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February 10, 2022
Let us pray for all who are hurting in body, mind, and spirit:
Lord Christ, you came into the world as one of us, and suffered as we do. As we go through the trials of life, help us to realize that you are with us at all times and in all things; that we have no secrets from you; and that your loving grace enfolds us for eternity. In the security of your embrace we pray. Amen. (ELW Additional Prayers)
ELCA World Hunger Big Game Synod Challenge 2022
Super Bowl Sunday - THIS Sunday, February 13

While you are cheering on your team and celebrating with family and friends— let's help tackle hunger together!

From kickoff to the final whistle on Big Game Sunday, Team Cincinnati and Team Los Angeles will seek to outdo one another for the sake of the gospel. The fans that donate the most through their team page to ELCA World Hunger by the final whistle on February 13 will help those synod(s) take home the title of ELCA World Hunger Champion - regardless of the outcome of the football game. 

Donate to the ELCA World Hunger Big Game Synod Challenge 2022 main page if you'd like to support the overall effort, or be sure and donate to your team's specific page by copying and pasting the links below into your browser: 

Check out these videos encouraging support:
Share your game day photos! and may the best team win – so we can all tackle hunger together! #elcabiggamechallenge #untilallarefed

Visit ELCA.org/BigGame to be part of the action!
Now is the Time: A Study Guide for ELCA Declaration to People of African Descent

Are you looking for a Lenten Study? The VA Synod Tapestry Team recommends “Now Is the Time” - a five-part study guide for ELCA Declaration to People of African Descent. 

“Now Is the Time” stresses realism, self-examination, and accountability as the church acknowledges and apologizes for the history and impact of slavery and systemic racism in the United States and globally. The study guide focuses on deepening our understanding of this history as participants engage in often-difficult conversation and reflection to move the church toward racial healing and justice.
Virginia Synod Racial Justice Workshop
(from Midwinter Power in the Spirit)

The Racial Justice Thread of the Tapestry Team taught a workshop last week at Midwinter Power in the Spirit. Led by Maurice Gallimore - Director for DEI of enCircle, the Rev. Harry Griffith [Our Saviour, VA Beach], and the Rev. Kayla Keilholtz [interim; Ebenezer, Marion], participants learned key terms for when we're seeking racial justice.

A favorite quote was:
  • Diversity is being invited to the party.
  • Inclusion is being asked to dance.
  • Belonging is dancing like no one is watching.

You can view the entire presentation at this link: Tapestry Racial Justice
The workshop provided some definitions for common terms and concepts, discussed guidelines for healthy discussion, and then focused on three videos (each linked here):

You are invited to view the above videos and engage in racial justice conversations with your congregation, family, colleagues, etc. For more information about the workshop, you can contact the presenters at tapestry@vasynod.org.
Prayers for the Nassar family, Tent of Nations, and Christians in Palestinian Authority Areas

Pastor Liz Yates (retired; Christ the King, Richmond) shared news of a violent attack on Palestinian Christians in the Palestinian Authority areas of the Holy Land. Christ the King supports the Tent of Nations Ministry of the Nassar family, some of whom live in the US and worship at Christ the King, Richmond, and some of whom live in Palestine and worship at Bethlehem Lutheran in Bethlehem. 

Daoud and Daher Nassar were attacked by members of their local community, causing physical, psychological, and spiritual wounds. The two were hospitalized and have been released, but the psychological wounds are deep and troubling. The attack stems from an ongoing land dispute. 

The World Council of Churches also expressed concern about violence against Christians in Palestinian Authority areas. If you have questions you can contact Rev. Liz Yates at eayates143@gmail.com. Please hold the Nassar family - as well as all of those who experience violence in the Holy Land - in your prayers.
Do Justice is a semi-monthly newsletter of the Virginia Synod, lifting up God’s call and command that we, God’s people, do justice. If you have stories of justice to share from your congregation, please share those with me at bayerderrick@vasynod.org to share them with others in the synod! You will find helpful info about justice ministries in congregations around Virginia and through the ELCA.

The Rev. Kelly Bayer Derrick
Assistant to the Bishop

Connect with the Virginia Synod