May 2022 Newsletter
Racial Justice Training at Lutherlyn
by Rev. Kerri Clark
A few days before our first in-person racial justice training for rostered ministers of Region 8, we got the news that our main presenter, Rev. Carla Christopher Wilson (Assistant to the Bishop, Lower Susquehanna Synod), was sick with COVID and unable to lead as planned. Our AD&J working group gathered for a lengthy discussion, ultimately deciding to postpone the official training, but to gather as planned for conversation since folks had already reserved the time.
We were pleasantly surprised that almost all of those registered joined us at Lutherlyn on May 18 in spite of the change in plans. After beginning with a centering practice and introducing ourselves, we gathered in small groups to read and discuss particular Scripture passages that shed light on God's mission of justice.
Though the texts we discussed were familiar, many participants shared that they heard these stories in a new way when specifically placed in the context of justice work. Lending context, too, were the events of the preceding weekend, when ten Black people were murdered at a grocery store in Buffalo, NY, because of their race.
It was good and holy work to share in these conversations - to hear new perspectives on familiar stories; to practice tricky conversations in a way that could translate to congregational ministry; to learn and grow; to lament together; to be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit within and among us.
I look forward to more of this - more conversations, more layers of meaning, more growth and learning as we walk together the path of justice that is the way of Jesus.
As a note, the full training will be rescheduled, likely in fall 2022. Details will be announced in the newsletter and at this webpage.
Emanuel Nine commemoration resources
The ELCA website lists a number of resources for use in worship around June 17, which has been designated by the ELCA as a day commemorating the martyrdom of the Emanuel 9—the nine people shot and killed on June 17, 2015, during a Bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C.
Find resources here.
Juneteenth: Reparations and People of Faith
Join Bethel AME Church for a day of worship and learning on Sunday, June 19. People of faith from across Pittsburgh will gather to worship together, learn about the theological basis for Reparations, and stand with Bethel AME. Learn more and register here.
Juneteenth celebrations in Westmoreland County
Join Unity in the Community of Southwestern PA for three Juneteenth events in Westmoreland County, commemorating the Emancipation Proclamation of 1862 (all events) and honoring Black community leaders (Sunday event).
Friday, June 17 from 4pm-7pm at the Greensburg YWCA (424 N. Main St.)
Saturday, June 18 from 1-6pm at the ballfield on 11th St in Jeannette
Sunday, June 19 from 3-6pm at Lost Dreams Awakening in New Kensington (408 Eighth St., Rear)
Juneteenth worship resources
Sunday, June 19 is Juneteenth - a day of celebration marking the end of slavery in the United States.
Worship resources from the ELCA