FOR CONGREGATIONS
The Scribe asked him, "Which commandment is the first of all?" Jesus answered, "The first is, 'Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." Mark 12:28a-31a
Lutherans understand that governments are a means through which God can work to preserve creation and build a more peaceful and just society. As a public church, we have a responsibility to address issues that affect our neighbors in communities throughout our state, nation and world. Through advocacy efforts, Lutheran and other persons of faith can work through governmental channels on behalf of the common good. There are many ways that we live out our faith in the public witness of advocacy join our work!
WORSHIP
Be a public church in your regular worship services! Pray for our local, state, and federal legislators; with and for those who are poor, vulnerable, or suffering; for justice for all; and, for perseverance in your faith community to address injustice when it exists.
Plan an Advocacy Sunday to lift up important advocacy and justice ministries in your community. Invite LEAMNJ staff to participate in worship and help facilitate a discussion hour.
As you have been learning about issues together, organize a congregational letter-writing campaign. Remember to bless the letters that you have written during a worship service, and then send them off.