“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
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Social Justice Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Program
This is an accredited program through Volunteers of America inside the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Stillwater. It brings together incarcerated men and outside students for a transformational educational experience in spiritual care. There are opportunities for financial and prayer support.
Rev. Dr. Laura Thelander is our liaison to the program from Lake Nokomis. You can reach her at [email protected]. For more information about the program, please go to voamnwi.org/SJCPE. |
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 |
Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative
A collaborative of congregations united in action to create homes and advance equitable housing. Opportunities for advocacy, training, item collections |
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.
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.