This week marks 5 years since the shooting of 9 Bible study participants at an AME church in Charleston, South Carolina. On Wednesday, June 17, the ELCA is gathering virtually for a service of commemoration at noon Eastern time or 9:00 am Arizona time. The service will include leaders from around the ELCA and ecumenical partners, as well as a sermon by Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. We join in a time of repentance, mourning and prayer as we remember these nine martyrs and renounce the sins of racism and white supremacy. View the service at ELCA.org/EmanuelNine.
Our sister congregation, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church at 12th Street and Glendale, will be holding a 30-minute outdoor vigil at 7:30 pm, also on Wednesday, June 17. We gather to remember George Floyd and many other victims of racism and will sing, pray, and kneel in silence (as you are able) for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. Please wear a mask.
Finally, also on Wednesday, June 17 at 2:00 pm, all are welcome to a discussion of the film Just Mercy. Based on the life work of Civil Rights Attorney Bryan Stevenson, this movie is a resource in helping those interested in learning more about the systematic racism that plagues our society. Please watch the movie prior to our discussion, which will be held via ZOOM (click here to register).
The film is available on several platforms for free all June. Click on this link: https://www.justmercyfilm.com