Do Justice: May 7, 2020
Friday, May 8, 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe . The United Nations commemorates this day as the Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War.
 
Let us pray:
Eternal God, we give thanks for all those who have shown the greatest love by laying down their lives for others. We especially thank you for those in our military throughout history who have sacrificed their lives for their fellow citizens and for us who came after. We remember also all those civilians who have died in war and conflict throughout the world. On this day, we remember especially all those who lost their lives during the Second World War. Help us to be worthy of their legacy, and keep us mindful of their sacrifice and service, that in all things we may live our lives in praise and thanksgiving to you; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  Amen.
 
[Adapted from Evangelical Lutheran Worship Prayer Book for the Armed Services (Augsburg Fortress, 2013), p. 65.]
Support Hotline Phone Numbers for the Vulnerable
In this unprecedented time of national health crisis, our mission partner,  Lutheran Family Services of Virginia  (LFSVA), is experiencing unique challenges as their Minnick School educators must provide instruction and support using distance learning for 200 + children with disabilities.

In partnership with LFSVA, the Virginia Synod has established a goal to provide WiFi access for 25 Minnick students for three months. As of today, we have been able to provide for 8 students thanks to our synod's generosity.

Visit our website  to learn how you and your congregation can become involved with this Synod-wide project. You can also learn more about this project  on LFSVA's website .
ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grants
ELCA congregations and their partners can apply now for an ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grant! Can you name a ministry that draws on the strengths of its community to break the cycle of poverty and hunger — for good? Invite them to apply for an ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grant. The application period has been extended through June 1, 2020.

Registration : March 18 — May 8
Application : April 1 — June 1

The Poor People's Campaign
June 20, 2020 Digital Justice Gathering
Last year, I and folks from all over the United States signed up to ride buses to Washington DC.on June 20th. We planned to participate in the Mass Poor People’s Assembly, the Moral March on Washington. The Poor People’s Campaign organized this march to bring attention to the poverty and inequality in America and to advocate for justice. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we now will have a virtual gathering On June 20th, 2020 . Because of the pandemic, poverty and inequality are now even more obvious. We can do better and we have this opportunity. Please join us for the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival.
-Merrie Jo Milner

For more information on the , visit www.poorpeoplescampaign.org. You can also view an introduction video.
Do Justice is a semi-monthly newsletter of the Virginia Synod, lifting up God’s call and command that we, God’s people, do justice. You will find helpful info about justice ministries in congregations, around Virginia, and through the ELCA. If you have stories of justice to share from your congregation, please share those with me at bayerderrick@vasynod.org so I can share them with others in the synod!

The Rev. Kelly Bayer Derrick
Assistant to the Bishop
Connect with the Virginia Synod