July is Disability Pride Month! It commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act and celebrates the disability community. 

Creator God, you made us all in your image. Help us to embrace one another as you do, beloved and blessed; not in need of fixing, but in need of authentic welcome. Bring healing where it is desired, affirmation where it is lacking, and awareness to all. Open our hearts to receive the gifts and needs of all people, and to become communities where everyone can find a place. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. (from All Creation Sings)

Disability Pride Month

July is Disability Pride Month! It commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act and celebrates the disability community.

People of all types experience both visible and invisible disabilities within their bodies and minds. The disability community includes people of all abilities, ages, races, ethnicities and cultures, religions, socioeconomic statuses, sexual orientations, and genders.

In addition to celebrating those within the disability, this month is also an opportunity to spend time breaking down ableist biases. Ableism is discrimination against those who have a disability. Ableism can appear in language, policies, architecture, and art. 

Resources for Celebrating and Learning More About Disability Pride

• Disability Pride Toolkit
• Disability Pride Flag
• ELCA Blog about Disability Pride Month
• 2023 ELCA Disability Grant Recipients
• The tAble: Youth Gathering Pre-Gathering Event
• ELCA Disability Ministry
• A prayer for Disability Pride Month.

Beyond Thoughts & Prayers:

A Commemoration of Moses the Black

August 28 - 7pm - Zoom

Moses the Black lived in the 4th century. He was, before his conversion, known as a robber and scoundrel. He was considered a worthless blight in his society. Hiding from local authorities, Moses appealed to Scetis monks to give him sanctuary. Observing their peace, contentment, and faith practice, Moses was baptized and became a dedicated member of their monastic community. Moses the Black became an example of faith through his actions even beyond peers and elders. His faith inspired his martyrdom, which saved his community. Moses the Black is commemorated for his life of faith on August 28th.To coincide with his commemoration, Tapestry invites you to gather to consider initiatives of Faith and Action. 

There have been 248 tragedies characterized as mass shootings in 2023. Sympathies for the victims and their families have been expressed by a call for our thoughts and prayers. Tapestry invites you on August 28th at 7:00 p.m. to join in brainstorming initiatives for our congregations, conferences, and synod that may support our communities with actions of faith beyond sympathies of thoughts and prayer. 

Congregational Eligibility for Energy Reduction Grants

(shared by Sister Phyllis Cox, deacon)

Interfaith Power & Light, a national nonprofit with the goal of putting faith into action for a safe climate, is applying to the Federal Renew America’s Nonprofits grant program as a prime recipient. To facilitate that application, Interfaith Power & Light is collecting surveys from congregations to determine their eligibility to apply for a grant of up to $200,000.

The types of projects eligible would support the reduction of energy use and emissions, in addition to lowering utility costs in nonprofit facilities.

Energy efficiency upgrades do not include solar and other renewable energy sources, but would support upgrades to existing systems. The building(s) must be owned by a registered 501(c)3. There is a 20% required contribution on the requested funds, which could be in cash, other financial awards, donated materials and volunteer time.

If your congregation is interested, the survey is the next step. Participating in the survey does not guarantee or diminish the chances of receiving a grant from IPL in the event of an award. Surveys are due by July 28.

Kairos Youth at Roanoke College Pride Festival

The Virginia Synod youth - and adult leaders - gathered for Kairos and joined the Roanoke College Pride Festival on campus on June 28. Here is some of what some folks had to say:

• “As a Kairos participant, it was uplifting to see my Kairos and Lutheran community supporting Pride and people like me.” —Anon
• “It was fun, everyone was very including.” —Garrett 
• “I’ve never felt more connected to a group of strangers.” —Cam
• “It’s nice to see churches include LGBTQ people especially when so many people are still turned away by the church.” —Sol
• “This was my first Pride festival and it is nice to have a place where I felt safe and comfortable.” —Dominic
• “I sat with a gentleman and talked a lot and he sent me a letter the next day addressed to the veteran I was fortunate to meet at Pride.” —Leon
• “It was as wonderfully colorful as the flags we flew.” —Bill
• “It was really nice to see how welcoming people were and how comfortable people were and no one was there to slander anyone.” - Lemon
• “As a church member it means a lot that y’all truly means all and for the Kairos community to participate because it is amazing for our youth to see and hear that adults in the church believe that as well.” - Nikki
• “I feel like people always see Christians as all the same and it was nice to show that we aren’t all the same. Not every Christian is homophobic.” - Aleyna 
• “Having seen so many of my friends repress themselves out of fear, it was wonderful to see a place like Roanoke host something like this and support a community that needs more support than it’s given.” —Ian

Supporting Minnick Students

Believe it or not, we are in full preparation for students to return to the classroom! Yes, back-to-school time is quickly approaching— and you can help students in our programs start the year strong.

Families of Minnick School students do not pay tuition, and many face financial challenges. To ease the burden, Minnick Schools provide necessary supplies for students. Donate today and join this annual tradition of our community supporting Minnick School students with the tools they need to succeed!

Check out Minnick Schools' Amazon Wish Lists and send a gift of supplies or equipment directly to the school:

• Bristol
• Harrisonburg
• Roanoke Main Campus
• Roanoke Vocational Campus
• Wise
• Wytheville
• or make a monetary donation

Your support makes a difference. When Deishon first started at Roanoke Minnick, he had few personal or academic goals for himself. His graduation was an achievement for everyone! Read his story on our blog.