By Steve Reiser
Epworth’s 2021 response to the crises of 2020 – pandemic, racial injustice, climate crisis, and political unrest – is to declare 2021 the Year of Justice. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice.”–Matthew 5:6 (NLT). This year, we’ll hunger and thirst for justice in all that we do.
Advocating for Racial Justice
As part of this call to justice, we have already launched a virtual Racial Justice Book Club, which is open to both congregants and community. Crixell Shell, Assistant Executive Director of the Minnesota Peacebuilders Institute, is facilitating the current conversations. Read more about the Book Club on page 4.
We want to continue not only facilitated conversations but also actions throughout 2021 and beyond to raise up justice issues we face.
Hungering for Food Justice
We came face to face with the food and hygiene product needs in our community while we hosted the First Aid station in the summer of 2020. As a part of our Year of Justice, we’ll install our memorial Tami Mulligan Little Outdoor Pantry.
This will require folks to assist with construction and installation as well as stocking and maintenance of this small pantry that will be placed outdoors at Epworth for people to come and take, as well as donate non-perishable items that will not be damaged by inclement weather or bugs and animals.
COVID has made it impossible for us to serve at Simpson Shelter, the food need has not diminished. We have opportunities to support Simpson with our donations until we can once again serve at the Shelter.
Congregating for Climate Justice
In 2020, Epworth completed the process begun in 2019 to become a Climate Justice Congregation through Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light.
According to the MNIPL website, “Climate Justice Congregations are faith communities who are committed to living out their faith through effective and sustained action on climate justice.” Susan Mullin, Pastor Steve and Church Council Chair Nan Rice guided Epworthians through this year-long process.
In 2021, we plan to solidify our commitment to climate action, joining with other faith communities doing the same.
Dreaming of Justice
Answering the call to Justice can take many forms. You don’t have to grab a sign and join a protest – unless you want to. You can also cook or serve a meal, write letters to legislators, sing a song, play a tune, create a poem, share your story, make a quilt or blanket, comfort the grieving, visit the sick and lonely. All of these and more are actions a Justice warrior can take.
Besides Racial Justice, Food Justice, and Climate Justice, there are other justice issues we could explore for 2021. Will you answer the call and help us find opportunities to take actions for Justice in 2021? Do you have a passion for Economic Justice? Health Care Justice? More?
Dreams are in the works to build a stage in the Sonshine Room so that we can host educational and entertainment experiences that will support both The Year of Justiceand facilitate opportunities for us to Nourish Faith, Do Good, Welcome All, BE CHURCH!
Your ideas, your actions, and your dreams as well as your financial contributions will make each of these ideas possible.
Please pray and consider what you can do to answer the call to do justice.
Shirley Durr contributed to this article.
Learn to do good; commit yourselves to seeking justice.
Make right for the world’s most vulnerable — the oppressed, the orphaned, the widow. ~ Isaiah 1:17 (The Voice)
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