More than 215 Lutherans and friends of faith took to the state Capitol on May 13 to remind lawmakers of their responsibility to care for neighbors experiencing hunger and poverty – especially in light of looming cuts and policy retreats at the federal level.

Against the backdrop of ecological breakdown in democratic systems made visible by increasing attacks on marginalized communities and threats to religious liberty both domestically and globally, the day was a much-needed reminder of God’s creative presence in the midst of it all.

In his keynote and later, in workshops presented with Christine Mangale, Director of the Lutheran Office for World Community, the Rev. Dr. Chad Rimmer shared a vision of a hope-filled model of public witness – an ecology of grace into which the God is drawing us together.

“At a time when a vortex of political forces in the U.S. is attempting to narrow our vision and pull us into despair, I was inspired to hear such an expansive theological vision from Chad Rimmer as well as other voices from the Lutheran World Federation on Lutheran Day at the Capitol,” said the Rev. Inge Williams, pastor of Friedens Church in Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod. “It was so grounding to feel part of the global Lutheran communion advocating for justice and peace in communities all around the world.”

Visiting on a legislative session day, many groups were able to meet with their lawmakers – some of whom came off of the chamber floor to hear from their constituents about the rising need being served by their ministries.  Advocates described the devastating impact the proposed cuts to federal hunger and Medicaid programs would mean to those already struggling in their communities. They urged lawmakers to share that message with their members of Congress (Send your own message to Congress here.) and to shore up the state’s own anti-hunger funding.  Many were even able to thank representatives for votes that afternoon in favor of LAMPa-supported legislation that would help prevent medical debt – a major contributor to poverty.  Add your voice to theirs by sending  notes to your lawmakers.

“As much as we wish that the challenges we are witnessing were not so great, we are encouraged and humbled by the growing numbers of advocates who are finding this an important part of their discipleship,” said LAMPa Director Tracey DePasquale.  “Some rostered and lay leaders come every year for the gift of doing this work together – to be reminded that they are not alone. Some congregations are growing teams of advocates who keep inviting others and who are finding their voice and community to stay engaged locally and through LAMPa year-round.”

United in Christ Lutheran Church in Lewisburg, which has a dedicated ministry of service that includes distributing baby diapers and senior food boxes — the latter, through a state-supported federal program that has been threatened in Washington — is one of those congregations.

One of the joys of Lutheran Day for United in Christ member Diane Gottlieb is seeing friends from a former congregation in another part of the state.  More importantly, she said, “the workshops are always informative and interesting, and it’s important to learn how to advocate…how we can be a voice in society to make sure that seniors’ and young families’ needs are met.

“It is what is asked of us and what has been given to us,” Gottlieb said. “I am thankful to be reminded of how much just delivering food or distributing diapers is just a part of it.”

Before heading to the Capitol, attendees participated in learning sessions on topics from Advocacy 101 to hunger and housing, health care, immigration, climate, clean water, LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice,  gun violence prevention, and finding common ground in a polarized world. LAMPa advocates work with coalition partners and lawmakers year-round in all of these areas – though we focus our visits on this day.  Participants prepared for legislative visits via webinar prior to Lutheran Day and organized with other members of their legislative visit teams over lunch before sending worship.

“Yesterday’s Lutheran Day felt like the best I have experienced,” said veteran Mark Staples of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lansdale. “Julia (Frank)’s workshop report on the plight of FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) was exceptional and brought tears to my eyes.

“Our meeting with Sen. Amanda Cappelletti’s aides was the best I have experienced — 30 minutes! Lots of good exchanges about the pending bills, about Medicaid, the Food Cupboard in Upper Merion and declining cargo ship traffic in the Port of Philadelphia that I know about firsthand.”

The outpouring of gratitude and requests to do more has been both exciting and challenging, DePasquale said. “We really are being called to lean into an ecology of grace — to keep our eyes, ears and hearts open for the new thing that God is doing.”

For advocates looking to invite others into this way of discipleship, David Atkinson, a member of Tree of Life in Harrisburg and retired longtime Senate leadership staffer, offers this encouragement in his LinkedIn blog, “In Praise of Lutheran Day.”

“Lutheran Advocacy Ministry seeks to accomplish several important things,” he writes. “First is to harness the collective voices of Lutherans in Pennsylvania.  Second is to convey priorities for action, or resistance, in informed and effective ways.  Third is to make people feel good about exercising their constitutional rights to assemble, speak, and petition government.  Fourth is to remind those in power that people of faith are not relegated to the cheap seats in policy debates, no matter how much any administration finds itself in fiery opposition.

“The recent Lutheran Day in the State Capitol was a success by every measurement.  Not only was there record turnout, but the enthusiasm for taking requests to legislators in session was running high.  Good mix of clergy and laity, annual attenders and first-timers.  The agenda was well-crafted, the issue sessions immensely instructive and enlightening, the midday worship service a master class in the blessings of faith and the advantages of introspection into our own character before being tempted to judge others.”

Invite others to connect with LAMPa at https://www.lutheranadvocacypa.org/get-involved/.