This year promises to be an active year for First Church in our “Year of Building a Diverse Community.” We had overwhelming response to Holding Up Your Corner, a series of workshops and discussions that kicked off our winter quarter. Our summer quarter will be highlighted by our participation in The Racial Justice Prayer and Action Challenge. The Challenge has been developed by the General Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR) and will begin June 19th. That will be the kick off of 56 days of prayer, and will culminate with a Community Prayer Service July 31st.
Participating in the challenge offers opportunities for participation by our church family. First, participate in worship where we will share liturgies and announcements from the Commission as the challenge evolves. Second, individually participate. The Commission is providing us with 56 prayers. We would like to have First Church members read one of those prayers, be recorded, and the videos will daily be posted on Facebook and on our website. Sign ups and instructions will be made available beginning May 29th, with sign ups at services that will continue over the next month. Most of the prayer videos will be recorded after services at your and our videographers convenience.Third, the Church and Society Committee will recommend an Action Challenge for our Church family and when that is identified consider participating. Finally, put a hold on your calendar, July 31st for the Community Prayer Service, which is the culmination of the Challenge.
The fall months will be used to plan for our guest Dr. Willis Johnson. He was the creator and author of Holding Up Your Corner. Dr. Johnson will be the speaker for the NAACP Dinner on November 5th and will preach at First Church on Sunday November 6th.
There are other ideas percolating in the Church and Society Committee that will be shared as developed. This is an exciting year for First Church, please look for your path to be engaged.
Comments