Justice League

The mission of the Washington Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is to be and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, witnessing, loving, and serving from our doorsteps “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

In Spring 2021, WACC created a forum for open and honest conversation about race. Pastor Nathan convened a book study via zoom of Rev. Dr. Jennifer Harvey’s book Dear White Christians, and church members, community citizens, and interested persons who live out-of-state participated. This study energized the congregation to form a Justice League that, in the words of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., bends the arc of the moral universe toward justice. We have identified a specific interest in transforming systemic and structural racism as an immediate priority.

The Justice League is part of the Outreach Committee and is lead by Debbie Walker, Director of Advocacy and Christian Education, and Megan Doan.

As the Justice League takes shape, here are ideas and dreams we hope come to fruition:

  • A communal viewing of the PBS Documentary The Black Church: This Is Our Story. This Is Our Song.
  • Partner with the Community West Foundation to host the sculpture Homeless Jesus and provide a curriculum that will travel with the statue.
  • Engage the Neighborhood Up program with the Lorain County Community Foundation and serve as a meeting site.
  • Participate in the Peace Conference that is sponsored by the Elyria Rotary Club and the YWCA of Elyria.

Here are additional ways that we seek the future God wants and ultimately will have:

  • Provide food, toiletry, and clothing donations to Genesis House, Neighborhood Alliance, the Elyria Hospitality Center, and the Salvation Army.
  • Open our facilities to non-profit community groups (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Alcoholics Anonymous, etc.)
  • Support the work of the Lorain County Free Clinic in providing health care services to all.
  • Prepare and serve a monthly Hot Meal through the Salvation Army and assisting with its holiday kettle collection program.
  • Support Lorain County Habitat for Humanity housing starts for need-based families and individuals.
  • Serve as a covenant church of Pathways Counseling & Growth Center, Lorain County’s only faith-based counseling center.
  • Help fund new church starts, disaster and emergency relief assistance, education and outreach programs, and supporting the administrative work of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) through special offerings throughout the year.
  • Participate in the CROP Walk (fighting the causes of hunger locally and internationally) and the Walk for the Kids (in support of the work of the Cleveland Christian Home, a residential and outreach care facility for children and families suffering from the effects of abuse and neglect).
  • Support the Church World Service Tools and Blankets program.
  • Encourage volunteer commitments by our individual members to over 50 different non-profit organizations and efforts.
  • Work in conjunction with Disciples Men’s and Women’s groups locally and internationally to provide clothing, school kits, health kits, and other items to those in need.
  • Provide annual scholarships and opportunities for youth to explore the Christian camp experiences of Camp Christian.
  • Reach out to the homebound through visitations, cards and seasonal gifts, and bringing the Lord’s Supper into their residences.