With all the unrest currently in our nation around the issue of racism, a task force has been assembled to begin thinking through ways churches in the Florida-Georgia District can address the hurts and inequities that continue to plague the world because of this sin.
You will find a Bible Study, a litany for worship and some coloring resources with notes for conversation with children, and within each document are additional links for online resources. These resources are also available in Spanish. The need for repentance is an ongoing one, even in the Church!
In John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” The early Church, while far from perfect, understood the call to live in love. Life is about relationships. Jesus cared so much for His disciples, even though all would betray Him, He humbled Himself and washed their dirty feet as a powerful example of how love behaves. Love serves, regardless of race, color, or creed. It supersedes political boundaries, economic status, ethnic origin or whatever else may divide us. Jesus called us to reach into the world with His love without limit. This may be a time in the Florida-Georgia District to humbly repent of any sinful prejudice in us as we reflect on Jesus’ resurrection.
I pray God’s blessings as we strive to live in His love for all the world to see!
Your partner in ministry,
Rev. Dr. Gregory S. Walton, President
The Florida-Georgia District, LCMS
Rev. Dr. Victor Belton has authored these resources for our pastors to use. As Ash Wednesday is a day of repentance and reflection, these resources are most appropriately used on this day. However, we also encourage your consideration and use of these prayers, either in midweek services or weekend services throughout the season of Lent.
Because we serve in a multicultural district filled with people from “all tribes and races,” we have many opportunities to reach many different people with the love of Jesus. May these resources not only make us more aware but help God’s people become more Christ-like in all we do.
Click here to download the document.
Click here to download the document.
Click here to download the document.
Click here to download the document.
Click here to visit the Michigan District webpage.
“The Multicultural Church Award” is meant to be a “fun” approach to realizing some of the Multicultural and Ethnic Diversity Task Force goals by inviting congregations to compete for the designation as a multicultural church. The inspiration for the idea is the All-American Cities Award, where annually municipalities across the country vie for recognition by the National Civic League as a city that successfully addresses local issues.
Similarly, the MEDTF seeks to present the Multicultural Church Award to a FLGA District congregation that demonstrates a multicultural approach to mission and ministry in the following aspects in in-reach and outreach:
1. Education
2. Engagement
3. Improvements
4. Legacy
The award winner will receive a trophy, a $500 cash prize, mention in district-wide publications, and distinction as a model, inspiration, and resource to other congregations aspiring to be multicultural ministries. The winner will be announced at the pastors and educators conference this September.
June 15, 2022—Application Period Begins
June 30, 2022—Application Submission Deadline
July 15, 2022—Selection Begins
September 21, 2022—Award Presented at Pastors and Educators Conference
Visit the Multicultural Church Award webpage to learn more and begin the submission process!