Mission and Advocacy on MLK, Jr. Week

Day for All people was today! The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy hosted a day of learning and advocacy about issues that 2nd Presbyterian cares about - affordable housing, environmental justice, child care, etc. Members who attended received training on how to advocate in the general assembly then met with legislators to advocate for bills that are promoting the Second Presbyterian Church Mission and Advocacy Council priorities for 2024.

Children and youth came to Second Presbyterian Church on Monday to serve in our Walk In ministry. Doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God.

We celebrate that over 35 people connected to Second Pres gathered in the swirling snow on Monday afternoon to join the prayer vigil against gun violence at the state capitol! (It may be hard to recognize your friends in the picture, because everyone was bundled up for the weather.) The Mission and Advocacy Council issued a call to attend this important gathering to add our voices and active prayers--and you answered with faith and fortitude! Thanks be to God for a church family that shows up to support peace and the welfare of our community.

Over the last few years, the Mission and Advocacy Council, the Art Committee, and the Worship Council have worked together to create a powerful art installation honoring the lives of those murdered by guns in the city of Richmond each year. Throughout the year, our church bell is tolled on Mondays at 10 am marking each life lost with one toll. In December, the names were written on ribbons and the families who lost loved ones prayed for. On Sunday, January 14, 2024, Lauriston and Joe read each name in a necrology and the congregation placed each ribbon on the communion table. The table was selected for this ritual to reiterate the coming together of God and God’s children in Beloved Community.