Good evening BFCC Members and Friends,

This week there are many opportunities to show up for justice in Billings, Montana as we respond to the ongoing systemic violence and racism rooted, acted upon, and espoused on many levels in our country:

• A Memorial for Mourning, June 1^st-June 8^th; Kirk’s Grocery; Billings, Montana grieves for George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and all others who have lost their lives to systemic violence, racism and police brutality. Bring a sign, display your art, drop off flowers, say a prayer or stop by to take a moment of silence in honor of these innocent lives. Starting June 1st, this memorial will be available to the public outside of Kirks' Grocery until June 8th.  The organizers want to be clear that this is not a protest but a Memorial and time for mourning. Please wear a mask and respect social distancing standards when visiting.  I was asked to lead a prayer Monday, June 1^st, 6pm at Kirk’s Grocery, 2920 Minnesota Avenue and I invite you to join us for this manifestation of our lament and grief.
• Take Back Tuesday! Tuesday, June 2^nd, 8:45am, Zoom:  Billings First Church is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

           Time: Jun 2, 2020 08:45 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

           https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88574785942?pwd=V3lsQTZSaEdONXZjczFGMXI5ZjVPdz09

           Meeting ID: 885 7478 5942

           Password: 818199

• Sign-Making at Billings First Congregational Church for Justice Rally:  Thursday & Friday, June 4^th and 5^th, 4-6pm; outdoors; please wear a mask and respect physical distancing standards.  There are many ways to participate in the June 7th rally (see info below) and/or show up for justice – affix sign to your car and drive by in support; join in person implementing Co-Vid protocols; find live feed and post to your social media; write letters to media outlets and authorities advocating for end of systemic violence against Black, Brown and Indigenous People of Color (BBIPOC), advocate for appropriate cultural, de-escalation and other life-affirming trainings for law enforcement and authorities; donate to organizations that are doing the good work on the ground to support BBIPOC.  Volunteers needed.

A few additional resources to consider: 

https://www.aclu-mn.org/en/call-for-justice-for-george-floyd?initms_aff=nat&initms_chan=eml&utm_medium=eml&initms=200529_georgefloyd_callaction_gradead_sail&utm_source=sail&utm_campaign=georgefloyd&utm_content=200529_racialjustice_callaction_gradead&ms_aff=nat&ms_chan=eml&ms=200529_georgefloyd_callaction_gradead_sail&fbclid=IwAR15J5B6nuBs-tDHDufCHJCPCsNJuN-Z5Fyoi90yxnpFLQ2mhk1hzb6SDhc 

https://medium.com/equality-includes-you/what-white-people-can-do-for-racial-justice-f2d18b0e0234

• Justice for George Floyd and BBIPOC in our Community/World:  Rally - Sunday, June 7^th, 1pm, Yellowstone County Courthouse Lawn; a peaceful rally in honor of George Floyd and BBIPOC murdered, assaulted or judged by authorities and others because the color of their skin. Please get your posters, banners, T-shirts and other things together and gather at the county courthouse lawn.  Organizers have arranged for speakers and educational information.