August 2, 2026: "Social Justice for Introverts" The Rev. Erica Lea-Simka

“You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.” (Perkei Avot 2:21) Quotes like this are often shared with well-meaning “get out there and change the world” memes on social media. Many of us are not able to join large gatherings, or we have personalities and/or disabilities that make loud, public acts of social justice harmful to ourselves. How can we engage in bending the arc of the moral universe toward justice effectively while playing to our strengths? Inspired by the book Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul: How to Change the World in Quiet Ways by Dorcas Cheng-Tozun and 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. Rev. Erica Lea-Simka [LEE Sim-kuh]. Rev. Erica (she/they) is a pastor, peacebuilder, parent, partner, perseverer, pilgrim, and plant-based nut. Pastor Erica has served Baptist and Mennonite congregations, most recently as Pastor of Albuquerque Mennonite Church from 2017 to 2025. They are currently The Journey Project (Thriving Churches Initiative) Grant Director for the New Mexico Conference of Churches and Southwest Representative for Mennonite Women USA. Music: Lydia Clark