You are INVITED to join the Grace Presbytery 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge sponsored by the Grace Presbytery Social Justice Task Force
This Challenge begins Monday, January 18, 2021 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
[NOTE: the challenge will overlap, but not conflict or compete, with the RACE IN AMERICA Seminar offered by Rev. Dr. Michael Waters (also sponsored by the Task Force). As a reminder, the RACE IN AMERICA seminar dates will take place over five successive Thursday evenings: Jan. 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18 & 25.]
BRIEF BACKGROUND
The Challenge was first created and structured by Dr. Eddie Moore as way to engage the subject of racial justice. Since that time, many churches have participated in one or more of these. For example, Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte has sparked national interest in their 21-Day Race Equity Challenge. Several churches in Grace Presbytery participated in the Myers Park experience.
The challenge offered by the Social Justice Task Force has been modified for use at Northridge Presbyterian Church by Emily Cox, Director of Faith Formation, and Mary Marcotte, a former Executive Presbyter in New Covenant Presbytery.
CHALLENGE SPECIFICS
The 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge is a commitment to read, listen to, and watch at least one short piece of media each day. There is an extensive list of easily accessible materials from which to choose. Each participant will be supported and resourced through the presbytery website. Generally, one video each week will be viewed in common by all participants. For the other days in the week, individuals are free to read/listen to/watch other options on the provided list(s).
REGISTRATION
When you register, you will make two pledges. PLEDGE 1: beginning January 18, you will daily try to read, listen to, or watch one article/podcast/or video from the provided list(s). PLEDGE 2: once you register, you will be assigned a small group which will contain no more than 8 participants from other churches in Grace Presbytery. These small groups will meet three times over the 21-day period, one time each week, to discuss the video they saw in common and to share responses to other media the participants experienced.
PLEASE JOIN US!
This is a great opportunity to expand our understanding, while at the same time get to know Presbyterians from other churches from all the regions of our presbytery. Although the challenge is especially appropriate for pastors and church officers, any congregant can benefit by participating.
Online Registration is now available. Please make every effort to register by January 11, 2021, to help us facilitate small group assignments.
Questions? Contact Rev. Thomas Gibbons, Co-moderator, Social Justice Task Force.