Introduction to the Social Justice Committee (SJC)
of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
Purpose Statement
What we are about:
- Raising awareness of information about contemporary concerns relative to SOTH’s mission that Every Person Will Know Jesus,
- Fostering discussion of this information so that we can
- explore sensitive concerns knowledgably, openly and with unconditional respect and love for ourselves and others, and
- make individual choices consistent with our mission and best personal understanding of God’s will for us, and
- Presenting tools and opportunities for individuals or groups to address the social concerns important to us as Christians.
What we are not:
- Political—We, as a committee, will not endorse any political candidate or party.
- Conservative or Liberal—We, as a committee, will not identify with or support any ideology or agenda other than that expressed in our Purpose Statement.
- Policy-making—We, as a committee, will not make policy decisions on behalf of the congregation.
- Closed—We invite everyone to visit our meetings and join our efforts to promote understanding and acceptance of diverse people and perspectives. The committee meets at church the last Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.
- Activist—We, as a committee, will limit our activities to raising awareness, promoting discussion and presenting tools and opportunities to act. (Ex: The April 25th Town Hall Meeting Minnesota’s proposed marriage amendment.) However, initiatives, teams and individual activities dedicated to a specific course of action may emerge from our efforts. (Ex: Exploration of the Reconciling in Christ process.)
While the committee will remain neutral on any concern it raises, it is inevitable that individuals making up the committee will have strong enough feelings about certain concerns to take personal action.
Who we are and what we’re up to:
Please feel free to contact any of us with questions, concerns or suggestions for the committee:
- Paul Bohnsack—952.891.5677, bohnsackps@juno.com
- Paul Drangeid—952.934.9318, drangeidpm@msn.com
- Jan Strathy—952.933.7805, janstrathy@earthlink.net
- Greg Shank— 952.935.9821, gwshank@msn.com
- Hildy Shank—952.935.9821, gwshank@msn.com
- Lyn Kopperud—(952) 933-7921, lynettek@visi.com
- Mary Quain—952.933.4902, mquain@mn.rr.com
- Emily Barker—651-769-4596, emilykbarker@gmail.com
- Joel Barker—651-338-5635, emilykbarker@gmail.com
- Pastor Dan—952.935.3457, dannordin@sothchurch.com
Though our resources are finite, the list of topics we’d like to pursue is endless and broadly diverse, ranging from immigration and poverty to torture and global warming. The committee welcomes topic suggestions from the rest of the congregation. We meet at 7 p.m. the last Tuesday of every month at church.
Visitors welcome!
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