Peace with Justice
Matthew 25:35-36, 40
For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.
I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me.
Introducing Christ Lutheran’s Peace with Justice Team:
Faithful Voices, Holy Frustration, Hopeful Action
Our baptismal promise encourages that we will serve all people following the example of Jesus, and we will strive for justice and peace. In faithful response, we have a newly formed team that is working hard to further engage our community around this work. God may be able to do everything, everywhere, all at once, and we are part of it as we seek to be “Here For Good.”
Americans trust in each other and in our democratic institutions is at an historic low. In a June 2023 poll, seven out of ten Americans said they believe that our democracy is imperiled. Can we restore trust among “We the People?” Can we rebuild the courage and civic habits that support our democracy? Now is a critical time to do so.
The Peace with Justice Team is hosting a nonpartisan book group on "Healing the Heart of Democracy," by Parker Palmer. The group will be meeting after church on June 14, 28, and July 12, 26, from 10:45 to noon, in the church basement. You can purchase the book or, if you don't have time to read the whole book, you read a synopsis of the chapters by clicking the “Book Group” link below. Contact leslie.mackenzie@gmail.com for more information.
welcoming the stranger
For more than 80 years, Lutheran agencies have helped immigrants and refugees as a witness to God's love for all people. While immigration has become a hot-button political issue, God’s love has not changed. The ELCA advocates for a just and compassionate immigration policy that reflects our Christian faith.
Our immigration group has hosted Thursday lunch trips to immigrant-owned restaurants that have suffered financial losses due to ICE activities in our state. They have also met with folks from the Monarca Movement to learn about their work with congregations. To learn more, please contact Peter Foster, 612-232-2199.
FOod JUSTICE
With rising food prices and cuts to aid, more Minnesotans than ever are hungry. The food justice group has already helped pack food with Feed My Starving Children and hosted a spice drive to donate spices to our area food shelf. Our work has just begun! If you would like to learn more, please contact: Suzanne Pollack, 651-433-3207.
Jesus and democracy
Disinformation, polarization, and political extremism have overtaken our nation. We are suffering from a culture of grievance, a toxic distortion of the Gospel, and even political violence. The non-partisan Jesus and Democracy group is planning educational activities grounded in Lutheran tradition and social principles. Our goal is to help congregants learn together how we can engage in the political process and take action to protect our Democracy and our Constitution. To learn more, please contact Leslie MacKenzie, 612-810-3216.