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Support for Emily Phoenix

Let me tell you a story. 

 

A TRUE story. 

 

A story about a woman who is brave, tenacious, gentle in her words, kind in her actions, and has a soul full of the vibrant love of ministry. Her name is Emily Phoenix. Now, some of you already know about her- you could wax and wane over all of her numerous accomplishments and how they are met with equal measure in her compassion and grace. But for those of you who don’t know- Emily is one of those quiet community superheroes we hear about. 

While her degree says she is a Director of Christian Education (DCE), and that is true, she lives her job beyond the office; folding Christ-like leadership into all that she does. Her love for every human being is astounding and pure. She shows that love generously and without restraint. Sometimes this comes out in big ways like writing a book, helping with disaster relief, or serving on the board of the National Association of the Directors of Christian Education (NADCE). But it also comes out in small every-day ways like taking the time to cater to her community by using her days off to serve at a food pantry; or buying me a devotional book and thinking of my spiritual health even while she is going through her own season of grief and tremendous upheaval.  

And that is why we are here. And why you are reading this. Because she bought me that book only weeks ago. And because when we have someone who loves with such tremendous grace, who gives with everything they have, we hold them in our hearts and in our lives and we support them when they are treated unjustly. We rally around them when it is their turn to have a need.

You see, Emily was dismissed from her job on June 19th  without cause. She had been in the process of starting to negotiate a “peaceful release” due to conflict with church leadership and a new pastor when she was, instead, fired. “Negotiation” means a give and take, it implies discussion with resolution; that is not what happened here. Emily did not do anything to warrant termination. Please check out the attached video where Emily, in her own words, shares about what has happened. 

 

There has been no resolution offered from Galilee Lutheran Church at this time or the Southeastern District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. She is without a call.* Without a job. With no income. In the middle of a pandemic. So as her friends, it is time to rally around her. It’s time to help her in the ways she has helped all of us- it is our turn to demonstrate Christ-like love for someone in need. 

I am asking each of you to contribute what you can. What you are comfortable with, what you are able to give. This is a large goal specifically because we do not know when Emily will be employed again. It could be a year, or more, especially in a pandemic. So, please, be as generous as you can. If you would prefer to give grocery store gift cards, if you want to write letters of support, please reach out to either myself or Emily directly so that we can facilitate the logistics of getting those items where they need to go. 

 
Thanks for your time, and in advance, your contribution to helping this wonderful woman!


Sincerely,

Katie Zimmerman

 

*As a DCE, Emily is a “called church worker”. For those of you who don’t know a “called church worker” cannot just “apply” for a new position like you or I would for any ordinary job. Instead, a church worker must be “called” or requested. There is a period of time when several church workers are interviewed and a congregation and the potential church workers pray over the decision; after much deliberation and prayer a congregation “calls” a worker.

Organizer and beneficiary

Katie Zimmerman
Organizer
Severna Park, MD
Emily Phoenix
Beneficiary

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