In honor to the Emanuel Nine Martyrs and in light of all that is happening in our country around the issues of racial justice, Our Saviour’s, Phoenix, hosted a Day of Repentence, Reflection and Prayer, with a Service of Confession, Lament and Prayer (watch here), a discussion of the film Just Mercy (available free all of June), and a candlelight vigil in remembrance of George Floyd and other victims of racism.

A Service of Confession, Lament and Prayer  Click here for the worship video 

On June 17, 2015, Clementa C. Pinckney, Cynthia Marie Graham Hurd, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lee Lance, DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Tywanza Sanders, Daniel Lee Simmons, Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, and Myra Thompson were murdered by a self-professed white supremacist while they were gathered for Bible study and prayer at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church (often referred to as Mother Emanuel) in Charleston, South Carolina. Pastors Pinckney and Simmons were both graduates of the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. A resolution to commemorate June 17 as a day of repentance for the martyrdom of the Emanuel Nine was adopted by the Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on August 8, 2019. Congregations of the ELCA are encouraged to reaffirm their commitment to repenting of the sins of racism and white supremacy which continue to plague this church, to venerate the martyrdom of the Emanuel Nine, and to mark this day of penitence with study and prayer.

Just Mercy, a Discussion

Wednesday, June 17 at 2:00 pm
Based on the life work of Civil Rights Attorney Bryan Stevenson, this movie is a resource in helping those interested in learning more about the systematic racism that plagues our society. The film is available on several platforms for free all June. Click on this link:   https://www.justmercyfilm.com

Candlelight Vigil

On May 25 George Floyd was arrested for allegedly using a counterfeit $20 bill and was subsequently killed when a knee was pressed to his neck. As we  gather together to remember George and many others who have been victims of racism, we will sing, pray, and kneel in silence (as you are able) for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. This 30-minute vigil will take place outside on the church  campus, please bring water, wear a mask, and dress appropriately.