Social Justice Initiative

He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)

A new initiative has started at Bethlehem. Strengthened by our love for all God’s creation and recognizing the urgency to act, a social justice initiative committee has been established to work for our goal to advance positive change in our church, our community, and our world. We invite all who are interested to participate with this committee—through education as well as action in the myriad issues facing us as Christians in our world today.

SJI Upcoming Meeting

We invite everyone to participate with us. We meet on the 3rd Sunday of every month at 11:30 a.m. on Zoom or in-person in the Fireside room. For more information, please contact Jane L (janelahman@hotmail.com) or Margot H (nordatter@gmail.com).

Next Meeting: TBD

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81184599825?pwd=WmhMY3I3ZUxoR0lOWnMzMldsaDJjQT09
Meeting ID: 811 8459 9825
Passcode: SJI2022
To dial by phone only: 253 215 8782
Meeting ID: 811 8459 9825
Passcode: 4026538

Current Opportunities to Serve Our Community

Advocacy Resources

In today’s turbulent and troubling times it feels sometimes that there is nothing that anyone can do. One way to start taking action is by advocating for those who are suffering and afraid and can’t speak out for themselves. This is the time for action!

If you have any questions, Jenny K. and Margot H. may be able to help.

Find helpful resources below!

HOW TO BE A LIGHT – ABC’s of ADVOCATING

SOURCES TO HELP YOU BE A LIGHT (list)

STOP THE DISMANTLING OF USAID

5 CALLS APP HELP SHEET

Loving Our Neighbors with “Know Your Right’s” Cards

Many of our neighbors are at risk of being stopped by ICE or have ICE at their doors. Who are these neighbors? Ones who are not white, have an accent, or do not speak English well. Even people born in the US whose parents were also born here and those here legally with green cards are stopped and can be put into detention and some have been deported. It’s important for everyone to know their rights with ICE.

If you know someone who may be at risk, you may give them one of the red cards (located on the narthex bulletin board). The cards explain the rights in English on one side and in Spanish on the other side. If necessary, the cards can be cut apart by them with one side informing them of their rights and the other side to slip under a door or show through a closed window if ICE shows up at their home. Make sure they know that they should never open a door to ICE! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Cathy at missions@bethlehem-lutheran.net.

Previous Opportunities for Education

Living Faith: Church in Society

Our first educational opportunity for Bethlehem members to increase awareness of social justice issues was scheduled for 2021; an eight week study from the Rocky Mountain Synod entitled Living Faith: Church in Society. We met Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. the end of April and through May before taking a break for the summer. We plan to pick up again in late September or early October. You can join this study at any time. Missing the first meeting is not critical for the rest of the series; each meeting is self-contained so do not hesitate to join for some or all. Topics include: ELCA Social Statements-Church in Society; Caring for Creation; Economic Life; Immigration; Healthcare; Race, Ethnicity and Culture; and Faith, Sexism and Justice.

Check out the class information at https://www.rmselca.org/living_faith to see what this is all about. If interested in joining the class, please email Margot H (nordatter@gmail.com) or Jane L (janelahman@hotmail.com) to be added to the class contact list.

Additional Information

Information Shared by member:

SJI Reading List
Casa de Paz Information
Information on Border Situation
Reentry Initiative