June/July 2020 Term in Tanzania I Was a Minority, and I Agree That This Is a Reality
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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 3 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.