One Small Step
It’s easy to get discouraged about change. I’m talking about the kind of change that we yearn for – change from the discord around us, change from the violence that frightens us, change from the hatreds so openly expressed, change from the negativism that hangs over our heads. We know these things are not of God and that God must be grieving the pervasive waywardness that we see every day.
It’s easy to be discouraged. I thought that race relations were improving. I thought that civil rights and integration would naturally bring us together as country, like I learned growing up, a “melting pot.” I thought that electing a Black president was a sign that America’s racial divisions were behind us. But now we know that’s not true. We have a lot of work to do, and prayer.
I know that some of us are tired of hearing about race, but the truth is, we have a lot of work to do, and prayer.
The Presbyterian Church (USA) has put together a helpful study guide for congregations to do this work. It is called Facing Racism: A Vision of Intercultural Community. Our Adult Education Ministry is offering this course. Pastor Joanna and I will lead the teaching sessions and members of the adult ed ministry team will facilitate the conversations. What we appreciate about this course is that it combines good biblical insight with excellent discussion questions. We learn from each other. This class is a safe place to share.
We begin with the Bible. We explore the Bible’s teachings about Creation and the Image of God, and what the Bible says about diversity and justice. Then we will think about what Jesus teaches us about being in community together. We will examine our own mission statement of SPC to hear what we have said about what kind of community we believe God wants us to be. What do the church’s confessions tell us about how the church addresses culture? As we face the daunting problem of race in America, what might we do as a community of faith? Could we, perhaps, take one small step for change?
I encourage you to participate. The class will meet from 6:30-8:00 on Wednesdays, Sept 9 – Oct 14. It is likely we will begin meeting through Zoom, and a link will be provided. To help us prepare, please sign up by contacting Ilona at the Church Office: 457-6811; spc.office@southportpresbyterian.com.
What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8
Take care. Be kind. Walk humbly,
Pastor Ann