We are part of that moral universe bending toward justice as seen by Martin Luther King Jr. But ours is not a passive role; we must do our part. Adult ed classes in February addressed racial justice issues and we heard from some very special guests.
To do our part in bending the arc, we must grow in knowledge, perception, and action. This series of adult education classes focused on helping us in that growth.
Classes included:
- February 5—Racism Right Here. Sometimes we don’t see the racism right under our noses. Hear from a group of people of different racial backgrounds tell us what we may not be seeing.
- February 12—Race Related Scriptures. Hear from two pastors of different backgrounds how they interpret different scriptures in the Bible that are related to race.
- February 19—Racial History of the Church. PC(USA) and other Christian churches have mixed histories regarding race in America. Church members present some of the history—good and bad.
- February 26—Bend the Arc. What can we as individuals and as a church do to help bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice? A remote guest speaker challenges us with some thoughtful questions.
This series is part of our ongoing exploration of The Radical Christian Alternative.
Videos of the Classes
February 5, 2023
“Racism Right Here”
Sometimes we don’t see the racism right under our noses. Listen to a group of people of different racial backgrounds tell us what we may not be seeing. Four amazing women of color share their stories and insights with us.
Sometimes we don’t see the racism right under our noses. Listen to a group of people of different racial backgrounds tell us what we may not be seeing. Four amazing women of color share their stories and insights with us.
February 12, 2023
“Race Related Scripture”
Two pastors help us explore an unsettling passage in Mark 7:24-30, the story of the Syrophoenician woman and her interaction with Jesus.
Two pastors help us explore an unsettling passage in Mark 7:24-30, the story of the Syrophoenician woman and her interaction with Jesus.
February 19, 2023
“Racial History of the Church”
Presenters share little known information about Christian positions on race and the Prebyterian positions in particular. Dr. Don Wilson and Rev. Dr. Amantha Barbee offer unique perspectives.
Presenters share little known information about Christian positions on race and the Prebyterian positions in particular. Dr. Don Wilson and Rev. Dr. Amantha Barbee offer unique perspectives.
February 26, 2023
“Bend the Arc”
On the last day of Bending the Arc, the Adult Ed class reviewed recent FPC actions, discussed the PC(USA) Antiracism Statements and its commitments, and dealt with challenging questions from Rev. Dr. Amantha Barbee. We engaged in some brainstorming of what we as a church might do to help bend the arc for racial justice issues. The class handout can be downloaded: Antiracism Statement. And for those who would like to view and/or share the opening video you can find it on YouTube: Common, John Legend – Glory.
On the last day of Bending the Arc, the Adult Ed class reviewed recent FPC actions, discussed the PC(USA) Antiracism Statements and its commitments, and dealt with challenging questions from Rev. Dr. Amantha Barbee. We engaged in some brainstorming of what we as a church might do to help bend the arc for racial justice issues. The class handout can be downloaded: Antiracism Statement. And for those who would like to view and/or share the opening video you can find it on YouTube: Common, John Legend – Glory.