes and advance equitable housing. Opportunities for advocacy, training, item collections
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Indigenous Peoples' Day
October 14 It is hard to define or sum up in a few words what Indigenous Peoples’ Day means to indigenous people. The concept of this day was first proposed in 1977 as a combatant to Columbus Day, a federal holiday that recognizes Christopher Columbus and Italian heritage. As we have progressed through time, we realize more and more the atrocities committed toward indigenous people by Columbus and other settlers through colonization. It wasn’t until 2021 when President Joe Biden officially recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Although recognized in several states, IPD is still not a federal holiday. However, there is movement in Congress through proposed bills that would make this happen. There is a wonderful article at history.com/news/indigenous-peoples-day-history. Commemorations such as Indigenous Peoples’ Day help celebrate people and cultures and the contributions made. Sadly, they are also reminders of the struggle and violence afflicted on people for being a different race or having different traditions. In 2023, Minnesota passed legislation eliminating Columbus Day as a holiday and requiring schools to observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day. There will be a celebration on Saturday, October 12 from 12-3 pm at Midtown Global Market. The Indian Health Board of Minneapolis is holding a rally at 1845 Franklin Ave at 11 am on Monday, October 14. We will also read the Land Acknowledgment Statement together in worship on Sunday, October 13. |
Christian Nationalism: Origins, Impacts, and Solutions
Rev. Angela Denker, Pastor for Visitation and Public Theology at Lake Nokomis Lutheran, is the author of Red State Christians and the upcoming Disciples of White Jesus. Pastor Angela has been researching white Christian Nationalism since 2018 in her roles as a reporter, pastor, and theologian. In this session she will address the dangerous impacts of Christian Nationalism and explore collaborative strategies to combat it. Additionally, she will help us understand how the Theology of the Cross can be used as a tool of resistance against Christian Nationalism.
Tuesday, October 8
5:30 - 6:30 pm - at New Branches Events are free and all are welcome.
Rev. Angela Denker, Pastor for Visitation and Public Theology at Lake Nokomis Lutheran, is the author of Red State Christians and the upcoming Disciples of White Jesus. Pastor Angela has been researching white Christian Nationalism since 2018 in her roles as a reporter, pastor, and theologian. In this session she will address the dangerous impacts of Christian Nationalism and explore collaborative strategies to combat it. Additionally, she will help us understand how the Theology of the Cross can be used as a tool of resistance against Christian Nationalism.
Tuesday, October 8
5:30 - 6:30 pm - at New Branches Events are free and all are welcome.
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Reflections from the Sacred Sites Tour
A group from Lake Nokomis Lutheran joined the recent Sacred Sites led by Rev. Jim Bear Jacobs (Mohican) and offered through the Minnesota Council of Churches. Visiting three nearby locations with significance to the Dakota people, the original people of this area, we learned about Dakota culture and history, about oppression and genocide, and the resulting deep trauma in need of healing. Jim Bear’s vivid storytelling validated the strong words we speak in our Land Acknowledgment. Several of the participants shared their perspectives on the experience: From Robbie Becker I found the stories shared particularly memorable. The thoughtless treatment of native people’s burial sites is particularly disturbing. Our final stop (Pilot Knob Hill) is just one example. The entire experience was reminiscent of the Civil Rights tour in the Deep South. How can those who don’t look like us (or live as we do) be considered as less than? When is a cemetery not a cemetery? Who do we think qualifies as a child of God? From Mary Peterson Leaning that the largest mass execution in the history of the U.S. – 36 Dakota men – happened in Mankato on Dec. 26 has stuck with me. As a lifelong resident of Minnesota, I realize how much of our history I am unaware of. George Santayana said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” This saying emphasizes the importance of learning from history to avoid making the same mistakes again. It’s a good reminder that our understanding of the past shapes our future choices and perhaps brings more empathy into our broken world. From Gloria Karbo This was an educational and moving experience for me. And our guide, Jim Bear, kept it honest and compassionate. I urge others who care about justice and mercy to take this tour. From Kat Vann We visited Fort Snelling State Park, the internment camp where so many Dakota women, children and elders suffered and died in the aftermath of the U.S.-Dakota War. Being there while hearing Jim Bear share the story felt heart-heavy – and important. We were invited to leave a tobacco offering of respect as we walked around the space. It felt like holy ground. From John Becker It’s jarring how little we know of history from the point of view of the Natives of this land. I had no idea that Native Americans make up less than one percent of our population. Everyone should take this tour, from high school to senior citizen. Including more males! |
Justice and Mercy Resources
The team has been working on recommending a handful of resources for people interested in going deeper on justice issues and hearing from diverse voices. They are anticipating offering an updated set of recommendations each quarter — and would welcome recommendations that others might offer to add to the list. We are thankful for the work of the Justice and Mercy team. You can find that resource HERE.
New Justice and Mercy Benevolence Partner:
The Social Justice Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Program
New Justice & Mercy benevolence partner: The Social Justice Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Program
The Justice & Mercy planning team is excited to share a new benevolence partner for our faith community, The Social Justice CPE Program.
The Church Council has authorized an immediate gift of $1,000 to support additional students and sustain the program. You’re invited to make a gift to the program this week or next – via cash or check (envelopes available on Sunday) or by tapping on or scanning the QR code below.
The Justice & Mercy planning team is excited to share a new benevolence partner for our faith community, The Social Justice CPE Program.
- Accredited program offered inside the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater by Volunteers of America of Minnesota.
- Incarcerated individuals, often serving life sentences, join outside students to form peer groups, meet weekly inside the prison, and engage in interpersonal process work and training as spiritual care providers.
- Students provide interfaith spiritual care in their respective settings, inside the prison and out in community.
- The program transforms lives! Incarcerated students gain educational resources and develop crucial skills while outside faith leaders witness and learn from the powerful work being done inside the prison.
The Church Council has authorized an immediate gift of $1,000 to support additional students and sustain the program. You’re invited to make a gift to the program this week or next – via cash or check (envelopes available on Sunday) or by tapping on or scanning the QR code below.
Click on the links below to find out more about these important programs.
MINNEHAHA FOOD SHELF
Minnehaha Food Shelf is looking for donations of canned fruit throughout the month of October. You can leave any donations at the foot of the tree in The Commons. You can always sign up to volunteer or give monetary donations to the food shelf by going to minnehaha.org/foodshelf.
Minnehaha Food Shelf is looking for donations of canned fruit throughout the month of October. You can leave any donations at the foot of the tree in The Commons. You can always sign up to volunteer or give monetary donations to the food shelf by going to minnehaha.org/foodshelf.
Important resources for the work and well-being of our congregation
Encourage individual engagement within the congregation.
- Mental Health Connect
- Reconciling Works
- Cherish All Children
- Lake Wapogasset Lutheran Bible Camp (WAPO)
Encourage individual engagement within the congregation.