Saturday, October 13, 2007

Who are we?

The Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary Social Justice Committee is a community dedicated to:

1. Embracing service learning
We believe that combining learning with service is the most effective way to promote social justice in our community.
Service learning is reciprocal in nature. By learning about the people and communities we serve, we grow and through service our community and society grows and changes as well. Through service learning, we can know how to better participate with those in need of justice and peace, together creating transformation.

2. In Lutheran contexts
We believe that God's sheer love in Jesus Christ frees us from sin and death so that we can serve our neighbor. The help, kindness, compassion, and love that we give is a response to the help, kindness, compassion and love that God has freely given to us. We respond to this help, kindness, compassion and love with our entire selves, seeking and proclaiming it in all parts of our lives and community.

3. To empower action and awareness.
We believe that all people have the right and power to transform themselves and their community. Our goal is to give people the resources, understanding and encouraging relationships needed to create change.

As a community, we each have unique stories and areas of focus. Below are some comments that introduce each member of the committee and describes some of the passions we have. If you have any questions or comments for us, feel free to post them as comments, but be aware that all comments are moderated and inappropriate comments will be deleted.

Peace be with you!

2 comments:

Craig LeMay said...

Hello!

My name is Craig LeMay and I am a co-chair of the Social Justice Committee. I am from Tacoma, Washington. I am currently in my first and a half year at PLTS, studying for a Masters in Divinity and my goal is to be consecrated as Diaconal Minister in the ELCA. I have way too many hobbies, but baking is my most significant one.

My social justice areas of focus are the environment, hospitality, and children and youth.

Becky Herhold said...

I am also a co-chair of the committee. I am a first-year at PLTS and live in the Bonhoeffer House in Oakland. I grew up in San Jose, California. I spent four years at Boston College for undergrad, and after graduation, I did a year-long volunteer program in Tijuana, Mexico. I then did another year as a volunteer with the AmeriCorps VISTA program in San Jose.

I speak Spanish, and I am passionate about issues of immigration and hospitality. In free time, I enjoy reading novels, singing and cooking.