1. LET’S TALK JUSTICE Session 1

2. Westwood Vision Statement From the Westwood Council ► Section 3) We are called to be a vital and necessary part of our world. ► OUR VISION IS TO BE AN ADVOCATE FOR A HEALTHY COMMUNITY BY…

3.  Meeting basic needs and actively seeking ways to end poverty.  Strengthening all forms of families.  Working and advocating for justice, striving to eliminate inequalities that remain in our society.

4. ASSUMPTIONS ► Everyone in this room cares about issues of justice as a person of faith. ► God is present in our conversations and at work.

5. GROUND RULES ► That we view each other and speak to each other as fellow members of the body of Christ. ► That this is an exercise of the body of Christ not a platform to defend a political party. ► Luther’s explanation of the 8 th commandment is an expectation of the conversation.

6. GOALS ► That we have an experience of the church and grow together in Christ even on issues about which we may disagree. ► That Westwood moves toward further defining what we mean by working for “justice” by seeking common ground. ► That as different definitions of justice emerge individuals are allowed space to have their own integrity intact. ► That engagement in the work of justice continues to increases at Westwood.

7. Signs of Success ► We have an experience of the church and grow together as people of faith. ► Individuals and groups are more fully engaged in living out Westwood’s vision whatever their definition of justice is. ► We make some decisions about direction in regards to working for justice as a congregation.

8. Breakdown of the 4 sessions ► Sessions 1 and 2  Seeking common ground on justice ► Will be seeking feedback from individuals and table groups. ► Sessions 3 and 4  Case study of ISAIAH ► Session 3 will include a panel  Pastor Kelly Chatman from Redeemer  Pastor Dave Wangaard from the Minneapolis Area Synod  Bruce Koehn from Pax Christi Catholic Church

9. Westwood’s Outreach Direction ► Micah 6:8- “What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God. ► 3 Categories of Westwood’s Outreach  Justice  Kindness/Service  Supporting other congregations as they proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

10. SCRIPTURE READINGS Read the following scripture readings and then do table exercise #2  Isaiah 58:6-12  Matt. 25:31-46  Gal. 5:13-14, 6:1-6