August 2023 Newsletter
Johnstown Banishment Vigils & Program
On September 7, 1923, Johnstown's mayor gave every African American and Mexican immigrant who had lived in the city less that seven years 24 hours to leave. About 2,000 people were uprooted.
A vigil commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Johnstown Banishment will be held in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, September 6 at 6pm at Freedom Corner (at the corner of Crawford Street and Centre Avenue in Pittsburgh’s Hill District neighborhood).
Another vigil will be held on Thursday, September 7 at 12 noon at the Central Park Gazebo in Johnstown. WPA United Methodist Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi will speak.
At 7pm on September 7, the Johnstown area Heritage Association will host a program entitled "Rosedale Remembered: A Commemoration of Shame and a Commitment to Change". This free event will include a book talk and panel discussion, book signing, and photo exhibit. More information is available here.
For more information about these events from the Western PA Conference of the UMC, visit their website.
ELCA Truth and Healing Movement
The Truth and Healing Movement of the ELCA focuses on growing in better and right relationships with Indigenous people and tribal nations on Turtle Island. Two online classes are available next week.
On Tuesday, August 29 from 11am - noon Eastern time, Vance Blackfox will present "Introduction to the Truth and Healing Movement." On Thursday, August 31 from 11am-1pm Eastern time, Vance Blackfox will present "Indian 101". Both classes are free; no pre-registration is required to participate. Access the class through the links found on this webpage, where information about future classes is also available.
Care with the Word: Preaching Respect for the Jewish People
Pastors, Deacons, and Lay Worship Leaders are invited to join in a two-part series of deep study, practice, and conversation around the ELCA document, Preaching and Teaching “With Love and Respect for the Jewish People.” Learn ways to preach lectionary texts with confidence, and guidance to avoid perpetuating unintended but problematic interpretations, in a time when anti-Semitism is increasing in our country.
The first event will be held on Tuesday, September 12 from 9:30am-2:30pm at Trinity Lutheran, Wexford. Register here by September 6.
Pine Ridge, South Dakota - Further Reflection
Earlier this summer, Tony Fishovitz, Bob Rich, Carol Ruckert, and Pastor Dennis Orson traveled to Pine Ridge, South Dakota. They will be sharing further reflections about their trip on Sunday, October 15 at 2pm at New Hope, Economy Borough.
Racial Justice Training
The Region 8 Synods are offering Racial and Social Justice Trainings at United Lutheran Seminary, Gettysburg Campus (in-person or online) on August 29 or November 28, 10am-3pm. For more information, and to register, visit their website.
Past issues of ADJ newsletter
The Authentic Diversity & Justice working group of the SWPA synod has been publishing a monthly email newsletter since November 2020. Past issues have included book reviews, interviews, and ELCA resources in addition to upcoming events. Issues of the newsletter dating back to June 2021 are available to view here.