On Sunday, September 7 Lutherans marked the annual, denomination-wide day of service, “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday. The day of service has been a staple of many congregations for the past twelve years. This year, several congregations across the Commonwealth engaged with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Pennsylvania to amplify their service by adding advocacy efforts to the day.

The Northwestern PA Synod Green Team sent out sample letters and action alerts on Community Energy and Federal Disaster Relief, encouraging those who were caring for creation in their service projects to think about the ways in which our energy use and climate change are connected to natural disasters. Lawmakers at both the state and federal levels heard from Lutherans about their commitment to being good stewards of God’s creation, and for caring those in need.

In Lower Susquehanna Synod, LAMPa Director Tracey DePasquale helped St. Matthew’s and Union Lutheran Churches in York. In addition to hosting a ministry fair to update members about the many ways the congregation works to end hunger, members of St. Matthew packed school supplies for local students and wrote letters to state lawmakers in support of funding for the state’s major anti-hunger programs. At Union, members sorted and organized donations to their clothing bank and wrote letters in support of disaster response and programs to prevent homelessness and address hunger — all areas in which the congregation is engaged in ministry with the community and the wider church.

The following week, Northeastern and Southeastern PA Synod sponsored a joint event with Lutheran Congregational Services. Former LAMPa Hunger Advocacy Fellow and student at United Lutheran Seminary, Quentin Bernhard represented LAMPa.

“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to join so many others in living out our faith in serving neighbors near and far at this year’s God’s Work. Our Hands event held at the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod offices in Allentown,” said Bernhard. “It was a great example of partnership in action, with representatives of various congregations, Lutheran Community Services, Lutheran Disaster Response, Gather Lehigh Valley, and the synod all taking part, along with at least one other seminarian from United Lutheran Seminary! Taking action and advocating through the action items prepared by LAMPa and ELCA Witness in Society colleagues enabled those gathered to take action in a different way, focused on directing efforts toward root causes and policy investments in addition to addressing immediate needs. It was exciting to see several people come to the table after preparing disaster materials and make their voices heard, immediately understanding its importance.”

Congregations and communities are always encouraged to add advocacy to their service to the wider community, no matter the time of year. Email us at LAMPa@LutheranAdvocacyPa.org to ask about ways to weave together service and advocacy to amplify our impact of caring for our neighbors.