Faith and Race Action Group
Our goal is to take action to counter systemic racism in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the community. We are developing and strengthening relationships with several programs:
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​Offering financial and programmatic support for El Camino de Emaus Lutheran Church, serving Spanish-speaking families in Burlington, Washington.
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Working with Underground Ministries, a small cohort of church members actively supporting a formerly incarcerated individual under the One Parish One Prisoner (OPOP) program.
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Providing education and financial resources for local indigenous tribes to participate in the National Native American Boarding School Truth and Reconciliation event that takes place in Canada on September 30th and in the US on September 29.
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Training in response to concerns about individuals and groups targeted by ICE through the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network.
For more information and to get involved contact:
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Pictured: Rev. Zulma Tifre, Pastor of El Camino de Emaus Lutheran Church
Faith and Race
Book Discussion Group
Following the murder of George Floyd in 2021, the Faith and Race Book Discussion Group was born to investigate and discuss issues around racial equity and white privilege. People take turns selecting a book and hosting a facilitated discussion. We read a wide variety of books focused on race, culture and ethnicity, fiction and nonfiction, and contemplate our role as Christians both in the history of systemic racism and how to rectify it. Books we’ve read include those by Ibram X. Kendi, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Isabel Wilkerson, Octavia Butler, Tommy Orange, Ijeoma Oluo, and Gregory Boyle. The group is open and welcomes new members from all over—no travel required since it meets via Zoom! If you’re interested, please email Katie Loring or call 360-375-5984.
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Pictured: Books read by Faith and Race Book Group
Family Resource Center & Friday Harbor Food Bank
The Friday Harbor Branch of the Lutheran Church of the San Juans Social Ministry is focused on two organizations on the island. In the spring, the congregation supports the Joyce Sobel Family Resource Center (FRC) and in the fall it raises funds for the Friday Harbor Food Bank. In addition, it supports special requests for funding summer day camp scholarships for children, providing dinners for Family Workshops hosted for parents and children, and other programs, including immigrant protection and education.
If you would like more information about how to get involved, please contact Janet Wright
Weekly Bible Study
Join a diverse group of people via Zoom every Wednesday, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. We discuss the lectionary Bible readings planned for the upcoming Sunday worship service with Pastor Emma and amongst ourselves. Conversations are wide-ranging, freewheeling, and always thoughtful and informative. You don’t have to be on San Juan Island to attend. If you’d like to join in, please contact Becky Moore.
