June/July 2020 Term in Tanzania I Was a Minority, and I Agree That This Is a Reality

A couple of things I’ve listened and hopefully learned already are: Someone noted that the “low grade energy drain and anxiety” that we are all experiencing as we weigh every decision in light of Covid-19 might be a way to begin to understand in a small way what it is like to be a minority and have to weigh every decision about going out in the world with a list of pros and cons. When I studied for a June/July 2020 term in Tanzania I was a minority, and I agree that this is a reality. Sometimes it is just an energy drain, sometimes it made me very frustrated and I had anger that would come out at the wrong person because they happened Pandemic and Racism to say or do something that was the “last straw” for my ability to cope. Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, And, this was in a situation where the We’ve all heard a lot of prayers and stereotypes that went along with my desires for the day when things can “go minority status were generally positive back to normal” like they were before ones! (e.g. Storekeepers and vendors the pandemic. The events of recent were prone to think that I would want weeks are a reminder that “back to to buy something in their store since I normal” does not mean the same thing had enough money to travel there, for everyone. We’ve gone back to instead of being prone to ask if I was in normal when it comes to racism, and the their store to steal something.) There pandemic has only served to increase were many days where I didn’t have the tension and hold a mirror up to the energy to be out in the world and inequities in health care and other looked at as different, so I just stayed services between various populations. on campus instead.

It is easy to feel inadequate and not Someone else I know noted that one know what to do about it. However, it example of white privilege is that you is important to try. For myself, I am get to decide when your child learns feeling the need to try harder. I think it about race. The truth of that really hit begins with lots of listening and less me, and I think it is self-explanatory. talking. I’m also realizing this is an area where I am going to need to be a lifelong I read a bit of advice that language and learner. word choice was important. If something is racist it would be better to Period. End of sentence. I’ll talk about say it is “racist” and not that it is rioting and looting being wrong later, if “racially motivated” which somehow I even really need to. doesn’t sound quite as bad. If I am I want to be anti-racist, and not just a going to become an anti-racist I’m going person who loves everybody or thinks to have to start by acknowledging all lives matter but doesn’t want to get things that are racist for what they truly involved in ensuring that all lives really are. do matter. As a Christian I want to do I also learned that the end of the this because Jesus was not afraid to get sentence is important, so I have to think involved. Jesus moved toward whoever about what order I am saying things in. was suffering and walked with them. If I say, “George Floyd’s murder was a We all know his way of suffering led tragedy, but rioting and looting is also Jesus to suffer for the sake of us sinners, wrong” is sounds like I am equating the and he suffered even unto death on a criminality of his death to the tortuous cross. This is something I am criminality of rioting. Not only is this being called to do. incorrect (because the human life is and It is scary, and I know it won’t be easy, will always be more important than the and I know I won’t say or do the right storefronts that are replaceable) but it things all the time. But I have to try. In also conveys to other white people the Matthew 10:16-23 we are told to be wise idea that “two wrongs don’t make a as serpents and innocent as doves. We right” and “there are illegal actions on are told that the Spirit will give us the both sides” so I can just let it go and words to speak at the right time. And chalk it all up to “things that are wrong we are also told that speaking the truth with the world” and carry on ignoring is going to cause “brother to betray racism because I don’t really want to brother even unto death, and a father deal with it (which is by the way, his child…and you will be hated by all another example of my white privilege). because of my name.” Sounds like a It would be better to say, “Rioting and great recruitment pitch, doesn’t it? looting are wrong, but George Floyd’s death was a tragedy.” Now the So, that’s where I am with my journey emphasis is on the more important and toward trying to be a better ally and an egregious sin – the loss of life. I’m anti-racist. I invite you to join me, and actually thinking that, for me, I’m going maybe we could encourage each other. I to try not to use “buts” in these types of know that I will need it. sentences at all and use periods instead. Blessings to all, “George Floyd’s murder is a tragedy.” Pastor Chris 2

transfer or death, we will alleviate the shortage and loan. I urge you to status your pledge balance to ensure you are on track to complete at year’s end. The final closeout report and any shortfall will be part of the 2021 budget The Peace of the Lord be with you, process.

What a blessing it has been continuing to see Member health was reported as good with no so many of you participating virtually in our immediate member needs identified. In various online opportunities and knowing that preparation for the congregational meeting we you are maintaining your health. You are finalized the agenda and the formal demonstrating every day that we truly are one announcement letter you have since received. church together, while apart. Again, heartfelt Then we discussed specific Zoom protocols for thanks go out to the Pastors, musicians, establishing quorum, conducting discussion dedicated information technology experts and and voting. As I indicated in the letter you will volunteers that are making this happen. We receive these in a separate communication have so much to be thankful for! prior to 7 June. Finally, even though Safer at

The May Council meeting had four focus areas: Home Phase 1 of Forward Virginia allows for financial performance; member health; religious organizations to gather again at 50% congregational meeting execution; gathering capacity we have decided to abstain and again / returning in person. The treasurer’s maintain our current distancing posture. As report was positive. The net operating the Bishop reminds us, “Our objective is NOT expenses in April were $44,908 versus to return to in-person gatherings. Our call is to offerings of $46,171 resulting in a $1,263 proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ! As surplus. With one third of the year gone our followers of Jesus, we also have a call to protect actual giving is $6,170 above budgeted plan. our members and the wider community YOU, continuing to meet your commitment (Galatians. 5:13-14.) We will continue to and team leaders controlling expenses are evaluate and look at options that will serve all. allowing us to successfully navigate theses As always, and especially in these challenging challenging times, THANK-YOU! The full times, I encourage you to reach out to Council detailed report can be found on the website. members with ideas or concerns that we need We also discussed JT&G closeout. The to address or just to talk. Specifically if you education wing has 2 projects remaining, have ideas on gathering again please share. I security and landscaping. Total spent to date, look forward to seeing you in the Zoom gallery including an estimate for these 2 projects, is and remember, $879,257 versus $891,430 authorized. At the Love Thy Neighbor end of April giving totaled $782,245 leaving a shortfall of $97,012 with 8 months of giving till Lyn Whitmer, the campaign end date. That shortfall is Council President currently covered by our MIF construction loan. Assuming current member giving balances are fulfilled, while discounting pledges that will not be met due to member

Online Giving expert at answering your questions about Zoom and online ministry tools. Here is the link to online giving: The remaining 40% of your mission www.ctkrva.org/stewardship support is shared with the ELCA Churchwide Organization which is To set up online giving, visit the church providing COVID-19 resources and website and select Give Online from the continuing to provide grants to support menu options. If you have questions, please new ministries like the Micah contact the church office. Community of Hope in Fredericksburg, a new ministry we are helping to launch with those experiencing homelessness.

As we all grapple with the impact of

COVID-19, we want you to know how much we appreciate your congregation’s partnership in the Virginia Synod. Thank you for being church together even as we find ourselves physically separated.

Attached you will find a thank you to your congregation. We’ve attached a Your Mission Support Makes few different formats to make it easier Ministry Happen for you to share.

If there are ways that the Virginia Synod Your gift of mission support to the can support you and your congregation, Virginia Synod makes a difference not please reach out to me or to anyone on only in Virginia, but around the country the Synod staff. You can find our contact and around the world. information at: www.vasynod.org/about/staff

When the Virginia Synod receives Mission Support (also known in some congregations as benevolence), the Synod using 60% of your gift to support

ministries here in Virginia. Your generous gifts allow the Synod to provide ministry through staff members Pastor John Wertz, Jr. like Rebecca Wall who is continuing to Assistant to the Bishop help congregations in the call process Director for Evangelical Mission even in a time of physical distancing and Virginia Synod, ELCA

Lenae Osmandson who has become an

FOR MEMBERS IN NEED HOMEBOUND MEMBERS: Mary Jo Adams, OF HEALTH AND Delores Bell, Clarice Clark, Marta Ruch, Gail HEALING: Bob Berlin, Smith, Carolyn Sprinkle and non-member, Janet Bruns, Claire Capel, Nancy Kay. Ann Clyde, Megan Demmler, Betty Dols, Maxwell Goehle, Donna CAREGIVERS: Anne Adkins (mom), Jennifer Finney, Weston Foster, Pat Hale, Anna Hoyle, Carr (mom), Tom Clyde (Ann), JD Finney Ron & Patti Hunt, Julia Jones, John Kavanagh, (Donna), Sandi Holahan (mom), Marian Debby Moose, Winfree Mountcastle, Katie Kavanagh (John), Nancy Lohr (mom), Tom Sims, Gail Smith, Tom Stieler, Nancy Tyler, Mountcastle (dad), Debra Woodcock (mom) Audrey Woodcock IN THE SURE AND CERTAIN HOPE OF THE FOR EXTENDED FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN RESURRECTION we remember before NEED OF HEALTH AND HEALING: Brenda God: Sherry Bailey, cousin of Ruth Varney, Barton (Fortis friend), Margaret Baynor Betty Conner, friend of Ron Hunt, (Winfree's sister), Jewell Bernard (Stephen's David Stadtlander, nephew of B Goehle mom), Janice Blevins (Carr friend), Linda & Grady Bubenzer (Huey friends), Betty Carneal EL SALVADOR: our sister congregation in (Maxwell's grandmother), LoAnn Clark (C Santa Ana, its pastors and bishop, and all those Manuel's sister), Mary Anne Garnett (J Carr's in the country who have been displaced by mom), Sage Garver (Gwen's granddaughter), heavy rains, flood waters and damaged homes Peggy Giambalvo (CTK friend), Valerie Graville (L Grimm's niece), Lisa Grimm (K TENT OF NATIONS: the Nassar family's Ross's cousin), Ron Gromling (C Manuel's Educational and Environmental farm and its cousin), Jack & Dianne Harris (N Lohr's mission to promote peace and awareness for all. parents), Dana Heidelberger, Benny, Kristen & Matt Holdren (Fortis friends), Harold Leff VIRUS RELATED PROBLEMS: first (Woodcock friend), Edward Levari (L responders, health care workers, recovering Colbert's dad), Fermen & Linda Lowe (Anne addicts needing support groups, families H's friend), Eliana Lund (Carr god-daughter), losing a loved one, domestic abuse victims, Tracy, Jay & Dana Majka (K Francis's workers and business owners who have relatives), Custer & Wilda Maynor (Demmler lost livelihoods parents), Gail Meeks (D Hutchinson friend), Greg Phelps (Kemp friend), Kari Rachel & family, Randolph Rash (B Edward's dad), Fritz & Louise Rosebrook (Hale friends), Jim Smith (Killian relative), Jacob Solomon (Killian friend), Crystal Stovall (Nassar friend), Judy Suder (D Ripperton's mom), Cindy Tourism (L Grimm's friend), David Varney (Ruth's son), Ralph Vernon (Winfree's friend), Nat Wooding (A Kemp's dad)

Making Lunches!

Interested in If you are called to help either Sewing Face organization by sewing masks, contact Masks? Jennifer Carr 804-379-1242 for information, supplies, or to drop off LWR is finished masks. accepting donations of masks at this time.

When Lutheran World Relief launched the 75,000 Face Mask Challenge less than a month ago, they knew the IT TEAM SEEKS VOLUNTEERS compassionate response would be Would you like to help behind the overwhelming - and that good people scenes with Online Worship? The Tech like you would meet the challenge. They Team is looking for you! If you are just had no idea you'd pull it off so comfortable being in a Zoom meeting, quickly. Thank you! you can learn to help out as a co-host.

As COVID-19 continues to make its way Co-hosts serve on a team and typically around the world, the poorest each have only one job to do at a time, communities stand to bear the heaviest for example: being in charge of muting burdens. Cloth masks are a first barrier and unmuting worship leaders, or being of defense, and the need is only in charge of starting and sharing video increasing. To reach even more people in recordings. dire need, Lutheran World Relief is Training is provided. If you would like collecting 75,000 more masks! How to volunteer, or simply learn more about many will you make to help stop the what the job entails, please contact Tom spread? Sign up for more Schneider at info. www.lwr.org/masks [email protected]. Online Assisting Ministers are needed Also, our own Allison Nassar works at too. Training is available! Contact Soar365 with individuals who have either pastor for more information. special needs. Soar365 is in need of another 700 to 1,000 masks for those giving care and those receiving care. You can find out more about Soar365 at www.Soar365.org

Each week a set of psalms will be published with the worship booklet – and sent out via Constant Contact – accomapanied by the psalm prayers and additional prayers pertinent to that week in the Church year, all for individual and household use. In addition, small group Zoom gatherings will be offered to discuss that week’s topic and the psalms assigned to that category. A sign-up to participate in these “Book Club” groups will be CTK Summer Book Club available the first part of June and based Version 2020 on the response, we will create groups of 7-8 people each with someone to So what books are on your summer serve as host; each group will organize reading list this year? itself in terms of the best day and time

Have you considered the Book of to meet each week.

Psalms!? Just as reading through the Book of Acts

Well, consider yourself invited to this together last summer helped increase year’s CTK Summer Book Club as we our collective awareness of how the read through that book of the Bible early church spread the good news together as a congregation – as despite the challenges they faced, we individuals, households, and in small hope that reading and praying the Book Book Club groups. of Psalms together this summer will be of help in our own time – with the As a guide, we will be using Dietrich challenges that we currently face – to Bonhoeffer’s concise and approachable shape the content and the consistency classic Psalms: The Prayer Book of the of our prayers and thus draw us more Bible, which organizes the 150 psalms deeply into the heart and mind of Jesus into 10 topical groupings and provides a Christ our Savior and Lord. brief overview of each topic to help put each psalm in a wider context. You can We will kick off the CTK Summer Book order Bonhoeffer’s book online for $9.99 Club Version 2020 on Sunday, June 14th. from our church publishing house, Look for the small-group sign-up and Augsburg-Fortress (now an imprint of the weekly updates coming your way 1517 Media). soon!

On June 17th, 2015, Dylann Roof, a member on the rolls of St. Paul Lutheran Church – ELCA – in Charleston, SC entered Mother Emanuel AME church for a prayer meeting. He proceeded to shoot and kill nine of the people in attendance in an act born of white QUARANTINE PHOTOS supremacy and racial hatred.

Last summer, at our Churchwide WANTED! assembly, the ELCA voted and approved a resolution to set aside June We are hoping to include candid 17th as a Day of Remembrance and Repentance for the Emanuel 9. Acting shots of our members during the on this resolution, the Virginia Synod’s slideshow on Sunday mornings Tapestry team is hosting a Zoom meeting on Wednesday, June 17th, 2020 and in the weekly at 7:00 PM for a time of remembering the e-news. You are also welcome to Emanuel 9, an action step to take, and a prayer. To join the meeting: include a few words of greeting. Please share your photos with the • Join Zoom Meeting • Meeting ID: 861 4878 5636 office ([email protected]) • Password: 433801 and the IT team: • Dial by your location: o +1 312 626 6799 US Fred Hagemeister – (Chicago) [email protected] o +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) and/or Brent Kemp – [email protected]

3 Susanna Carr, 1 Terry & Jean Redding Jim Freund 2 Dean & Amy Kimbrough 7 Joe Frye 3 Kerry & Kathy McQuiddy 9 David Michael Fournier, 5 Ron & Patti Hunt Julie Sabalewski 6 Eric & Katherine Jones 10 Dale Korneke, 7 Michael Mariscalco & Kari Rudinsky Sharon Kwitchen 9 Jeff & Elizabeth Kwitchen 11 Gary Huey 12 Ken & Fran Hines 12 Karen Stanley 13 Dale & Stevie Korneke 13 Barbara Goehle 14 Jack & Sharon Grider 18 Paul Powers Dan & Sharon Kwitchen 19 Allison Hagemeister 16 John & Betty Becker 20 Sharon Grider 21 Keith & Denise Amrhein 22 Sydney Shearer Joe & Sarah Hoyle 25 Bob Berlin, Jack & Margie McLean Sarah Kemp 23 Richard Thorson & Diane Marsiglia 26 Ryan Matthew Mariscalco 24 Chris & Jennifer Carr 27 Kathy McQuiddy John & Kathy Watkins 29 Kevin Cousins, 25 Randy & Nancy Lohr June Nelson 29 Brian & Ann-Alyssa Hill

Contact Information

Christ The King Lutheran Church Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 9800 West Huguenot Road Richmond, Virginia 23235

Website: ctkrva.org Office: (804) 272-2995 Fax: (804) 272-2090 Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm Friday 9am -1pm Pastors’ day off: Friday

Sunday Schedule:

Worship Online 10am

Sunday School Online 11am

Randall N. Lohr Pastor [email protected] (804/389-4238)

Christopher D. Carr Pastor [email protected] (804/998-7526)

Lindy Moore Church Administrator [email protected]

Beverley Edwards Choir Director/Organist [email protected]