Seeking Social Justice

The next regularly scheduled meeting of Sojourners Social Justice Groups is September 12 worship. These groups are open to anyone who would like to participate. If you’re new to the church or simply haven’t decided on a group yet, feel free to drop in on one or more of the meetings to find out what’s happening. This summer for Social Justice Sundays, we began inviting directors of various local agencies or organizations which we fund through our Service & Missions grants to join us for worship and to briefly address the congregation. We look forward to welcoming our second speaker in this series, Drene DeGood, Executive Director of the Alliance for Interfaith Ministries (AIM). All speakers are invited to stay for fellowship and the meetings after worship so that we can share more information about our respective social justice work.

On the morning of Sunday, May 2, the Eco-Justice Outreach Group led a joyful Sojourners worship service, beginning with the Invocation of the Four Directions through prayer and traditional Cherokee dance. Songs, scripture, the Time with Children, spoken meditation (and communion prayer all wove together to celebrate relationships within the Earth community and to invite reflection on our human place as members of God’s Creation.

In the afternoon, Sojourners Eco-Justice Group and the Interfaith Cooperation Circle of Central Virginia (ICCCV) hosted approximately forty-five people, from throughout the Charlottesville area, at Sojourners for a public showing of Renewal, an inspiring documentary about how people of varied faith communities are contributing to an environmentally sustainable future. Following the video – and after a pause for delicious refreshments – facilitated listening circles provided an opportunity for folks to share their thoughts and feelings on the issues raised. Participation was enthusiastic, with many expressing a renewed sense of energy and hope. You can read the spoken meditation at: http://www.sojourners-ucc.org/programs/sermons/05-02-10.html; learn more about ICCCV at: http://interfaithcooperation.org/ and check out Renewal at: http://www.renewalproject.net.