God our stronghold, you are present amid disaster. We pray for those affected by natural disasters, especially Hurricane Isaias. Come to the aid of all survivors of earthquakes, famines, floods, hurricanes, and wildfires, and the first responders who support them. Calm their fear, supply their need, and be the solid ground beneath their feet. God, in your mercy, hear our prayer. (ELW Prayers of Intercession)

Luther Memorial, Blacksburg invites Virginia Synod congregations to attend a Visiting Theologian Zoom Webinar with The Rev. Lenny Duncan entitled, “What Now? Discussing the Sin of Racism and Dismantling Systemic Racism.” This free webinar includes a moderated Q&A session, and will take place on Saturday, September 12 at 7 PM EST. Rev. Duncan is the author of “Dear Church: A Love Letter to the Whitest Denomination in America.” The webinar registration link will be available soon, stay tuned for details!

The Tapestry Team of the Virginia Synod’s Mission Statement reads: To empower congregations in the Virginia Synod to be Ambassadors for Christ in matters of diversity and inclusion, walking with God, and guided by the Holy Spirit to bring healing, reconciliation, and justice.

In preparation for the upcoming webinar with the Rev. Lenny Duncan, the Tapestry Team invites you to do a book study of Dear Church. As part of our ministry, we would love to co- facilitate or lead the discussion for you, provide a facilitator for you, or offer our support in any way that seems reasonable to you. If you have questions or concerns or want additional information, please follow up with the Rev. Heidi David Young at heididavidyoung955@gmail.com.

And, as a bonus, we will provide the book, Dear Church, for the facilitator of the group for free. Our funds are limited, so if you want a free copy, you need to act quickly!

Several congregations have already done a study of Dear Church. If you want to continue your learning about racial justice, Tapestry encourages you to consider a book study of Robin Di’Angilo’s book, White Fragility. At the 2019 Virginia Synod Assembly, Tapestry made 10 of these books available. All of them were taken. If you took one, or you happen to have one, but haven’t hosted a book study at your church, now is the time! The Tapestry Team would love to partner with you. We hosted a book study on it last year, and have an excellent team of people who are ready to help-- email Heidi at the address above if you’d like our support.

Finally, If you are interested in one of these book studies but don’t think there would be enough people interested in your congregation, we will offer a Tapestry sponsored review of Dear Church after Pastor Lenny Duncan’s event. Be looking for more details coming soon!

August 18, 2020, marks the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment, guaranteeing and protecting women's constitutional right to vote. 

Suffragists began their organized fight for women’s equality in 1848. For the next 72 years, women leaders lobbied, marched, picketed, and protested for the right to the ballot. Today, more than 68 million women vote in elections because of the courageous suffragists who never gave up the fight for equality. 

This historic centennial lifts up the importance of promoting the full and equal exercise of the right to vote and to participate in our democracy. While we celebrate the passage of the 19th Amendment, we also remember and grieve that not all Americans had or have equal access to the vote. The 15th Amendment (1870) prohibited voting rights discrimination based on race; however, many states enacted legislation which disenfranchised a majority of Black voters. The Voting Rights Act (1965) banned literacy tests and other discriminatory voting practices. 

The centennial of women’s suffrage calls us all to the relevance of civil rights today and the importance of full participation in the legislative process. 

(Adapted from: www.2020centennial.org; www.womensvote100.org; www.americanbar.org; and www.history.com) 

Congress traditionally takes a recess during the month of August, allowing lawmakers time to return to their home states and congressional districts to connect with constituents. That may look a bit different this year, but the month still holds meaningful potential for local advocates to advance relationships and engage with elected officials, ask questions and share concerns.

New to help you connect with lawmakers in 2020 is a Virtual Visits resource with tips on how to utilize digital communications options more widely in use this year. Our August Recess Guide also contains ideas for communicating with your elected officials and candidates in-district this month.

SPECIAL NOTE: In the coming days, Congress is also considering a new supplemental package to address the economic impacts of COVID-19. Many ELCA Advocacy priorities and other community needs listed below are under current lawmaker negotiations – and need your urgent attention now. Send a customized message to ensure an equitable COVID-19 response at the ELCA Action Center.