Jesus calls us to justice.
Jesus calls us to be disciples. But what does it mean to be a disciple? Colossians sums up the work of discipleship as living our lives rooted and built in faith. In simple terms, it is to live our lives as a continuation of Jesus himself.
As we walk through the world with Jesus, we are called as disciples to live in God’s image. As everyday Christians, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God are often the forms we take in the world. We love our neighbors as ourselves. We practice graciousness, forgiveness, and openness toward others. Yet what may be overlooked in this aim toward discipleship is to act justly. The active perusal of justice is at the cornerstone of Christianity, and Jesus calls us to be his disciples in this work.
At Grace Lutheran Church, we have taken steps to be a people and place where generosity and graciousness abound. We have committed, in God’s image, to welcome all people into the house of Christ. We have grounded ourselves in belonging, community, and grace.
In November of 2016, we voted to become a Reconciling in Christ Congregation, a safe and welcoming community supporting LGBTQIA+ communities. This proclamation holds space for learning, listening, and supporting our members and broader community members within LGBTQIA+ spaces, with the goal of sharing God’s vision that all are welcome in this place.
Now, Grace looks toward expanding our efforts for inclusion, welcoming, growing, and serving. Jesus calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves. So, how can we be better neighbors to our neighbors?
The Grace Lutheran Church Racial Justice Group invites you to join us as we walk with Christ in learning, growing, listening, and praying for racial equality. We believe that all of God’s children are created in his image, yet we understand that there are differences in the way God’s children are heard, treated, and afforded opportunities based on their racial identity. Our goal is to walk with Christ, in learning about systemic racism, growing in our cultural understanding, and advocating for racial equality, and we ask you to join us in acting justly, loving mercifully, and walking humbly with God.
Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
Matthew 22:37-40
He has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8