Racial Justice and Healing
In our baptismal covenant, we are called to love our neighbor as ourselves and are asked, “Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?” And we respond, “We will, with God’s help!”
Social Justice Activities
Justice Ministry Update: Thanks for your support!
We are happy to report that Tuesday’s (March 25th) RISC Nehemiah Action Event was a great success. More than a dozen St. John’s members joined thousands of other Richmonders at St. Paul’s Baptist Church to hold Mayor Danny Avula accountable to addressing gun violence and housing issues in our city. At the event, Mayor Avula committed to working with RISC on implementing a Gun Violence Reduction Strategy, pledged $13 million toward the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and allocated $800,000 for mobile home repairs in Southside Richmond. For a full report, see coverage from the Richmond Free Press .
To find out more information about RISC, please click here.
To learn more about our Social Justice ministry, contact the Rev. Anthony Gaboton, Jr.
RISC
St. John’s supports and is a member congregation of RISC—Richmonders Involved to Strengthen our Communities—a grassroots, direct-action organization made up of congregations throughout the Richmond Metro Area.
Founded in 2002, RISC uses the power of large numbers of people to hold our public officials accountable and to solve critical community problems. Since we have been a member, RISC has focused primarily on three issues: affordable and healthy housing and gun violence. Contact persons: Daryl Quackenbush (daryl.quackenbush@gmail.com) and Sarah Mattingly (smattingly@mac.com).
Juneteenth 2025
Now Recruiting Volunteers
On June 19, 2025, St. John's Church will join with St. Peter's Church and St. Phillip’s Church for our annual commemoration of Juneteenth, celebrating African American emancipation from enslavement after the Civil War.
A planning committee is preparing festivities, including a walk from St. John's to Peter Paul RVA for a worship service with historical themes, a performance of African traditional dance, and a picnic with outdoor activities.
The celebration begins at 8:45 a.m. and ends by 2:00 p.m.
Fifth Annual Juneteenth Celebration Needs Volunteers
If you would like to volunteer to prepare for the day, assist with food and activities, or to serve the day of the event, please contact Victoria Hauser.
