Submitted by Patricia Covington
A Long Talk about the Uncomfortable Truth
Many St. Matthew members participated in the NJ Synod ELCA Anti-Racism Team event on February 20. We then continued the conversation on Sunday March 2 with a discussion on this subject in greater detail with a local focus.
For more information on this subject, contact Patricia Covington or Barbara Duffy of the DEI/Anti-Racism team. You can find out more on A Long Talk at www.alongtalk.com.
Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing
The SMLC DEI team also the history of the song “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing”. Few songs have captured as much of the sweep of US history and allows its reciters to express and embrace the ideals and promise of the American experiment.
To learn more about the song, download a history written by Burton W. Peretti for the National Registry (2016) in the Library of Congress. Or you can find it in the red hymnal #841.
Lift ev’ry voice and sing
Till earth and heaven ring
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty.
Let our rejoicing rise,
High as the list’ning skies,
let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of faith that the dark past has taught us.
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us.
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun
Let us march on till victory is won.