Listening and Reading Group: Racism, Spirituality, and Christian Discipleship

Purpose

· To foster conversation and engagement with others around Racial Justice and Healing

· To deepen our prophetic witness as Christian disciples and congregational leaders

· To expand our knowledge of resources and our network of relationships

· To develop next steps on how to put into action what we have learned

Who: laity and clergy

Date: Four Monday Evenings: January 18, February 22, March 29, April 26

Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm

Platform: Zoom

Expectations

· Participate in all four sessions

· Read, listen, or view the designated books, podcasts, or videos prior to each session

· Review the biblical background prior to each session

· Complete a genogram (first session)

· Openness to diverse perspectives and willingness to be challenged for the sake of growth

· Work on an Action Plan for further growth and action (last session)

· Speak the truth in love

· Be honest, respectful, and authentic

Materials

Links are provided for the designated videos and for the Emotionally Healthy podcasts.

The books can be ordered on Amazon, links are provided. A Zoom link will be sent to you.

To Register Register with Kim Hopkins at khopkins@wnccumc.org.

Registration Deadline, January 5

Each person who registers will receive a Zoom link and a study guide for the first session.

For laity participating in the Lay Servant Training, participation in all sessions will count as an Advanced Course in Lay Servant Training.

January 18 Listening: Peter Scazzero’s podcasts on Racism. Scazzero Podcasts

Peter Scazzero is the author of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality and is a pastor and church consultant. In his podcast, he offers an invitation for us to be on a journey to change. His work in spirituality prepares us to hear the stories of others and to share our own stories. Specific podcasts will be linked in the study guide. Rev. Aldana Allen will join us and lead us in some reflections on Acts 10 and 11.

February 22

Reading: Black and White: Disrupting Racism One Friendship at a Time, Teesha Hadra and John Hambrick, Black and White. A video link to an interview with Hadra and Hambrick will be included in the study guide.

March 29

Reading: Holding Up Your Corner of the World: Talking About Race in Your Community, Willis Johnston (a selection from the 2020 UMW Reading Program), Holding Up Your Corner

A video link to an interview with Willis Johnston by Bishop Gregory Palmer will be included in the study guide.

April 26

Reading: Who Lynched Willie Earle? Preaching to Confront Racism, Will Willimon, (a selection from the 2020 UMW Reading Program), Who Lynched Willie Earle?

Not just for those who preach, this book speaks to how we talk about race and violence and how the church responds.